Heliamphora neblinae "Mysterious Giant"

Originally collected in 1953-1954 during the initial exploration of the Neblina Massif on the border of Brazil and Venezuela, this species was named in 1978 after the area. Though populations can be found there at elevations of 2000-2200m, it was later discovered to be much more wide spread on neighboring Cerro Avispa and Cerro Aracamuri, where it is the only Heliamphora present and it can grow as low as 860m (the lowest occurring Heliamphora so far discovered). The plants favor shrubby, heavily vegetated habitat, and partial light.

To add to the uniqueness of the species, H. neblinae has the longest pitchers known in the genus, and though the majority are 35-45cm, they can reach 50-60cm! In addition, stems are produced occasionally, typically no more than 30cm, but- in at least one exceptional case- a herbarium specimen is recorded having a stem 2m tall! Pitchers are uniformly light green with a contrasting smooth vibrant red stripe running down the back of the interior, with a matching red marginal line on the outside. The red spoons arise from this area seemingly as a continuation of the stripe. Their shape can be variable but is generally flat with wavy margins, and upright. Pitchers are low-waisted, and have a drainage hole. Only a few live pitchers are held on the plant at a time, often surrounded by several dead ones.

Heliamphora neblinae is better suited for experienced growers due to its slow growth rate and tendency to take a while before displaying its distinctive morphology. This said, it is a rewarding species to grow, and the end result can be quite spectacular!

(Maguire, B., 1978)

This outstanding clone of Heliamphora neblinae is quite slow growing but reaches impressive size. The plant on the picture is almost half a meter tall. Only very few young plants of this wonderful clone - by far my best - will be available from time to time.

The plant has an interesting history:

I received seeds more than 25 years ago that were supposed to come from Cerro Duida. For a while I sold the only resulting clone as Heliamphora tatei from Cerro Duida. When plants matured it became clear, that the origin of this simply cannot be Cerro Duida, since the plant shows typical characteristics of Heliamphora neblinae.

In order to avoid confusion I stopped selling these plants and nerly forgot them. Until I realized how special the clone was. Slow growing but huge when adult!

I almost had lost the last plants in vitro but managed to re-activate propagation. As it is very slow and hard to propagate - even in vitro - I will only have very few plants from time to time.

To remind of the little mystery behind this clone and the huge size, I decided to informally name it "Mysterious Giant". I consider to register it as a cultivar.