Viking Pitcher Plant

Viking Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis var. globosa 'Viking') is a low, rippled-leaf pitcher plant with fat, globe-shaped pitchers in red or red patterns, hanging from very long stems. The prominent cap and wings are said to resemble a Viking ship. It stays small at 10cm to 20cm tall and is tougher than most pitcher plants.

Why you'll love it

• Ship-shaped pitchers. The 'globosa' in the name means globe-like, and the fat round pitchers carry a cap and wings that give them a longship look.
• Rippled leaves. The glossy leaves are often gently rippled along the edges, forming a low arching rosette.
• Tougher than most. It is less fussy about water quality and watering schedule than other pitcher plants.
• Quick to colour. Young plants colour up fast, so you get to enjoy mature red pitchers sooner.
• A recent discovery. It grows wild in sandy, open lowland in coastal Thailand and was only named for science in 2007.

Where it works best

Bathrooms and humid rooms. A bright bathroom is perfect, with warm, moist air and room on a shelf for the long stems to hang.

Tropical gardens. In tropical zones it can live outdoors in a hanging pot, in filtered light, with the pitchers swinging below.

Hanging baskets. The very long stems carry the pitchers well clear of the leaves, which looks best when the pot is raised.

Growing Viking Pitcher Plant in Australia

Position and climate. It wants warmth and humidity, ideally 18C to 28C, and definitely above 10C at night. Outdoors all year, that means tropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it indoors in bright, filtered light.

Soil. An orchid mix is ideal, with chunks of bark, sphagnum moss or coir. It lets air reach the roots and drains water away fast. As an epiphyte it has a small root system, so a modest pot is enough.

Water and feed. Mist regularly and water often with rainwater or filtered water, so the mix is always moist but never soggy. Viking is more forgiving than most. Once a year, a mature plant might need a pick-me-up of diluted orchid feed.

Pruning. None is needed. Snip off browned pitchers and leaves with clean scissors.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Viking 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 delivery and keep it warm and humid. Young plants colour up quickly.

Our grower does not always have tube stock available. When there is none, this page shows the tube as sold out, and the notify button will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Exotic and rare plants
• A guide to indoor exotic plants
• House and indoor plants
• Plants for pots

Common questions

Why is it called Viking?

The fat pitchers have a prominent cap and wings that are said to look like a Viking ship. The variety name 'globosa' refers to their globe shape.

Is it harder or easier than other pitcher plants?

It is easier. It is pretty tough for a pitcher plant, so you do not have to be as fussy about the water or the schedule.

How soon will it colour up?

It is quick to colour from young plants, so you should see red pitchers sooner than with many other kinds.