About

Nepenthes rafflesiana is a lowland tropical pitcher plant from Borneo and Sumatra producing very large, attractively marked pitchers. A spectacular and rewarding pitcher plant for a warm, humid, heated greenhouse.

About the genus

Nepenthes, the tropical pitcher plants, are evergreen, mostly epiphytic, insectivorous perennials producing leaves adapted to form pendant, lidded pitchers that trap and digest insects. Grown in warm, humid heated greenhouses and terrariums.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants compact and to encourage a second flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews