Expert: Christopher Littrell - 10/19/2008

Question
Ballpark figure, how high from the soil surface does a Sanguinea grow?  I asked you the question regarding placing a plant on a shelf, and I need to know how high to hang it.

Answer
Hello Talisha,

I have been trying to find that information myself for a while. I have not found any sources that give any estimate of N. sanguinea growth patterns. Mine is 4 feet tall after about 2 years of growth from a 3 inch baby. Normally they would grow as creeping vines across whatever surface they find, and in a hanging pot would hang down the sides. If provided a surface to lean on and grasp with their tendrils they will grow upright as they would up trees and cliff sides. My suggestion would be to provide as much space as you would like to give the plant, at least 4-6 feet of potential growth, and prune the plant later as it reaches the maximum size alloted for it. Pruning Nepenthes is easy and results in a bushier appearance as they grow new vines out the base in different directions to make up for the lost vine tips from pruning.

I do know that other species of Nepenthes have vastly different growth patterns. Some only grow a few feet long while others grow as much as 10 meters or more in length.

You could hang your Nepenthes from adjustable chains and let the length out as the plant grows. It will get about two feet tall before its vines begin to droop over the sides of the pot if it has no support. Just ensure the light is about 5-8 inches from the plant at all times and it will be fine.

Christopher