Lowland pitcher plants of the Genus Nepenthes

The plants on this page originate from lowland locations (0-1000m asl). Some of the plants originate from summits of smaller mountains around 1000m asl which are considered intermediates. Since most of our customers live in large cities near the sea shore, these plants should be easiest to grow for them. Still there are also many highland plants that will be suitable, too. You find those indicated at the single species information.

Care instructions

Temperatures: Best day temperatures are around 30 deg Celsius, while night temperatures are around 23 deg Celsius or slightly cooler.
Light: Nepenthes require good light levels, while a mild shade cloth might extend pitcher live. If you change light levels quickly, especially from dark to bright, you might experience leaf burns, but forthcoming leaves might adopt to the brighter environment. The key is to do transitions like that slowly - if at all.
Soil: The soil should be moist but not wet, and not becoming stagnant. Getting dry enables the roots to breathe, but of course you have to be careful that it doesn't get dry too long. The soil should have plenty of air in it, especially if you expose it to frequent rain. The cheapest way to make your own soil, is by cutting aged coconut husk into 1,5 cm pieces. You can add charcoal. Lowlanders like a finer soil, some added coco peat (available at Ace Hardware) does a good job here. We use a lot of different barks here, not because it is better, but because we don't have enough coconuts.
Water: If you are low on time, just water your Nepenthes in the evening, so they stay wet the whole night, additionally you can do a 2nd round around 10 am during summer. In the rainy season you might not have to water them at all, just make sure they are exposed to rain - they love it. Rain water is best, so make sure to collect some. Aged tap water can be used in emergency situations, but in the long run rain is preferred. Some people collect the run-off water off their aircon, if they run out of rain water.
Fertilizing: There is no need to fertilize Nepenthes, as they will catch enough insects especially when grown outdoors - which they should be in the Philippines.

N. alata 'Quezon lowland'

wikipedia

AVAILABLE SOON

An easy beginners plant, that grows in a wide range of altitudes (0-2400m), light levels and produces pitchers even during dry season. It looks best when it get lots of indirect light and the pitchers increase in size and become reddish.
It originates from the mountains of central Luzon, Philippines. Rumors have it that somebody is finally working to separate this form as a new species from the true alata, which we list in the highland section as 'alata Banaue' for now.

N. alata 'Dinagat'

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

This plant is from a small island near the western shore of Dinagat island, southern Philippines. It grows on vertical limestone cliffs in the scorching heat, not rarely dangling just a few meters above the sea. For N. alata it has unusually long tendrils and the upper pitchers will remain all green, even in our merciless sun. However the lower pitchers, which are ironically extremely colorful, are orange, green, red and yellow. The tendrils can be neon red, while the laminae are dark green with some dark red variegation. We have been preparing some breeding stock from a single clone and finally can release it for sale.

Price: Php 350 SIZE M

N. albomarginata 'penang'

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This lowland (0-1100m) plant from Penang island near northern Peninsular Malaysia produces some of the longest lasting pitchers, almost all leafs seem to have a healthy pitcher attached to it. Leafs and pitchers are very coarse. It seems to like a relatively dry soil. The red form pitchers less reliably in the lowlands than the green one and seems to prefer the cooler nights from December to February.

N. albomarginata 'Brunei' BE3004

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This Bornean form of N. albomarginata has greyish pitchers with the typical white band. In good sunlight the lids turn red, while the pitcher gets a purple blush. It also shows some red blotches. This N. albomarginata is specialized on termites according to some recent research. The white band below the peristome seems to be the major point of interest for the termites and sometimes gets literally carried away. It is a rewarding plant that we recommend for people looking for an easy to grow plant. However, it takes a while until it turns to a big plant.

Price: Php 550 SIZE S

N. albomarginata 'Kuching spotted' MT2AB

wikipedia

AVAILABLE NOW

A greyish form of albomarginata with peristomes that can reach almost a black color. It's very sturdy and comes loaded with pitchers, despite being a new kid in the block.

