La Nepenthes hookeriana It is a plant whose traps are white or yellowish-white with brown spots very typical of this species, thanks to which it is usually quite easy to identify it. They do not measure up to 41 centimeters long that those of the nephentes rajah, but yes that, although they are much smaller, they are really pretty.
In addition, the plant in question is not very large either, which makes it interesting to grow in pots or even in terrariums. But, What do you have to do to keep it healthy?
Origin and characteristics of the Nepenthes hookeriana
Nepenthes hookeriana is a natural hybrid, that is, it occurs in nature, between two species: Nepenthes ampullaria y Nepenthes rafflesiana. A lot happens when there are two species that are genetically very similar when they live (or are planted) close to each other, the pollen from the flowers of one will pollinate those of the other, thus creating a hybrid.
Thus, our protagonist is a carnivore that owes its existence to two varieties of Nepenthes that grow in the lowlands of Borneo, the Malaysian peninsula, Singapore and Sumatra. It reaches a height of about 30 centimeters, and its leaves are lanceolate with a central vein that continues to develop beyond the apex so that it swells, thus forming the trap.
Its growth and development rate is generally slow. But this could be considered an advantage, since when it comes to growing it we will not have to change the pot very often.
The Nepenthes hookeriana is a tropical carnivorous plant, from the humid forests. For this reason, it could be considered a difficult crop in temperate regions, since apart from not resisting the cold, it requires high humidity throughout the year. For this reason, there are those who have it in a terrarium, with heating and humidifier, because there it is often easier to keep it alive and well. But let's know what exactly you need to grow:
Location
Body exterior:: If we want to have it outside the home, at least during spring and summer, it is important that it be placed in the shade, but not totally. It is necessary to put it in an area where the sun does not hit it directly, but it is also necessary to avoid placing it in a place where there is total darkness since otherwise it would not survive.
Interior: it is a plant that if it is to be kept indoors it must be put in a bright room, and with a container full of water around it or, failing that, a humidifier, so that the ambient humidity is high around it. Another option is to have it, as we have said before, in a terrarium with a special lamp for plants.
Substratum
As a substrate it is highly recommended to mix twice as much blond peat (pure, unpaid, like this one they sell here) what pearlite. You can even add a little pine bark, so that the roots are in a medium where they can be properly aerated.
Other options are unmixed live sphagnum or 50% quartz sand.
Irrigation
We have to water it frequently, always from above (moistening the substrate). Never use the tray method as doing so will cause the roots to rot. For this reason, we should not put a plate under it either, since the water that has not been absorbed by the substrate would remain there, stagnant, and could harm the plant.
Rain water or distilled water will be used.
Humidity
So that the jugs can be formed and the plant is healthy, the humidity must be at least 60%. For this reason, if it is lower in your area, you have to spray its leaves with distilled or rain water once or twice a day in summer, and less the rest of the year.
Or if you prefer, you can buy a humidifier.
Pruning
Don't need it. If we see that you have a trap or dry leaf, we will remove it, but nothing else.
Transplant
Like this variety of Nepenthes It is a relatively small plant, we will only have to transplant it about 2, maybe 3 times throughout its life. To know when the time has come, we will have to see if the roots come out through the holes in the pot, or if when trying to remove it from it, the soil bread does not crumble.
The ideal time is in spring, when temperatures exceed 18ºC minimum. We will choose a plastic pot, with holes in the base, and we will fill it with a mixture of 60% blond peat with 40% perlite.
Rusticity
To finish, it is necessary to know that Its ideal temperature range is between a minimum of 14ºC and a maximum of 30ºC..
Hello Francisco Manuel.
It can be for various reasons: that it is not watering enough, that it is cold, or that the humidity is too low.
While the good weather lasts, it is advisable to have it with a plate under the pot in which there will be a thin layer of rain or distilled water. The rest of the year you will have to water less, especially if temperatures drop below 15ºC.
A greeting.
Wonderful information just to know why the brown covers are being put on
Hello Francisco Manuel.
It can be for various reasons: that it is not watering enough, that it is cold, or that the humidity is too low.
While the good weather lasts, it is advisable to have it with a plate under the pot in which there will be a thin layer of rain or distilled water. The rest of the year you will have to water less, especially if temperatures drop below 15ºC.
A greeting.