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Nepenthes Bloody Mary (Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary')

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Nepenthes Bloody Mary

Beginner

Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary'

A hybrid of N. ventricosa and N. ampullaria with pitchers and leaves stained deep blood red. Tough and treated as a beginner's houseplant, it is often said to be the same clone as 'Lady Luck'.

Growing Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
10〜30℃
Lifespan
Perennial climber
Size
Few published measurements
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering
Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects)

About

Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' is a hybrid of N. ventricosa and N. ampullaria, listed with this parentage among well-known man-made hybrids in the English Wikipedia article on the genus. Overseas retailers often say it was made by the Sri Lankan nursery Borneo Exotics by crossing a red N. ampullaria with pollen from a red N. ventricosa, and that it is the same clone sold as 'Lady Luck' in other markets. Neither name, however, appears in the International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS) register, so the identity cannot be confirmed from an official record. The pitchers turn a deep blood red all over and the leaves are said to be reddish too. Inheriting N. ampullaria's tolerance of wet soil, it pitchers even in fairly dim rooms and is treated as a tough beginner's plant. In Japan small pot plants are sold by specialist carnivorous-plant nurseries and by aquarium-plant growers. Care is a bright window, low-mineral water and a free-draining mix; place it as brightly as possible for the deepest red.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Basic Info

Origin

Man-made hybrid (reportedly raised at a Sri Lankan nursery)

Lifespan

Perennial climber

Size

Few published measurements

Temperature

10〜30℃

Humidity

60〜90%

Watering & Fertilizer

Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects)

Growing Tips

Light & Placement

The brighter the window, the deeper the red of pitchers and leaves, though it still pitchers in modest light.

Watering

With N. ampullaria in its background it tolerates wet soil. Use rain water or low-mineral water.

Temperature & Overwintering

Said to tolerate a wide temperature range; bring it into a warm room for winter.

Soil & Repotting

Plant in a free-draining, airy mix; pure sphagnum or orchid mix with sphagnum or perlite are common choices.

Fertilizer

If using chemical fertilizer, use it at very low strength; an occasional insect dropped into a pitcher is enough.

Pests & Cautions

Often sold as 'Lady Luck'; check photos and parentage labels to avoid buying the same clone twice.

CarnivorousNepenthesPitcher plantHybridRed

Nepenthes Bloody Mary FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Nepenthes Bloody Mary?
A

Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.

QHow should I water and fertilize Nepenthes Bloody Mary?
A

Nepenthes Bloody Mary: watering & fertilizer — Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Nepenthes Bloody Mary?
A

The price of Nepenthes Bloody Mary varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: September 23, 2026

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team

The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary'

Synonyms: Nepenthes 'Lady Luck'(同一クローンとする販売店情報あり)

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Nepenthes L.(属)

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

The whole genus Nepenthes is listed in CITES Appendix II (apart from a few Appendix I species), and this covers hybrids and cultivars too. Import and export across borders require CITES permits; buying, selling and growing within Japan require no paperwork.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) Nepenthes

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

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