Botanical Name (Scientific Name):

Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' (N. ventricosa x N. ampullaria)

Visual Description:

Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' is a striking hybrid tropical pitcher plant, characterized by its bold, deep red pitchers and compact growth habit. Emerging from tissue culture, these juvenile plants feature small, vividly colored traps that hint at their carnivorous abilities. As the plant matures, it showcases a rosette form with robust pitchers up to 10-12 cm in height, designed for trapping and digesting insects. The rich crimson coloration and unique pitcher shape make this hybrid a standout in any carnivorous plant collection.

Key Features:

• Carnivorous Nature: The fluid-filled pitchers efficiently lure, trap, and digest insects, providing the plant with essential nutrients.
• Dramatic Appeal: The intense red hues of the pitchers give Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' a vibrant and exotic appearance.
• Compact Growth: With its manageable size and forgiving nature, this hybrid is ideal for both beginners and seasoned collectors.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct harsh sun, which may scorch the leaves or pitchers. Ideal for terrariums or shaded windowsills.
• Water: Use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Keep the substrate evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 18-28°C. Protect from temperatures dropping below 15°C.
• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-80%) for optimal growth and pitcher development. A terrarium or humidity tray can help maintain these levels.

Tissue Culture Care and Hardening:

To successfully acclimate your Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' tissue culture plant to its new environment, gradual transition is key. Follow these steps:

• Humidity Management: Place the cup in a high-humidity environment, such as a terrarium or sealed container. Slowly open or ventilate the container over 1-2 weeks to lower humidity levels incrementally.
• Lighting Transition: Begin with low-light conditions and gradually increase exposure to bright, indirect light over 7-14 days.
• Substrate Moisture: Keep the provided substrate evenly moist using only rainwater or distilled water. Avoid overwatering or letting the substrate dry out completely.
• Temperature Stability: Maintain a stable temperature between 20-25°C during the acclimation period to minimize stress.

Once acclimated, Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' will thrive in its new environment, developing its vibrant, insect-eating pitchers and becoming a unique centerpiece in your collection.