Nepenthes tenuis (West Sumatra)
Short supply (FAQ)
Product information "Nepenthes tenuis (West Sumatra)"
Nepenthes tenuis is a remarkable, diminutive species, which may produce some of the smallest pitchers after N. argentii. It is endemic to a single known location along the Tjampo River in West Sumatra. It grows in mossy and sub-montane forest on sandstone ledges at relatively low altitudes (100-1200m) , making it more of an ‘intermediate’ plant. It is an easy and hardy plant that grows rapidly under the right conditions.
Lower pitchers are rarely seen as N. tenuis rapidly transitions into uppers. The lowers are incredibly squat, round and tubby. Upper pitchers are also incredibly small (2.5-4.5cm) and are widely funnel shaped (infundibular) with a slight constriction below the rounded and almost horizontal opening. The pitcher mouth is ringed with a relatively wide and flattened peristome much like the seat of a tiny colourful toilet bowl. Both upper and lower pitchers lack any wings, instead having two colourful ridges running down the pitcher bodies. The pitchers are a creamy yellow-green, with varying but often heavy amounts of red to maroon-brown blotches, which tend to increase towards the upper parts of the pitcher body. As such pitchers can appear more red than green and often have a rosy hue to them. The peristome varies from yellow to a maroon-brown colour. These striking little toilet-shaped pitchers in many ways resemble a more colourful and rotund version of N. dubia. While small they are one of the most underrated species in my opinion.
Cultivation Guidelines.
Light: Bright indirect or dappled light.
Temperature: More ‘intermediate’ and tolerant of warmer temperatures than other highlanders. Cool nights are still recommended.
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.
Lower pitchers are rarely seen as N. tenuis rapidly transitions into uppers. The lowers are incredibly squat, round and tubby. Upper pitchers are also incredibly small (2.5-4.5cm) and are widely funnel shaped (infundibular) with a slight constriction below the rounded and almost horizontal opening. The pitcher mouth is ringed with a relatively wide and flattened peristome much like the seat of a tiny colourful toilet bowl. Both upper and lower pitchers lack any wings, instead having two colourful ridges running down the pitcher bodies. The pitchers are a creamy yellow-green, with varying but often heavy amounts of red to maroon-brown blotches, which tend to increase towards the upper parts of the pitcher body. As such pitchers can appear more red than green and often have a rosy hue to them. The peristome varies from yellow to a maroon-brown colour. These striking little toilet-shaped pitchers in many ways resemble a more colourful and rotund version of N. dubia. While small they are one of the most underrated species in my opinion.
Cultivation Guidelines.
Light: Bright indirect or dappled light.
Temperature: More ‘intermediate’ and tolerant of warmer temperatures than other highlanders. Cool nights are still recommended.
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.