Nepenthes inermis (Gunung Gadut, Sumatra)

Endemic to a number peaks in the Barisan Mountains of West Sumatra and Jambi, Nepenthes inermis grows (1500-2600m) either as an epiphyte in mossy forest or terrestrially amongst stunted montane scrub (>2000m). Despite being a true highland plant, N. inermis is a fairly quick and easy grower that rapidly vines from a young age. It is therefore highly recommended, both for specialists and newcomers with a basic understanding of how to cultivate highland nepenthes! Itís unique and beautiful upper pitchers really make it a ìmustî for any collection.

Nepenthes inermis rarely produces lower pitchers; with the rosette stage being short lived. Lower pitchers are generally wingless and are mostly funnel shaped (infandibular), ballooning in the top third. They closely resemble the lower pitchers of N. dubia, but are distinctly constricted just below the almost horizontal peristome. Despite being very different to the upper pitchers, they are quite elegant and beautiful in their own right.

This species is really known for its fantastic and completely unique upper pitchers! They in no way resemble the lower pitchers and have to be one of the best examples of pitcher dimorphism within the genus. These wide, infandibular pitchers (9cm) resemble bright electric green trumpets, almost completely lacking any peristome, a trait unique to only this species!!! This lack of any notable peristome is the origin of the name ëinermisí which is Latin for for "unarmed" .The pitcher mouth is round and generally horizontal, with a small, long pitcher lid doing little to keep out any rain. Fortunately, despite the fact that these pitchers often fill with water and are frequently tipped over due to the weight, extremely viscous pitcher fluid, as well as laterally appressed walls in the lower parts of the pitcher, keeps all pitcher contents within the pitcher, allowing water to drain and the pitchers to spring back to their original positions. Like other Sumatran species, this extremely viscous fluid may enable the upper pitchers to act as flypaper traps, as well as functioning as a lubricant to slide any trapped prey into the pitcher body. This fluid is so thick in fact that when poured, it can form a long stream several meters in length.

Cultivation Guidelines:

Light: Bright indirect or dappled light.

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.