Carnivorous Nepenthes Pitcher Alata 14cm pot
£49.00
Out of stock
Carnivorous plants definitely fall into the category of weird, wonderful and downright fascinating. Mesmerising houseplant owners of all ages with their striking appearances and fascinating adaptations to capture and feed on insects and small creatures. It is no wonder they have held their popularity for decades.
Nepenthes Pitcher alata, commonly known as a Monkey Jar plant is a natural fungus gnat killer! If you have an issue with this pest this plant is for you.
The best place to start with carnivorous plants is by understanding their natural habitat and how their environment has led them to form such unique adaptations. Carnivorous plants have been on the planet for a long time, around forty million years and have been found on almost every continent and tropical island with Antarctica being the only exception.
Carnivorous plants are typically found in areas that are high in natural light and moisture, as well as water-logged areas like swamps where the nutrients in the soil are virtually non-existent. Many of their strange adaptations have been formed from this lack of nutrients.
All plants need basic nutrients to survive and without them, they don’t stand much of a chance.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are two of the most important nutrients plants need, nitrogen is the main component in chlorophyll which plants use for photosynthesis. The other is phosphorus, which is needed to make this process possible. Plants use phosphorus to take in, store and convert the sun’s rays. Without it, they would be unable to use the sun’s energy to create the biomolecules (proteins, amino acids, DNA) they need to grow and reproduce.
Carnivorous plants have adapted over millions of years to get these essential nutrients from their environment. Unable to get these nutrients from the soil they have formed traps to capture insects and small creatures that are rich in the nutrients they lack.
There are approximately 600 different species that fall into the Carnivorous plant category. These different species have found ways of attracting, trapping, killing, and absorbing their prey purely to extract the nutrients they need for survival.
Most carnivorous plants will use bright colours, distinctive smells, and sticky surfaces to attract insects but there are some key mechanisms that make up the variations of carnivorous plants and most species can be spread across these different hunting strategies
- Snap traps use rapid leaf movement to snap shut and capture their prey.
- Bladder traps suck in their prey with a small internal vacuum.
- Pitfall traps entice prey into a small rolled-up leaf with digestive enzymes.
- Flypaper traps utilize sticky mucus to trap their prey.
- Eel traps use inward-facing hairs to force their prey towards the digestive organ.
Click here to check our care instructions to find out how to look after your carnivorous plant.
Would you like to learn about carnivorous plants? Check our article here.
Pet Friendly
- How should I position my Carnivorous Nepenthes Pitcher Alata for optimal growth?
- Position this plant in a location with full to medium light, such as a south or east-facing window, to mimic its natural bright, moist habitat. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight as this can damage the leaves.
- Is the Carnivorous Nepenthes Pitcher Alata suitable for beginners?
- Yes, this plant is considered easy to care for and is suitable for beginners. It’s adapted to obtain nutrients from its prey, reducing the need for fertile soil, making it less demanding in terms of soil quality.
- Can this plant be kept in a terrarium environment?
- Yes, the Carnivorous Nepenthes Pitcher Alata thrives in terrarium settings due to the controlled humidity and light, which are similar to its natural swampy habitats. Ensure the terrarium is well-ventilated and not overly crowded.
☀️ Light
☀️☀️▫️ (Medium)
Nepenthes Pitcher Alata thrives in medium light conditions. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. A spot near a window with a sheer curtain is ideal to provide filtered light.
💧 Water
💧💧▫️ (Medium)
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use rainwater or distilled water as tap water may contain minerals that can harm the plant. During the growing season, water regularly to maintain moisture levels.
🌡️ Temperature
🌡️🌡️🌡️ (Warm)
This plant enjoys warm conditions typical of its tropical origins. Aim for temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts which can stress the plant.
💦 Humidity
💦💦💦 (High)
High humidity levels are crucial for the Nepenthes Pitcher Alata, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat. Consider using a humidifier or placing the plant in a naturally humid environment like a kitchen or bathroom.
🪴 Repotting
Repot every two years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Use a well-draining soil mix designed for carnivorous plants, rich in peat and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
🐾 Pet Friendliness
This plant is pet-friendly, posing no harm if accidentally ingested by pets. However, its intriguing shape might attract curious pets, so it’s best placed out of reach.
✅🪴 Recommended Locations at Home
Place your Nepenthes in well-lit bathrooms, kitchens, or near east or south-facing windows. These locations typically provide the high humidity and indirect light the plant needs.
🌬️🪴 Air Purifying
Nepenthes plants are not specifically known for air-purifying abilities, but like all plants, they contribute to a reduction in indoor pollutants by increasing humidity and producing oxygen.
✨ Other Plant Features
Beyond its pest control abilities, Nepenthes Pitcher Alata is a fascinating conversation starter due to its unique appearance and insect-trapping mechanism.
If you have more questions, Mossbot is here to help! Feel free to contact us via our website for any queries. Remember, we also offer a free plant hospital service if your plant needs extra care.
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