Read practical advice
Explore straightforward guides for choosing, using and caring for garden products.
Visit the Advice CentreIndoor plants
Product information
Everything useful in one place, with the most important information kept separate from the buying controls above.
About this product
Nepenthes alata / 8.5Cm
Nepenthes alata
Confirmed format: 8.5cm Pot
Plant Highlights: Distinctive insect-catching pitchers • Fascinating tropical carnivorous plant • Thrives in warm, humid conditions • Evergreen foliage with ornamental pitchers
Overview
Nepenthes alata, commonly known as the Tropical Pitcher Plant, is an unusual carnivorous houseplant prized for its elegant hanging pitchers and lush green foliage. The colourful pitchers develop at the ends of the leaves and naturally trap insects, making this one of the most intriguing plants to grow indoors. Native to tropical environments, it thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright, filtered light. Its climbing habit means it can eventually produce long stems adorned with numerous pitchers, creating a striking display on a shelf, in a bright bathroom or in a well-lit terrarium.
Why We Love It
The remarkable pitchers make every plant unique. A fascinating example of nature's adaptations. Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. An excellent talking point for any indoor plant collection.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Nepenthes alata |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Tropical Pitcher Plant |
| Plant Type | Evergreen carnivorous houseplant |
| Light Requirements | Bright, indirect light |
| Soil Type | Free-draining carnivorous plant compost |
| Growth Habit | Climbing or scrambling |
| Foliage | Glossy green leaves with ornamental pitchers |
| Seasonal Interest | Evergreen foliage and pitchers throughout the year |
| Mature Height | Approximately 50 cm to 1 m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 30 cm to 50 cm |
Growing Guide
| Indoor Placement | Position in bright, indirect light away from strong midday sun. Warm temperatures and consistently high humidity will encourage the plant to produce healthy pitchers. Bright bathrooms or naturally humid kitchens are often excellent locations. |
|---|---|
| Watering | Keep the compost evenly moist using rainwater, distilled water or deionised water. Avoid allowing the compost to dry out, and do not use softened or hard tap water where possible. |
| Humidity | High humidity is essential for reliable pitcher production. If the air is dry, increasing humidity around the plant will help encourage the formation of new pitchers. |
| Feeding | Pitchers will naturally catch small insects indoors or outdoors during warmer weather. Avoid feeding large insects or fertilising the pitchers, as this can damage the plant. |
Perfect For
- Bright bathrooms
- Kitchens with natural light
- Terrariums and indoor plant cabinets
- Collectors of unusual houseplants
- Tropical indoor displays
Good to Know
- Unlike many houseplants, Nepenthes alata should be grown in compost formulated for carnivorous plants and watered with low-mineral water such as rainwater or distilled water. These conditions help maintain healthy roots and encourage the production of new pitchers.
Product Information
| Supplied Format | Supplied in an 8.5cm nursery pot |
|---|---|
| Please Note | Decorative pots and accessories shown, if any, are not included. |
Indoor growing & care
- Plant type
- carnivorous
- Position & light
- Bright indirect
- Watering
- high
- Soil & drainage
- Free draining· Moist· Consistently moist
- Mature size
- 50cm high· 30cm wide
- Foliage
- evergreen
Choose with confidence
Find the right plant for your space
Use the Plant Finder, practical advice or our in-store team before deciding.
See it before choosing
Visit Easy Garden to compare products in person and speak with our team.
Plan your visit