REINWARDT'S PITCHER PLANT Nepenthes reinwardtiana

Nepenthes reinwardtiana is a tropical pitcher plant native to Borneo and Sumatra,and to a number of smaller surrounding islands including Bangka, Natuna, Nias, and Siberut.

Nepenthes reinwardtiana has an unusually wide altitudinal distribution of 0–2200 m, being both a "lowland" and "highland" plant. There are many different colour forms, ranging from green to dark red. This species is known for the two "eye spots" on the inside surface of its pitchers.

The specific epithet reinwardtiana honours Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt. The species has been given the vernacular name Reinwardt's pitcher-plant.

Type: Tropical perennial

Hardiness zones: 9-11 planted outdoors, or grown indoors.

Seed size: Nepenthes reinwardtiana seeds are very long, narrow. and a tan color.

Seeds per pack: 5

Germination: These seeds germinate best on dampened sphagnum moss. Soak the moss for 1 hour, then gently squeeze out excess water, but allow some moisture to remain (not dripping). Place the moss in a container, and sprinkle the seeds on top. Cover the container with plastic to retain moisture. Place the container in very bright light, and in a very warm location, ideally 32C, 90F. Once the small plants begin to grow, slowly open the plastic a little each day. Use rain water or bottled water (use a spritz bottle while plants are small) to regularly water plants, but do not leave them standing on water. Once plants are large enough to transplant, a growing mix consisting of equal parts peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and sphagnum moss (long fibre type) can be used. Seeds germinate anywhere from 1 month, to 12 months. Patience is needed, but they are worth the effort for this unique plant!