Caring for your unique nepentes at home
Getting a predator plant on a windowsill is not an easy task. Experts say that caring for a nepentes at home is a rather laborious process. However, the exquisite decorativeness of the flower causes unprecedented delight among flora lovers. Its exotic jugs are painted in bright colors, have a bizarre shape and original nutrition. As soon as the victim gets inside, the trap is slammed and it ceases to exist. But the flower gains strength and continues to delight its fans. Let's take a closer look at this "miracle" of nature in order to have it on our windowsill.
The dazzling beauty of the "killer"
Biologists distinguish 7 main types of nepentes, among which the most popular are:
- Alata (the height of the stems is about 4 m, and the jugs are from 10 to 20 cm);
- Raja (traps grow up to about 40 cm, hole diameter - 20 cm);
- Hookeriana (used for indoor growing);
- Jug (loves a humid swampy environment).
The original carnivorous plant (nepentes) is a mixotroph. It feeds from different sources depending on the circumstances. In addition to oxygen and moisture, the culture loves to feast on living organisms. For this she has a unique "weapon" resembling a vessel with a lid. The feeding process is quite simple.
A fragrant sweet nectar is produced inside the plant. It attracts various insects or small rodents, which "dive" headlong into the open "vessel". However, they can no longer get out, because the trap has slammed shut.
The neck of the graceful vessel has a glossy frame with spike-like growths that close the exit to the outside. The dead victims gradually dissolve inside the ominous "jug". Thanks to this, the flower develops successfully in its natural environment.
Nepentes in room conditions
At home, they use for feed:
- bloodworm;
- maggots;
- flies;
- bees;
- mosquitoes.
Nepentes that grow on windowsills can assimilate only two insects per month. In addition, water is regularly poured into empty vessels. Few people know that bright traps are not buds. In fact, they are formed by modified foliage. Depending on the type of plant, it comes in different shapes, colors and sizes. The rest of the plates are oblong with rounded edges. The maximum length of a leaf is about 30 cm.
The plant is also known as the pitcher or flycatcher.
Nepentes is a dioecious culture. Therefore, different types of buds are formed on it. They appear in the axils of the leaf plates. They consist of three sepals, which are collected in an erect group inflorescence. The petals are painted dark red. In its natural environment, the culture blooms for about 4 months, after which the fruit is formed in the form of a compact box. Indoors, buds appear only occasionally. However, this does not prevent you from admiring the flower on your windowsill.
In "captivity" the plant lives from 2 to 3 years. The jugs remain on the vine for 4 months. In autumn, the above-ground part dies to give new shoots in spring.
Systematic home care for nepentes
To grow such beauty in your window, it's important to use the right look. It is best to use swampy varieties that easily take root in "captivity". Such plants are not demanding on temperature and humidity. And the rest of the points are available even to an inexperienced florist. Consider how to care for a nepentes that grows indoors.
Light is the source of plant life
Lighting is a key factor in the successful development of a tropical vine. Therefore, the pot is placed in the brightest place in the house.
It could be:
- veranda heated in winter;
- spacious window with access to the south side;
- table in a bright room.
Nepentes is not afraid of direct sunlight, even on a summer afternoon. Moreover, he loves the gentle morning light. In the cold season, the culture is provided with additional lighting using powerful lamps.
The duration of daylight hours for nepentes should be at least 16 hours all year round.
Room temperature
Proper home care for nepentes provides for the organization of a mild microclimate. From March to September, the room should be 22 to 26 ° C warm. In autumn and winter, temperatures can drop to + 17 ° C. Alpine varieties feel comfortable even at + 15 ° C.
Temperature drops at any time of the year have a detrimental effect on the plant.
Tropical humidity
The birthplace of Nepentes is considered to be the tropical zone, where there is an abundance of precipitation. Therefore, the predator plant is placed in similar conditions. Of course, this does not mean that you need to constantly arrange artificial rain in the house. The humidity level is increased using a pallet, which is placed under a container with a flower. To make the liquid evaporate longer, it is covered with sphagnum or expanded clay. Such a simple technology will help the plant feel "at home", despite the fact that he is visiting.
Ampel types of nepentes are placed in pots at a high level of humidity in the dwelling.
Watering and spraying
If possible, the predator plant is moistened with rain or melt water. However, he is not harmed by the usual liquid that flows from the tap. Before watering, it is poured into bottles. Soak for several days, and then water the nepentes. The water temperature should be at least room temperature so that the root system of the vine is not damaged. Watering is carried out using a pallet.
Periodically, the plant is given a shower resembling a tropical rain. For this, water is collected in the watering can. When it warms up naturally, the stream is directed to the foliage and watered abundantly.
During the procedure, the jugs are covered with a towel or polyethylene.
Soil and suitable pot
An equally important factor in the success of growing nepenthes is the creation of a substrate.
It is usually made from components:
- fertile soil;
- vermiculite;
- chopped pine bark;
- peat (sphagnum).
The finished mixture is sent to the oven or microwave for sterilization. The acidity of the soil should be no higher than 5.6%. If you cannot prepare the soil, use a ready-made substrate for orchids. It is sold in flower shops.
The capacity for nepentes is chosen taking into account its rod-like root system. A tall and spacious plastic pot will do. For ampel varieties, special hanging containers are used.
Top dressing
A tropical plant-predator periodically needs complex fertilizers. Ready-made formulations for indoor flowering crops are best suited. They are brought in in April or July, according to the dosage indicated on the package.
If necessary, the flower is fed in the literal sense. Dead insects, small pieces of meat or cottage cheese are placed in the "vessels".
Transplant and reproduction
Experts recommend not to "move" nepentes to a new pot without serious reasons. This procedure leads to a lingering illness or death of the flower.If there is no other way out, the transplant is carried out in the warm season. The plant is transferred to a new container, carefully preserving the earthen ball. If necessary, add the missing soil and tamp it. Immediately after transplanting, watered abundantly.
Often, a vegetative method is used for reproduction of nepentes. Cuttings are taken from the tops or side shoots. The cut site is thoroughly lubricated with crushed coal. Then they are lowered with water to form the roots. To speed up the process, special root growth stimulants are added to the liquid. An ideal microclimate is created for the cuttings: a high level of humidity and temperature conditions (+ 26 ° C). The process takes about 2 months.
Is there another way to propagate an exotic culture? Many people are interested in how to plant nepentes seeds at home. Unfortunately, this technology does not always lead to success. Sometimes the purchased planting material is practically dead, so it remains in the soil.
Fresh grains are sown in containers with coconut substrate. First, it is abundantly moistened with a spray bottle. Then the crops are covered with foil. Seedlings can appear after 6 months. Therefore, it is important to remain calm and positive. In any case, we will not be able to influence natural processes. But as a reward we will receive an exotic culture.
Having carefully analyzed the rules of caring for nepentes at home, we understand the essence of things. The flower loves an abundance of sunshine, moist air and warm "shower". It is best grown in a spacious pot and suitable soil. If desired, propagate with seeds or petioles. The main thing is to adhere to the recommendations of specialists.