Nepenthes northiana

[neps]

Thought some of you might enjoy seeing the attached image of
an N. northiana upper pitcher. This was produced by my largest
plant, the female specimen which I've been growing for a number
of years. Interestingly, this pitcher was produced outside of
the special chamber in which this plant has been growing.
This is particularly noteworthy because the humidity outside
the chamber is essentially typical for the area in which I live,
which is quite dry. In fact, our humidity is often less than 20%!

Anyway, here it is. Note the fluted shape of the pitcher, which
is quite substantially different than the shape of the species'
lower pitchers. Moreover, I believe that this was produced
about eight feet up the vine, so I am quite sure that it qualifies
as an upper!

My wife was kind enough to hold the pitcher for a photograph.
Sorry about the lousy quality; wish that there was no
background shadow, but I didn't have time to hook up the ring flash....

Enjoy!

 

[eplants02]

What are you talking about, lousy quality, it looks amazing : O

Outstanding Northiana, neps.

 

[Trent]

Jeff,
Outstanding indeed!  
If she ever flowers let us know.

 

[rattler]

wow. impressive.

 

[neps]

Thanks, kindly.

Quote[/b] ]If she ever flowers let us know.

She has flowered three times in the last eighteen months,
and I've posted information about it here at least twice,
once with pictures of the inflorescence. You must have
missed it.

 

[chesara]

Hi Jeff
Wow thats the first time ive seen an upper on this species,very nice indeed,in low humidity aswell,nice.
Bye for now Julian

 

[fly-catchers]

What a dramatic picture/pitcher

No sign of my young northiana pitchering yet, I was putting it down to not enough humidity- but perhaps not?

cheers

bill

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

Magnificent Jeff! Absoulutely stunning. Its impressive that this touchy plant has pitchered in unexpected conditions as you stated. How warm do you keep her? I'm assuming in the range of at least 20C and up to around 27-30C in the daytime?

Cheers!!!

 

[philcula]

Jeff,

Just superb! What a beautiful plant. You're a fine, fine grower and I personally appreciate you sharing these photos. Keep up the VERY good work.

Phil

 

[The Griffin]

I have seen pitchers produced outside the enclosure at least three thimes I can think of(mirabilis, alata and an amp). All three of these are not nearly as picky as N. northiana, but I guess I am not surprised it produced that outside the grow area.
Sometimes I wonder if the plant has a "growing brain" that knows that 90% of the plant is getting the proper requirements, so does not really care if a stray vine produces a pitcher in conditions where if the whole pot was there, it would not happen.
Anyhow, good stuff Jeff, as always.

Cheers,

Joe

 

[rattler]

my N. bongso is doing the same thing, granted it also isnt as picky. i think Joe is right as long as most of the plant is happy one or two pitchers in dry air probably wont phase it at all.

 

[neps]

Thanks again for the kind words. I am very pleased that you've
enjoyed the image.

Quote[/b] ] I was putting it down to not enough humidity- but perhaps not?

Could be several things, Bill, such as lighting, frequency
of watering, medium, etc....

Quote[/b] ] How warm do you keep her? I'm assuming in the range of at least 20C and up to around 27-30C in the daytime?

Temps are generally no lower than 20 C, and usually well over
30 (even up to 35) during the day. This plant is a true low-
lander, in every sense.

 

[pond boy]

Very nice Neps! Great quality picture too, thank you for sharing the pic of this plants uppers as I have never seen them before(and also don`t think too many are on the internet)

 

[rlhirst]

Very nice Sir!
That is the first upper I have seen as well. WOW...:O
Well done!
Thanks for sharing.

 

[brisco225]

Very cool! The striping on the peristome is amazing!

 

[superimposedhope]

Pictures/pitchers like that are what make me want to get back to Neps but i must remind myself I would kill it at this time.

Absolutely beautiful! Do what you do!
Joe

 

[neps]

Thanks again for the kind words. Glad that the picture is so
well received.

Quote[/b] ]Pictures/pitchers like that are what make me want to get back to Neps but i must remind myself I would kill it at this time.

Well, this species is really not that tough to grow, but I
commend you for your discipline, given that you feel you
would not be successful. It's far better to do that than
to try to cultivate something beautiful and end up destroying
it. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard a newbie talk
about growing N. villosa to maturity....

Quote[/b] ] Do what you do!

To thine own self be true....
-- Shakespeare

 

[superimposedhope]

I gotta say, it takes years to develope the discipline to know when you aren't ready. Unfortunately it also takes many a dead plant sometimes rareties to get there.

For being a vegetarian you really know what a carnivore likes.

Joe

 

[rattler]

Quote[/b] (superimposedhope @ Feb. 22 2005,7:01)]I gotta say, it takes years to develope the discipline to know when you aren't ready. Unfortunately it also takes many a dead plant sometimes rareties to get there.

AMEN!

 

[TunaSurprise]

That is an AMAZING plant! I really want to get a northiana of my own.