Price: Php 600 SIZE M

N. albomarginata 'Cameroon Highlands' MT2E

wikipedia

AVAILABLE NOW

This plant can be seen in the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia, where it grows not far from tea and strawberry plantations. As you can see, the plant is more on the reddish side. While they lost a bunch of pitchers during import, they are already actively producing new ones. The size is quite large for being just imported.

Price: Php 750 SIZE L

N. ampullaria 'speckled' MT

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

A favorite of many growers, as the basal rosettes are crowded with pitchers. The lid is widely opened and allows rain water to enter. Some recent research suggests, that it also enjoys consuming plant parts and other objects falling into the pitchers aside from insects. Opposite to other pitcher plants there are not much digestive enzymes found in the plant, some of the digestive process is even done by bacteria. The plant loves moist conditions and can also be found in shadier locations. However, we grow it very sunny, which it seems to enjoy. This is also a plant with very long lasting pitchers. It can be found in many countries in south east Asia and typically prefers elevations of less than 100m, although it occurs up to 1000m.

N. ampullaria 'Bau green' MT3G

wikipedia

AVAILABLE IN EARLY 2012

Due to heavy demand we stocked up on more ampullarias. They are growing at a great speed and slowly their pitchers are started to look like ampullaria, too. You can follow their progress through our updated images on this page. You are welcome to order already, as they are growing well already, but as you can see the BE clone is still better for the money.

Price: Php 350 SIZE S

N. ampullaria 'Brunei green' BE3006

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

This is the all green variety of N. ampullaria. Our clone seems to be also more globose than the other amps. A 2010 research discovered the smallest frog in the world. It seems to live nowhere else than in ampullaria pitchers!

Price: Php 350 SIZE S

N. ampullaria 'Brunei red speckled' BE3007

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This plant looks more or less the same than our MT form. We are repropagating at the moment, they should be for sale again in near future.

N. ampullaria 'bronze, Nabire' BE3304

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This ampullaria has a bronze tint to it's peristome. Won't be available in near future.

N. ampullaria 'Brunei Red' BE3288

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

For many years N. ampullaria was only available as a green or speckled form. Just a few years back, suddenly all kinds of forms usually involving color red were found and brought to cultivation. The prices were and still are sometimes outrageous, considering for a plant that easy to grow. In the meantime the first basic N. ampullaria 'red' forms are becoming affordable, still a little bit more than the regular forms but close to it. As you can see, even the 'basic' forms can archive a perfect dark red coloration, given enough sun exposure... ;)

Price: Php 750 SIZE S

N. belli BE3026

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE - REDUCED PRICE

A small lowlander (250-800m) from eastern Mindanao in the southern Philippines, this plant resembles somewhat N. merrilliana. The extremely long and thin tendrils are notable, also the foliage that stays not rarely completely dark red make it strikingly different from other species. It is synonymous to N. globamphora.
The plants might stop growing for a few weeks after transport (would be a good experience for people not believing in transport shock), but once they are through that, they should be growing and pitchering at great pace. Very easy plant otherwise.

Price: Php 450 SIZE S (reduced from P550)

N. bicalcarata 'Brunei orange' BE3029

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

Not the pitchers, but the plant is assumed to be the largest in the genus. Once adult, it will have a 2 m diameter and it is capable of producing vines up to 20 m long. The pitchers are very remarkable featuring two Dracula-like teeth in the upper part of the peristome. In our observation insects will be lured to the of the teeth from which they will fall into the digestive fluid without even touching the pitcher wall. Other more daring theories include that they will hamper lizards or Tarsier trying to steal prey from the pitchers.
PLEASE NOTE, that due to a collapsing table our bical orange and red mixed up. As of the moment they look the same.

Price: Php 550 SIZE M

N. bicalcarata 'Brunei Red Flush' BE3031

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

A different form of N. bicalcarata. N. bicalcarata can be found in Borneo from 0-950m, but really likes it hot and moist. It might be the most heat demanding species in the genus.
PLEASE NOTE, that due to a collapsing table our bical orange and red mixed up. As of the moment they look the same.

