Nepentes Carnivore Flower Care

The only plant representing the Nepentov family is Nepentes (pitcher).

This predatory flower is named after the legendary grass of oblivion - the nepenef from the myths of ancient Greece. The distribution range is tropical Asia, Kalimantan Island, Seychelles Islands, Madagascar, New Guinea and Caledonia, Northern Australia.

Appearance and features of Nepentes

Basically, its varieties are semi- or shrub type lianas, mixotrophs that can use various sources of nutrition from substances from the soil to the dissolution of insects. They entwine neighboring trees with long, thin, grassy or slightly lignified stems, and, climbing them, raise inflorescences to the sun in the form of brushes or panicles.

Leaves in nepenthes of two types. Some large simple, with a pronounced vein, are located alternately. Others are pitcher-shaped, for which the plant got its second name. They are attached with a petiole, the first part of which is green and flat, photosynthesis takes place in it, and the second is long and thin, ending with an original leaf-trap. It is with this petiole that a plant captures insects.

Along its edges there are cells that secrete a sweet liquid, and there are hard hairs that prevent the victim from leaving the jug. It slides down the wax, which gives off the smooth surface of the leaves. Inside the jug there is water where the trapped sinks. At the bottom of the trap, a digestive enzyme is formed that digests the insect. An unusual leaf can reach 50 cm. Color from white to brown, usually very bright.

Flowers are small and inconspicuous, so jugs are often mistaken for them.

Types of Nepentes

Nepentes has many varieties, various hybrids bred by breeders.

Care ha nepenthes at home

This plant is very demanding and difficult to keep in the house.

How to transplant Nepentes

The plant does not like to be disturbed (do not transplant after acquisition). Do this only in case of overgrowth of the roots (after about 2-3 years) and with the appearance of mold.

Step-by-step process:

• By transfer, the flower is moved to a wider and deeper pot.
• Mandatory drainage below and moss on top of the soil.
• Nepentes is not fed for a month. Strictly observe watering regimes.
• Provide proper lighting and temperature. Sprayed with a biostimulator of growth twice.

Nepenthes formation

To create a more decorative compact form, rejuvenate the bush, cut it and pinch it. This stimulates the formation of new pitchers. The best time is spring. The first pinch, when the plant will have at least six leaves.

The jug produces the enzyme once, therefore, if it is spilled, you cannot feed it, you must pour 1/3 of the purified water into it.

Features of reproduction of nepenthes

There are three methods to grow a new Nepentes:

• cuttings;
• layering;
• seeds;
• division of the bush.

Cuttings

The most popular way:

• Cuttings harvested in the spring. With a sharp knife cut off the shoot with 3 sheets.
• It is treated with a disinfectant (Fundazole).
• They put it in a jar with a solution of water and Kornevin. Contain at +26 ° C.
• The roots of the appendix form after 6 weeks.
• After it is transplanted into a prepared pot.

Seminal

This is a laborious and lengthy process. Seeds are needed fresh, they quickly lose their germination. To obtain them, two plants are needed, male and female, since the flower is dioecious. Also, at home, the flowering of nepenthes is a rather rare occurrence, and insect pollination is necessary for fruit set.

Landing is as follows:

• Prepare a container with sand and sphagnum.
• Sow the seeds.
• Cover with a film.
• They are placed in a warm, well-lit place (+ 22 ... +26 ° C), with a humidity of almost 100%.
• Sprouts will appear after 60 days.

Layering

On a flexible shoot, creepers take part of the bark. This place is stuck in a moist substrate, fixed. After the roots of the air process appear, it is separated from the mother plant and planted in a separate pot.

Shrub division

When transplanting enough adult Nepentes, you can divide it into parts.

The operation is done carefully, since the roots of the plant are very fragile:

• The bush is placed in a large container with warm water, there it is carefully cleaned from the soil.
• Using a disinfected tool, cut part of it along with the roots.
• Damage is treated with activated carbon.
• Each divided plant is planted in the usual way in its own pot.

Pests, diseases and possible problems when caring for Nepentes

When growing Nepentes, difficulties may arise if the conditions necessary for its maintenance are not met.

Watch the video: NEPENTHES CARE CONDITIONS. Carnivorous Plant Feeding (November 2024).