Nepenthes alata

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Dried insects

If the plant is not naturally attracting insects, you can feed carnivorous plants occasionally with dried mealworms, bloodworms & crickets.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed monthly

Pop bugs into the plant traps or pitchers every month during the growing season spring to autumn. Allow the plant to fully digest an insect before feeding again. Don't feed during the dormant period in the winter.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Keep moist, but not standing in water

Keep moist at all times. Water more sparingly in winter, keep the compost just moist.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Make compost moist with rainwater

Water until rainwater comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging, a cause of "root rot".)

Compost · Planting

Compost for carnivorous plants

Use carnivorous compost when planting in pots, or to improve soils when planting in the ground.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Warm room, min 18C/65F

This plant thrives in a warmer than average room when grown as a houseplant (average room temperature is around 20C/68F). The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 18C/65F.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a bright spot, no direct sun

Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.