Nepenthes × ventrata is a vigorous tropical carnivorous plant that produces hanging pitchers designed to trap and digest insects. It is one of the easiest Nepenthes to grow, making it a good choice if you are new to tropical pitcher plants.

This popular hybrid is a cross between Nepenthes alata and Nepenthes ventricosa. Mature plants develop long trailing growth with colourful green to red pitchers hanging below the leaves.

Key features

• Easy-to-grow tropical pitcher plant
• Produces large hanging insect-catching pitchers
• Green pitchers develop attractive red colouring
• Ideal for hanging baskets
• Suitable for bright bathrooms, conservatories and heated greenhouses
• Can produce pitchers throughout much of the year in good conditions

Plant size

• Height: vines can reach 1m to 2m or more with age
• Spread: around 50cm to 100cm

Other common names

• Monkey Cup
• Tropical pitcher plant
• Pitcher plant

How does Nepenthes × ventrata catch insects?

The pitchers are modified leaves. Nectar around the rim attracts insects, which can lose their footing and fall inside.

Fluid within the pitcher contains digestive enzymes. The plant breaks down its prey and absorbs nutrients that would otherwise be difficult to obtain from the nutrient-poor soils in which Nepenthes naturally grow.

How to grow Nepenthes × ventrata

• Grow in bright, indirect light
• Avoid strong direct midday sun
• Keep at normal warm indoor temperatures
• Provide good humidity to encourage pitcher production
• Use a specialist, nutrient-poor carnivorous plant compost
• A hanging basket allows the pitchers to develop freely

Watering your Monkey Cup

• Keep the growing medium consistently moist
• Do not allow the compost to dry out completely
• Use rainwater where possible
• Water from above and allow excess water to drain away
• Avoid leaving the pot permanently standing in deep water

Feeding Nepenthes × ventrata

You do not need to feed your Nepenthes × ventrata with fertiliser or provide insects by hand. Its pitchers are designed to catch small insects and obtain nutrients from them.

Do you have a bright bathroom or humid conservatory? Nepenthes × ventrata can thrive in these conditions, where its trailing pitchers make an unusual hanging feature.