Nepenthes Globosa x (Ampullaria Black Miracle x Bicalcarata) - Carnivorous

Nepenthes Globosa x (Ampullaria 'Black Miracle' x Bicalcarata): The Striking Hybrid

Introduction:

This hybrid combines the bold, fanged traits of Nepenthes Bicalcarata, the compact, rounded pitchers of Nepenthes Ampullaria 'Black Miracle', and the large, bulbous pitchers of Nepenthes Globosa. The plant may produce a mixture of ground-based and hanging pitchers, with the potential for dark hues, a striking feature from the Ampullaria 'Black Miracle' parent. This makes it an excellent hybrid for both ground and vertical growth in a terrarium or greenhouse setting.

History:

The parent species hail from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically Borneo, Thailand, and Sumatra. This hybrid brings together three species that naturally thrive in lowland, warm, and humid environments. Combining the lowland adaptability of these species makes this hybrid both beautiful and relatively easy to grow for experienced collectors.

Care Outline:

• Light: Nepenthes Globosa x (Ampullaria 'Black Miracle' x Bicalcarata) thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. It needs about 10,000 to 20,000 lux for optimal growth and pitcher production.

• Water: Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Like all Nepenthes, use only distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water to avoid mineral buildup. Keep the humidity high to ensure good pitcher formation.

• Humidity: This hybrid requires high humidity levels of 70%–90% to produce healthy pitchers. Misting the plant regularly or placing it in a terrarium or greenhouse will help maintain these humidity levels.

• Temperature: Being a lowland hybrid, it thrives in warm conditions with day temperatures of 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C) and nighttime temperatures no lower than 65°F (18°C). It will not tolerate cooler conditions for extended periods.

• Soil: Use a well-draining, airy soil mix to prevent root rot. A combination of sphagnum moss, perlite, and orchid bark works well for this hybrid, mimicking its natural epiphytic environment.

• Fertilizer: While Nepenthes get most of their nutrients from the insects they trap, you can mist the plant with a diluted orchid fertilizer (1/4 strength) once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.

• Propagation: Stem cuttings are the most reliable way to propagate this hybrid. Each cutting should include at least one node, and they should be placed in a high-humidity environment to encourage rooting.

Light and Lux Rating:

For optimal growth, Nepenthes Globosa x (Ampullaria 'Black Miracle' x Bicalcarata) requires bright, indirect light with a lux rating of 10,000 to 20,000 lux. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can damage the delicate pitchers.

• Natural Light: Place the plant near an east-facing or north-facing window, where it will receive bright but filtered light.
• Artificial Light: If grown indoors under artificial lights, use full-spectrum grow lights for 12–16 hours per day to mimic the natural day length of its tropical habitat.

Propagation:

1. Stem Cuttings:

• Best Time: Spring or early summer during active growth.
• Steps:
  1. Take a cutting just below a node, ensuring that each cutting has at least one leaf and one node.
  2. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
  3. Place the cutting in a moist mix of sphagnum moss and perlite.
  4. Keep the cutting in a high-humidity environment, such as a greenhouse or terrarium, until roots develop.

2. Layering:

• Steps:
  1. Select a healthy vine still attached to the mother plant.
  2. Wrap a node in moist sphagnum moss and secure it with plastic wrap.
  3. Once roots develop, cut the stem from the mother plant and pot it in the appropriate soil mix.

Soil for Nepenthes Globosa x (Ampullaria 'Black Miracle' x Bicalcarata):

This hybrid requires a well-draining, airy mix that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. A recommended mix includes:

• Long-fiber sphagnum moss for moisture retention.
• Perlite or pumice for drainage and aeration.
• Orchid bark to provide additional structure and air circulation.

This mix mimics the plant’s natural epiphytic habitat, allowing for healthy root growth while maintaining the necessary moisture levels.

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize lightly once a month during the growing season with a diluted orchid fertilizer at 1/4 strength.
• Lightly mist the leaves with the fertilizer, but avoid pouring it into the pitchers, as this can cause damage.
• This hybrid obtains most of its nutrients from the insects it traps, so do not over-fertilize.

Repotting:

• When to Repot: Repot every 1–2 years, or when the plant outgrows its pot.
• Best Time: Early spring is the best time to repot, just before the growing season begins.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
  2. Repot in a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil.
  3. Water thoroughly after repotting and maintain high humidity.

Pitcher Characteristics:

• Globosa Traits: Large, bulbous pitchers that are typically green or reddish in color, with a more rounded, swollen shape.
• Ampullaria Traits: Compact, ground-hugging pitchers with potential dark hues, especially influenced by the Black Miracle parent.
• Bicalcarata Traits: Fanged pitchers, adding a dramatic touch under the lid, with some potential for large size and robust growth.

This hybrid may produce a mix of ground and climbing pitchers, depending on the growing environment.