Expert: Christopher Littrell - 6/7/2007

Question
Hello,
I was curious if you knew anything about Nepenthes inermis. I know it is an Ultra-Highland plant but I don't know any of its growing specifications. I have tried to find information online and through several forums but I have not received any definite answers. I would love to grow it but I don't want to pay the big price tag for it just to have it die because I don't have the conditions for it. If it does need to have a large temperature drop 80-55 degrees as some have said, how would you recommend me doing so?

Thank you very much for your time,
-John Paul


Answer
Hello John Paul,

The Ultra-Highland Nepenthes do tend to be the most finicky of the Nepenthes about temperature drops at night. Personally, I have never grown a Nepenthes inermis, so I would not want to misdirect you. As you indicated, there does seem to be a dearth of knowledge about them online. Perhaps Sarracenia Northwest knows more about them as I noticed that they raise a hybrid of ventricosa and inermis at their nursery.

In general, to provide temperature changes, you would have to have a terrarium or greenhouse that allows you to directly time and initiate temperature changes. A low tech, but more care intensive way to do this would be to freeze some bottles of water and place them around the pot of the ultra-highlander every night and measure the temperature drops so you know how close to place them and how many to use each night and just keep the plant at room temperature during the day.

Perhaps Sarracenia Northwest can point you towards some easier ways to provide that environment if the plant truly proves intolerant of a change from it's natural habitat.

I also would hold off on buying an expensive plant like that until I found out exactly what I need to ensure it's health. Good job. Sorry I can't give more specific advice myself.

Christopher