Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nepenthes khasiana
IntermediateNepenthes khasiana
The only pitcher plant native to India. It bears slender green pitchers streaked with reddish brown, thought to lure insects with blue fluorescence. It is a CITES Appendix I species, so transfers in Japan need a registration certificate.
About
Nepenthes khasiana is the only Nepenthes species native to India, centred on the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya in the north-east; it was described by Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1873. Isolated populations also occur in the Jaintia and Garo Hills and parts of Assam and Nagaland. It grows at about 1,000-1,500 m in an area of very high rainfall, where nights can be fairly cool and days never get really hot. It is a climber to about 4 m. The pitchers are slender, a little under 20 cm long and 3-4.5 cm across, green with reddish-brown stripes and a narrow peristome 6-10 mm wide. The pitchers are thought to attract prey with blue fluorescence. Local names translate as 'demon flower' and 'devil's basket'. In the 19th-century horticultural trade it was often confused with N. distillatoria of Sri Lanka. Habitat loss, acid drainage from coal mining and collection have reduced its numbers; it is Endangered on the IUCN Red List and listed in CITES Appendix I. It is rarely offered in Japan, mostly at online auctions. When buying, always make sure a registration certificate under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species comes with the plant.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Nepenthes khasiana
The Nepenthes khasiana grows to Pitchers just under 20 cm long; stems to about 4 m.
Basic Info
Origin
North-east India (Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and nearby, about 1,000-1,500 m)
Lifespan
Perennial (climbing)
Size
Pitchers just under 20 cm long; stems to about 4 m
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects)
Growing Tips
Temperature & Overwintering
Its home is upland where nights are cool and days never get very hot. Keep it somewhere cool and airy in long hot spells, and protect it from frost in winter.
Light & Placement
Likes bright light, but harsh midsummer sun can scorch it. Keep it in bright part shade where humidity can be kept up.
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.
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
A CITES Appendix I species; selling or giving plants within Japan requires a registration certificate. Do not buy plants without one.
Nepenthes khasiana FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Nepenthes khasiana?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Nepenthes khasiana get?
The mature size of Nepenthes khasiana is Pitchers just under 20 cm long; stems to about 4 m. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Nepenthes khasiana?
Nepenthes khasiana: watering & fertilizer — Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Nepenthes khasiana?
The price of Nepenthes khasiana 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 khasiana Hook.fil.
Synonyms: Nepenthes khasyana（旧綴り）
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Nepenthes khasiana Hook.fil.
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix I, so international commercial trade is prohibited in principle. Within Japan, transferring a plant (selling or giving it away) in principle requires a registration certificate under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, and plants propagated in Japan also have to be registered. Always check that a registration certificate comes with the plant.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) Nepenthes khasiana
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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