Expert: Christopher Littrell - 5/11/2007

Question
I saw some pictures on the web while I was searching for carnivorous plants. and I was wondering, where can I find a N. × ventrata, and would I be able to take care of it where I live (albuquerque new mexico). Also I heard some carnivorous plants smell, does this one? or does the syrup emit a pleasant smell. thanks

Answer
Hi Mark,

N x Ventrata is a cross between Nepenthes alata and Nepenthes ventricosa. It is a fairly hardy plant found at hardware stores and carnivorous plant nurseries. If I were buying one, I would go for the online carnivorous plant nurseries. Just type in the search term "carnivorous plants for sale" or "carnivorous plant nurseries" or some such and you should get a list of companies that sell them. The best companies provide feedback, advice, interest in keeping the plants alive etc. Do not go for all the gimmicks (like expensive terrarium sets for temperate plants) and bells and whistles, go for real, myth free approaches to raising them.

New Mexico is rather dry and has some hot summers. N. x ventrata is a tropical plant that can tolerate weather up to around 90 degrees and can adapt to low humidity, but I would be cautious about placing it outside in New Mexico weather. Try to raise it as a houseplant and place it in a good sunny window (west, east, or south facing) where it gets strong, but indirect light, or under strong florescent lights (40 watt cool white shop lights or 100 watt compact bulbs about 5-6 inches from their leaves).

The Purple Pitcher plant, a North American Sarracenia, does smell when it is eating insects as it uses bacterial action to digest them mostly. The Nepenthes tend not to smell bad, just like plants basically. The nectar really does not smell at all but is sticky like half dried syrup. The only time you might notice any scent at all is if a pitcher catches too many insects or too large of a prey item and part of it starts rotting, but the smell would only be noticable if you stuck your nose in the pitcher and inhaled.

In any case, look for a good nursery that provides proper care information for the plants and has what you are seeking. The top experts here, "Sarracenia Northwest," actually have a great nursery if you are interested in taking a look at it online. There are quite a few nurseries, just check them out and compare them for realism.