Question
Hi guys,

  I have a simple question regarding N. Sibuyanensis pitcher formation. I have read somwhere that the tendril of this nepenthes has to bury itself into the soil in order for the pitcher to form. Is this true? Right now I have all of my hignland nepenthes in an aquarium and they're doing pretty well. except N. Sibuyanensis which refuses to pitcher (yet the leaves look very helathy). So, what gives? Thanks for answering inadvance.

Chewy

Answer
Hi Chewy,

Nepenthes sibuyanensis is a bit difficult to grow in cultivation.  It is a true highlander, and it likes it cool and humid.  In some respects, I think it is more difficult than N. hamata, and almost as difficult as N. rajah and N. spectabillis.  

With this particular species, grow it in a medium of 1 part sphagnum moss and 1 part perlite.  If you use live sphagnum moss (best), you can skip the perlite.  This medium provides extra humidity around the plant.

Even if you have it in a terrarium, you have to make sure it gets a drop in nighttime temperature (45-65癋).  It definitely likes it cool.

While it has a tendency to bury its tendrils, it's not necessary for it to do so to produce pitchers.  I have some in my collection that have produced pitchers outside of the pot.

So the bottom line is make sure the plant is in a mix that supports extra humidity around the plant and that the plant gets a drop in nighttime temperature.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin