- In a greenhouse, a broad spectrum light that's not too close to the plant works best. You don't want to scorch the foliage or overheat the soil. In the garden, choose an area with partial sun: dappled sunlight is the best. If Nepenthes is not getting enough light, it will be spindly or it coloring may be washed out. Too much light will cause red spots and dead zones where the sun hits.
- The soil beneath Nepenthes should never dry out. Occasionally, they need to be flooded to remove mineral salts that may come from well water or ground deposits. If there's not enough humidity in the air, the plants will not make pitchers. A greenhouse, terrarium or even a tent during the dry season will help them grow. Make sure they're well ventilated, to avoid mildew and rot. A garden mister may also help.
- A fibrous mossy soil mixture works well. Growers recommend vibrating the pot so that the soil settles around the roots, instead of pushing it down. Avoid soil with too much sodium and don't fertilize. The soil should drain well. Never allow water to stand in puddles, but keep the soil moist.
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pmrorchideas said
on 7/14/2009 A good place to find diverse Nepenthes species is Cascade Carnivoreds. Their site can also advise you somewhat on what Nepenthes species and hybrids should do well in your area. Some would do terribly in many parts of this country because the weather is too hot and dry, for example, or gets to cold for the particular species, in other cases. These plants from SE Asia insular regions, primarily, may come from cool highlands that never get as warm as some places in this country, or from lowlands, and cosequently ( in many cases), don't take cold well. I don't think any take snow.
Some grow in sand. Nearly all grow in "poor" low Nitrogen soil or organic substrates that are low in nitrogen. Most get their nitrogen from decomposed insects, although at least one gets some from frog feces (I don't think I've seen that one for sale here.) of frogs that live part-time in their pitchers....