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Compost:
Fine
orchid bark, horticultural charcoal, peat, and laterite, in the approximate
ratio 2:2:1:1.
Watering: Do not allow to become waterlogged; seems to do better with a slightly drier compost. Cultivation Difficulty: Easy (1). Propagation: No experience. Distribution: Philippines, specifically Mindanao.1 Ecology: Steep, forested coastal slopes; 20-1700 m.1 |
| N. merrilliana lower pitcher |
| Known for sporting some of the largest pitchers in its genus, N. merrilliana has a reputation for being difficult. To date, we don't believe that such a reputation is deserved; however, this species is by no means entirely trivial. Our clones are very sensitive to cold, and seem to grow best in only the warmest conditions. However, given the altitudinal range of the species, it seems reasonable to speculate that clones from higher altitudes are certain to tolerate much cooler temperatures. It is worth noting that the use of laterite granules (available at most aquarium shops) seems to improve the coloration and rate of growth of these plants. Special thanks to Tom Kahl for mentioning this on the CP listserver some time ago. |
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| 1M. Jebb and M. Cheek, A Skeletal Revision of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae), Blumea 42(1), 1997, p. 62. |