Carnivorous Nepenthes Pitcher Bloody Mary 12cm pot
£30.00
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 Bloody Mary, 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 do I ensure my Nepenthes Pitcher Bloody Mary thrives indoors?
- Place your plant in a location with bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity around it. Regularly check the soil for moisture, keeping it damp but not waterlogged. They flourish in consistent conditions that mimic their natural tropical habitat.
- Is the Nepenthes Pitcher Bloody Mary suitable for beginners?
- Yes, this plant is quite forgiving and suitable for beginners. It requires basic care such as adequate light, humidity, and occasional feeding with insects, making it an exciting yet manageable choice for those new to carnivorous plants.
- Can this plant be kept in a terrarium environment?
- Absolutely, the Nepenthes Pitcher Bloody Mary is well-suited for terrarium settings as these can help maintain the high humidity levels that are essential for its growth. Ensure the terrarium is well-ventilated and not overly crowded to allow your plant to thrive.
☀️ Light
☀️☀️▫️ (Medium)
The Nepenthes Pitcher Bloody Mary thrives best in medium light conditions. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, avoiding direct sun exposure which can scorch its leaves. A spot near a window with a sheer curtain would be ideal for filtering just the right amount of light.
💧 Water
💧💧💧 (High)
This carnivorous plant requires consistent moisture to mimic its natural humid environment. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times, but be careful not to waterlog it. Using distilled water or rainwater is best to avoid chemicals commonly found in tap water that can harm the plant.
🌡️ Temperature
🌡️🌡️▫️ (Average)
Nepenthes Pitcher Bloody Mary enjoys average room temperatures between 18°C to 26°C. It’s crucial to keep the plant away from drafts and sudden temperature changes which can stress the plant.
💦 Humidity
💦💦💦 (High)
High humidity levels are essential for your Nepenthes, ideally above 60%. Consider placing it in naturally humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms, or use a humidity tray or humidifier to maintain optimal moisture in the air.
🪴 Repotting
Repot your Nepenthes every two years or when it outgrows its pot. Use a well-draining soil mix designed for carnivorous plants, rich in peat and perlite. This ensures adequate drainage and aeration, mimicking its natural boggy habitat.
🐾 Pet Friendliness
This plant is pet-friendly! No need to worry about your furry friends around this intriguing plant. It’s completely safe for cats and dogs, making it a worry-free addition to any pet owner’s home.
✅🪴 Recommended Locations at Home
Place your Nepenthes in areas with steady conditions, away from heating vents and cold drafts. Good spots include on a bathroom shelf, near a kitchen window, or in a well-lit hallway. Ensure the location fulfills the plant’s light and humidity needs for optimal growth.
✨ Other Plant Features
Beyond its pest control abilities, the Nepenthes Pitcher Bloody Mary is a captivating conversation starter with its unique, deep red pitchers and striking green leaves. It’s not only a functional plant but a decorative one that adds a touch of exotic flair to any space.
If you have more questions or need specific care advice, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or ask Mossbot for instant help. Remember, Highland Moss also offers a free plant hospital service if your plant pals ever feel under the weather!
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