Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nepenthes clipeata
AdvancedNepenthes clipeata
A pitcher plant with round, shield-shaped leaves whose tendril joins the underside of the blade, and large pitchers swollen at the base. It grows only on the granite cliffs of Mount Kelam in Borneo and is among the most threatened species in the wild.
About
Nepenthes clipeata is known only from the near-vertical granite cliffs of Mount Kelam in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, at about 600-800 m. Its name is Latin for 'round shield', after the leaves. Its hallmark is the peltate leaf: the tendril joins the underside of the blade rather than its tip, and the almost circular leaves with thick, short tendrils have a parallel in the genus only in N. truncata of the Philippines. Pitchers reach 30 cm tall, globose at the base and slightly funnel-shaped above. It produces only one type of pitcher, and the stem does not climb, reaching only about 2 m. The whole plant is densely covered in long brown hairs. Hallier first collected it in 1894. Visits by collectors increased from the 1980s, and together with drought and forest fires this caused a steep decline; in 1995 only about 15 wild plants were thought to remain. A 2010 survey found 260 plants, mostly on inaccessible cliffs, but it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS) has set up an ex situ conservation project, and only three or four genetically distinct, legally collected lines are thought to exist in cultivation. In Japan it is offered regularly by specialist nurseries and at online auctions; buy only seed-grown or tissue-cultured plants.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Nepenthes clipeata
The Nepenthes clipeata grows to Pitchers up to 30 cm tall; stems about 2 m.
Basic Info
Origin
Indonesia (Mount Kelam, West Kalimantan, about 600-800 m)
Lifespan
Perennial (non-climbing)
Size
Pitchers up to 30 cm tall; stems about 2 m
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects)
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It grows on open cliffs and likes bright light.
Watering
Use rain water or water low in dissolved minerals and water before the mix dries out. Do not leave the pot standing in water; a free-draining mix keeps the roots healthy. It grows on rock faces, so avoid keeping the mix constantly soggy.
Temperature & Overwintering
It grows at intermediate elevations of 600-800 m; heat it in winter and avoid excessive summer heat.
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
Critically Endangered in the wild. Buy only seed-grown or tissue-cultured plants. Few genetic lines exist in cultivation, so propagated plants also have conservation value.
Nepenthes clipeata FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Nepenthes clipeata?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Nepenthes clipeata get?
The mature size of Nepenthes clipeata is Pitchers up to 30 cm tall; stems about 2 m. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Nepenthes clipeata?
Nepenthes clipeata: watering & fertilizer — Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Nepenthes clipeata?
The price of Nepenthes clipeata 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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Nepenthes clipeata Danser
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Nepenthes clipeata Danser
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
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. It is Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, yet under CITES it remains in Appendix II.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) Nepenthes clipeata
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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