Price: Php 550 SIZE M

N. bicalcarata 'Marudi' MT

wikipedia

AVAILABLE EARLY 2012

Originating from the peat swamps in north-western Borneo, close to Brunei, the plant needs relatively high humidity and moisture in general. It rewards good conditions by increasing its size fast.

These plants are still too small to sell, so allow us to harden them off for a few months. Parallel to the Marudi clone (at P400), we will be also offering the Sri Aman clone (at P350). I am not saying that the Marudi clone is prettier or more desirable, but some of the Marudis got baked during import.

N. bicalcarata 'Sarawak Giant Red' BE3336

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This plant might become exceptionally large, although it will be our smallest bical available as of now. The pitchers are supposedly deep-purple red with no trace of green and diameters up to 30cm (!!). While they are not yet outstandingly pretty, or even with pitchers, we are selling them already, as they are likely to grow much faster at your place, if you happen to live in the hot coastal areas.

Price: Php 700 SIZE M

N. campanulata BE3044

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

A small lowlander (300m) with unique funnel shape pitchers that have only a minimal peristome and virtually no difference between lower and upper pitchers. This plant was almost extinct in its natural habitat in Borneo due to forest fires, but could be saved through mass propagation and a recent discovery of new specimen locations.
It grows on steep lime stone cliffs and is one of the few Nepenthes not being able to climb.

N. distillatoria 'pink' BE3057

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

The only Nepenthes from Sri Lanka and one of the first to be discovered.

Price: Php 450 SIZE S

N. globosa

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

A new species from Thailand that is found on some outlying islands in the Andaman sea. It certainly shows some resemblance with N. mirabilis especially for the stem and laminae, but the pitcher-shape is much tubbier, just like in N. rafflesiana. Once adult the pitchers turn red and can stay in huge numbers on one plant. The plant was named 'Viking' prior to description, while globosa is not the final name either. It grows as quickly and easily as N. mirabilis and pitchers even better. We have it for sale as N. mirabilis var. globosa which is the final name for now...

N. gracilis MT

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

One of the smallest pitchers in the genus, but this plant is also notorious for producing dozens if not hundreds of pitchers on one plant. A fast growing lowlander (0-750m) that is very common in Malaysia and Singapore. Our form is producing almost black pitchers if given lots of sunlight. For us it grows a little slower, but if given more heat, it can blast off.

N. hirsuta BE3083

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A hairy, shade loving plant, endemic to the lowlands (200-1000m) of Borneo. It doesn't like dry season too much and sometimes refuses to pitcher during that time. The pitchers are surprisingly large and fat, when compared to the neighboring species. Generally you can expect quite large and happy plants when you order. It is very similar to N. hispida and was considered synonymous to such until 1997. It is synonymous to N. leptochila.

Price: Php 450 SIZE M

N. kerrii BE3347

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

A new species from southern Thailand growing in 400-500m altitude. It lives in open Savannah and grassland in sandy soils. It is very closely related to N. konkandana. As with all Thai Nepenthes it seems to be very prolific, so even if we didn't import it in quantity, I have a feeling that it might be available for resale in a few years. How does 2013 sound? :)

N. macrovulgaris 'Silam' BE3107

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A large pitchered lowlander from Borneo occuring at 100-1200m on ultramafic soils.

Price: Php 450 SIZE S

N. madagascariensis MT94

wikipedia

AVAILABLE NOW

This unique species was the first Nepenthes to be discovered in 1658. It also comes from a unique location: Madagascar, where it is one of only two species. For us it grew better in Manila, than here at higher elevations in Bukidnon. This plant is recommended for experienced growers, as it can be moody. It might appreciate standing in a saucer with water, but you need to watch and exchange the soil occasionally.

Price: Php 500 SIZE M

N. maxima 'Tentena' BE3311

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

N. maxima is a popular, undemanding grower. This is a form from Tentena, Sulawesi. Generally this species can be found between 600-2500m and pitchers seems to get bigger, when nights are a little cooler, still it grows nicely around sea level. Preferably above water surface :-) It is increasing size quickly and gets as the name suggest quite large when mature.

Price: Php 350 SIZE M

Price: Php 500 SIZE L

N. mindanaoensis

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This lowland plant has thick and hairy leafs. The name refers to its location in Mindanao, southern Philippines. There is a strong resemblance with the N. alata group. Only the lamina has a differet shape and the spur is a few millimeter below the lid, while the lamina margins are hairy. Still it is a very attractive plant that can attain remarkable pitcher sizes. Picture is taken in habitat, Dinagat island. One of the plants was digesting a frog and smelling awfully. It is growing much slower than alata and we were starting from seeds...

N. mirabilis MT

wikipedia

AVAILABLE SOON

One of the earliest Nepenthes to be discovered, it can be found all over tropical south east Asia down to Australia. Some forms are even found sitting in water, sometimes even close to the shore. It's a fast and easy grower, but needs high humidity for lasting pitchers. It is usually found close to sea level, but has been observed at altitudes up to 1500m. Under perfect conditions the whole pitcher turns pink as seen above. But if this is not enough, the same clone can also produce all green pitchers with a stunning red peristome. Some people grow this plant in water trays, as it really dislikes dry soil. It's a boy, by the way. On the downside, it seems to be also the best tasting Nepenthes, as our caterpillars always go for it.

Price: Php 350 SIZE M

N. mirabilis var. echinostoma BE3126

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This is a plant heavily underestimated, when you just see the name in an unillustrated list. But the peristome of this mirabilis form from Brunei and Sarawak is huge and not wrapped downward like most other peristomes in the Nepenthes world do. It just lies flat like a disc around the pitcher opening. Weird and beautiful! Combine this with a quick and beginner friendly grower and it should make a great plant for every collection.

Price: Php 550 SIZE M

N. mirabilis var. globosa BE3289

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A spectacular mirabilis form from southern Thailand that we imported labeled as N. mirabilis 'Trang Bizarre'. This seems to be the same as is commonly known as N. globosa or N. Viking. As the pitchers look very different from N. mirabilis it would certainly warrant to be a new species. It is a very prolific plant that keeps lots of very decorative pitchers alive. Something tells me that many Philippine gardens will be decorated with this species very soon. Our sales plants are still small though.

Price: Php 450 SIZE S

N. neoguineensis Depapre wide pitchers BE3151

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

This plant is from New Guinea for a change. Here it occurs from 0-1400m. Although this plant is new to cultivation, it was actually already collected in 1828. The upper pitchers have very dominant and unique wings. Check it out on our wikipedia link. The plants seem to be rather fast growing and gaining size quickly. The foliage is unusually dark.

Price: Php 700 SIZE M

N. northiana 'Bau' BE3357

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A highly sought after species from Borneo at 0-500m, due to very picturesque pitchers that feature numerous colors and wide openings together with huge size (check the wikipedia link!). This plant is not easy to establish, as it doesn't like transplanting a lot. It took these plants about 2 month to start growing after import. It's supposed to enjoy shady conditions. At last (well, not really last :) ), we got this plant in quantity. To minimize root disturbance, we are shipping this specific species potted.

Price: Php 700 SIZE S

N. rafflesiana 'Brunei elegans' BE3353

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A new form in our sortiment with exceptionally elongate pitchers. As this was a recent release, we were lucky to secure a bigger amount of plants and thus be able to release it at a low price.

Price: Php 350 SIZE M

N. rafflesiana 'red' MT25

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

One of the most impressive Nepenthes species, at the same time easy to grow and very affordable. It likes the rainy season, when old pitchers last longer. The pitchers of the adult plant can hold as much as 1 liter of fluid, making them belonging to the biggest in the genus. The tendrils get very long too. Even if you grow the plant on a table it might place the pitchers on the ground below. Our plants are still very tiny, but you are welcome to order already.

Price: Php 350 Size S

N. rafflesiana 'Pure Cream Pitchers' BE3141

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

This form is part of Borneo Exotics assorted clones (BE3141). The plants have strinkingly cream colored pitchers that contrast strongly with all of our other plants. The wings tend to turn pinkish, the pitchers don't have any speckles. It might be speculated if this is N. baramensis (BE3144), It also has the hip, cylindrical section and less prominent peristome lip in the upper pitchers. In that case this plant is specialized in housing bats and enjoying their excrements.

Price: Php 550 SIZE L

N. rafflesiana 'Brunei giant dark' BE3141/3148

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This form features a lime green peristome on new pitchers, which is turns to cream color after a while. This plant is also known as clone 99. Please note that the plant in the picture is older than the sales plants. As our rafflesianas are arriving mixed, the identification is our best guess - we are just picking out the darkest pitchers with an un-striped peristome from the bunch.

Price: Php 350 SIZE S

N. rafflesiana 'flat tendril' BE3141

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

This is the only clone of our rafflesianas that features bright green laminae, whereas all other rafflesianas usually have dark olive/reddish laminae. The tendril is not round but flattened in this clone. This might be a hint that later the tendril will be winged. In that case this plant is N. rafflesiana var. alata. The pitchers are cream colored with mild speckling. It is very easy to distinguish from the other clones.

Price: Php 550 SIZE M

N. rafflesiana 'Sandakan' MT25L

wikipedia

AVAILABLE EARLY 2012

The Sandakan clone is known to be the N. rafflesiana alata, which means it has winged tendrils. The pitchers are cream colored. These plants have been imported just recently, so as you can see in the picture, they are not very exciting yet, but sturdy and producing pitchers already. You can take your time in ordering, we won't increase prices on this any time soon.

Price: Php 350 SIZE S

N. rafflesiana 'Brunei Giant Red' BE3141/BE3146

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A very pretty fellow, which goes well together in contrasting the dark rafflesianas. Mostly cream colored, but with a nice cover of dark speckles. Also the peristome is multicolored. According to our latest research we are guessing that this is BE3146 'Brunei giant red', which is also known as clone 88. The pitchers turn more red later in life.

Price: Php 550 SIZE L

N. rafflesiana 'Heavy Streak' BE3141

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

We found another form of rafflesiana in our BE3141 batch, that doesn't match the others. As you can see it has cream pitchers, with very heavy red streaks. This difference is getting more obvious the older the plants get. I used to grow similar colored rafflesianas that were labeled as 'Johore'.

Price: Php 550 SIZE L

N. smilesii BE3316

wikipedia

AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A plant occurring at 200-1500m in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. It was traded for many years as N. anamensis and sometimes even as N. thorelii. Aside from that it looks a bit like N. kongkandana. It is known to survive longer dry spells due to water storing capabilities. If you are looking for a plant that is easy and speedy, then look no further. Now large plants for sale without increasing prices!

Price: Php 450 SIZE L

N. sumatrana MT

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

A lowlander from Sumatra, Indonesia. It is known for large tubby pitchers and very colorful striped peristomes. Somehow it seems to be low on stock everywhere, thus prices have moved to somewhat strange levels considering this is a relatively easy plant to grow and surely not more spectacular than N. rafflesiana or such. We are working to propagate it, but it will take 2 years or so.

N. thai BE3346

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

A new species from Thailand, growing on Limestone hills at 500-600 masl. Once again an easy and prolific plant. Actually our single plant 'died' already, during a table collapse followed by a dry-out, while we were traveling. Several weeks later the 'dead' stem has a tiny growth-tip... But it will take some time to be ready for prime time...

N. tomoriana G.Tambusisi BE3344

wikipedia

AVAILABLE SOON

If you are looking for a plant that has other than green or reddish pitchers, then look no further. This plant from Sulawesi, growing at 0-500m, has unique almost perfect brown pitchers. You won't find it in many collections yet. While we had some trouble with this species during import (50% of the plants dead), our losses were generously refunded as we didn't have losses with any other species. The remaining ones recovered already well and are quite prolific. They should be available for sale very soon.

Price: Php 450 SIZE S

N. treubiana Andamata BE3340

wikipedia

OUT OF STOCK

Another sensational species new to cultivation from islands near New Guinea. This plant likes warm coastal climate and produces spectacular giant traps. This plant is new to cultivation, so you won't find much advise how to grow it :) Our plants are still tiny with inmature pitchers, but growing at an ok pace.

Price: Php 700 SIZE S