Monkey Cup Pitcher Plant
Nepenthes alata
Also known as
Monkey Jars, Carniverous Pitcher Plant
Photo by PlantPotJim (All rights reserved)
Partial Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
H3
RHS hardiness
-5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Monkey Cup Pitcher Plant
Monkey Cup Pitcher Plant Overview
Nepenthes alata is a tropical pitcher plant from the Nepenthaceae family. It varies greatly in its appearance, termed polymorphic, with pitcher colouring ranging from yellow-green to red. These pitchers are a form of modified leaf, specialised to capture insect prey and they can reach up to 25cm in length. Commonly known by the names Monkey Cup Pitcher Plant and Monkey Jars, it originates from the Philippines and it is half-hardy. Grow inside as a houseplant, this species is a good choice for beginners, it looks great in a hanging pot allowing the pitchers to trail over the edge. It is often hybridized with other pitcher plants in the same genus, such as the species Nepenthes ventricosa to form the hybrid Nepenthes × ventrata.