{"product_id":"pitcher-plant-nepenthes-alata","title":"Pitcher Plant - Nepenthes alata","description":"\u003cp\u003ePitcher Plant (\u003cem\u003eNepenthes alata\u003c\/em\u003e) is the easy way into carnivorous plants. This rainforest epiphyte from the Philippines grows an arching rosette of glossy apple-green leaves, each one ending in a pitcher-shaped trap filled with digestive enzymes. It stays small, about 10cm to 20cm tall, and grows happily in a pot indoors or outdoors in tropical gardens. Treat it like an orchid and it should settle in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA beginner's pitcher plant.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is the place to start with carnivorous plants, without the demanding care that fussier species need.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo two plants look alike.\u003c\/strong\u003e Botanists call alata polymorphic, which means the leaves and pitchers vary from pale olive green through speckled forms to deep maroon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrows like an orchid.\u003c\/strong\u003e A chunky, airy mix, regular misting and warmth are the essentials, and there is no special equipment to buy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and tidy.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 10cm to 20cm it fits a bright shelf, a bathroom window or a small hanging pot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA real talking point.\u003c\/strong\u003e The pitchers trap and digest the odd insect that wanders in, which never fails to start a conversation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBright indoor spots.\u003c\/strong\u003e A windowsill or shelf with bright, filtered light suits it, away from harsh midday sun and out of cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTropical gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Where nights stay warm it can live outdoors, in a hanging pot or in the fork of a tree, as it would in the rainforest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHanging pots and baskets.\u003c\/strong\u003e An open container gives air around the roots, and the pitchers hang freely from the leaf tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Pitcher Plant in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Nepenthes love it warm and humid, and nights should stay above 10C. Outdoors all year, that means tropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it indoors and put it outside only in the warmest months. Give it bright, filtered light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e An orchid mix is ideal, with chunks of bark, sphagnum moss or coir. It lets air reach the roots and drains water away fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mist regularly and water often, but never let the mix turn soggy. Rainwater or filtered water is kinder than hard tap water. Once a year, a mature plant might welcome a pick-me-up of diluted orchid feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e None is needed. Snip off pitchers and leaves with clean scissors once they have browned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Pitcher Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so pot it into orchid mix soon after it arrives and keep it warm and humid. Pitchers form at the leaf tips as the plant grows on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have it. When there is none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-and-rare-plants\"\u003eExotic and rare plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/indoor-exotic-plants-guide\"\u003eGrowing tropical foliage at home\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eBrowse indoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tropical-plants\"\u003eMore tropical plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need to feed it insects?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. A pitcher plant makes most of its own food, and the odd fly it catches is a bonus. A mature plant may also like a diluted orchid feed once a year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow warm does it need to be?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDefinitely above 10C at night. Warm, humid air keeps it growing, so it suits tropical gardens or a heated indoor spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow it outside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn tropical zones, yes. Hang it in filtered light or sit it in the fork of a tree. In cooler places, keep it indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67790859501887,"sku":"NEP-ALA-tube","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/pitcher-plant-nepenthes-alata.jpg?v=1792209604","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/pitcher-plant-nepenthes-alata","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}