Reiska Plant Nursery

Nepenthes (Monkeycup)

Nepenthes, also known as Monkeycups because rumour has it that monkeys drink from them! They attract insects with their colour and nectar produced around the mouth of the pitcher. Insects drown in the pitcher where the plant creates a bacterial soup.

Nepenthes require a lot of light, but not direct sunshine, and can be kept on a windowsill or in a heated greenhouse or conservatory. As with all carnivorous plants, they require rainwater - reverse osmosis or bottled water are good alternatives. They require a high humidity so need to be sprayed weekly and should be watered from the top - unlike Darlingtonia, Dionaea, Drosera, Sarracenia which all require to be stood in water permanently.

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