Nepenthes Ampullaria is a lowland species of Nepenthes found in tropical climates. They are found in large numbers in Borneo, Singapore, Sumatra and New Guinea. They have the most distinct pitchers of all the Nepenthes. The pitchers are round and come in many colours. They have very narrow lids and grow in an angle that do not cover the peristome.
The cute pitchers with open peristome are believed that the plant not only feed on insects and maybe on dead leaves. They will catch falling leaves into its pitchers as additional source of food.
Nepenthes Ampullaria is one of the few species that grow basal pitchers. These basals grown underground near the stem base. They are usually pitchers only and have very small leaves. This is due to the lack of sunlight at the base and there is no need for photosynthesis. When many basals are formed, it creates a carpet of pitchers!
Nepenthes Ampullaria is one of the easiest Nepenthes to grow. They need bright like and less direct sunlight. They can be watered daily and always keep the media moist but not waterlogged.
Nepenthes Ampullaria ‘Harlequin’
It can be grown in almost any media but preferably in 1:1 sand:peat, 1:1 perlite:long fibre sphagnum moss. Some growers also include coco chips and charcoal in their mix. They are grown best in high humidity and our tropical weather is already sufficient for their excellent growth.
N. Ampullaria ‘Harlequin’ have green and purple speckles on its red pitchers.
There are a few forms and cultivars available in the market. There are green, speckled and red forms. Nepenthes Ampullaria ‘Cantley’s Red’ and Nepenthes Ampullaria ‘William’s Red’ have almost no green on their pitchers. Speckled forms include red speckles on green or the beautiful Nepenthes Ampullaria ‘Harlequin’ have green and purple speckles on red pitchers.
Presently, I am growing a 2 month old Nepenthes Ampullaria ‘Harlequin’. I will update more photos as the plant grows!
