Nepenthes talangensis (Gunung Talang, Sumatra)
Product information "Nepenthes talangensis (Gunung Talang, Sumatra)"
Nepenthes talangensis is an incredibly beautiful and unique species endemic to the area around Mount Talang, an active volcano in West Sumatra. It grows almost exclusively terrestrially in high altitude upper montane forest (1800-2500m), and is found in positions ranging from deep shade under dense forest canopy, to positions in almost full sun between stunted summit scrub. Coming from very high elevations, this species is a definite highland plant, leaning towards favouring ‘ultra-highland’ conditions, and seems to be one of the slower growing Nepenthes species.
Nepenthes talangensis tends to transition into a climbing phase earlier than other species, with lower pitchers being only briefly produced. These are generally small (5cm) though under ideal conditions, and on older plants, can be fairly sizable (10cm). The pitchers are quite unusual and distinctly recognisable, starting off as a short, tubby funnel that tends to become more egg-shaped in the upper parts, before narrowing just below the peristome. Striking dark red-purple speckles contrast strongly with and stand out against the pale creamy yellow colour of the pitcher body, sometimes with rosy tints. The peristome is flat and deeply incurved, creating a deep funnel directly into the trap, a rather unique trait. Generally yellow or orange when newly opened, the peristome darkens with age to a deep red or purple. A small flattened spur decorates the base of the pitcher lid.
Upper pitchers (upto 12cm) are produced on relatively short vines (3m). They tend to be more funnel-shaped (infandubular), but often swell towards the top. They are similar to the lower pitchers, but typically lighter in colour as is common for the aerial pitchers of many Nepenthes species. Like some other Sumatran species N. talangensis produces very thick, sticky and viscous pitcher fluid, enabling the inner walls of the pitchers to act as a sort of “fly paper”.
Cultivation Guidelines:
Light: Bright indirect or dappled light. Seems tolerant of a range of light levels.
Temperature: True highland conditions. Requires cool night time temperatures.
Growing medium: An open, mossy but well-draining mix. A mix of high quality sphagnum moss with horticultural-grade perlite, a bit of good quality peat-moss and pine bark works well. The proportion of Sphagnum in the mix should ideally be quite high.
Extra notes on Cultivation: Appreciates high humidity levels.
Nepenthes talangensis tends to transition into a climbing phase earlier than other species, with lower pitchers being only briefly produced. These are generally small (5cm) though under ideal conditions, and on older plants, can be fairly sizable (10cm). The pitchers are quite unusual and distinctly recognisable, starting off as a short, tubby funnel that tends to become more egg-shaped in the upper parts, before narrowing just below the peristome. Striking dark red-purple speckles contrast strongly with and stand out against the pale creamy yellow colour of the pitcher body, sometimes with rosy tints. The peristome is flat and deeply incurved, creating a deep funnel directly into the trap, a rather unique trait. Generally yellow or orange when newly opened, the peristome darkens with age to a deep red or purple. A small flattened spur decorates the base of the pitcher lid.
Upper pitchers (upto 12cm) are produced on relatively short vines (3m). They tend to be more funnel-shaped (infandubular), but often swell towards the top. They are similar to the lower pitchers, but typically lighter in colour as is common for the aerial pitchers of many Nepenthes species. Like some other Sumatran species N. talangensis produces very thick, sticky and viscous pitcher fluid, enabling the inner walls of the pitchers to act as a sort of “fly paper”.
Cultivation Guidelines:
Light: Bright indirect or dappled light. Seems tolerant of a range of light levels.
Temperature: True highland conditions. Requires cool night time temperatures.
Growing medium: An open, mossy but well-draining mix. A mix of high quality sphagnum moss with horticultural-grade perlite, a bit of good quality peat-moss and pine bark works well. The proportion of Sphagnum in the mix should ideally be quite high.
Extra notes on Cultivation: Appreciates high humidity levels.