Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nepenthes northiana
AdvancedNepenthes northiana
A large pitcher plant found only on limestone cliffs around Bau in Sarawak, Borneo. Its red-blotched pitchers reach 40 cm tall, with a peristome that flares widely to the sides in wavy frills.
About
Nepenthes northiana is a pitcher plant species endemic to the Kuching Division of Sarawak, Borneo, particularly the hills around the village of Bau. It is restricted to limestone at 0-500 m and grows mostly on near-vertical limestone cliffs with permanent water seepage. It is named after the English botanical artist Marianne North, who first painted it, and was named by J. D. Hooker in 1881; her painting prompted the Veitch nursery to send a collector and introduce seed to Britain. The climbing stem reaches 10 m. Lower pitchers are ovoid, up to 40 cm tall and 15 cm wide, among the largest in the genus, and exceptional ones hold more than a quart (about 950 ml) of fluid. They are greenish white with numerous red blotches, and the peristome flares up to 25 mm wide at the sides with wavy margins, white to red with darker stripes. Quarrying and past over-collection have reduced it, and it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It closely resembles N. mapuluensis of East Kalimantan and is also compared with N. veitchii, though it is larger and more vividly coloured. In Japan it is sold by specialist nurseries and at online auctions.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Nepenthes northiana
The Nepenthes northiana grows to Lower pitchers up to 40 cm tall and 15 cm wide; stems to 10 m.
Basic Info
Origin
Sarawak, Borneo (limestone hills around Bau, 0-500 m)
Lifespan
Perennial climber
Size
Lower pitchers up to 40 cm tall and 15 cm wide; stems to 10 m
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects)
Growing Tips
Temperature & Overwintering
A lowland plant that likes warmth all year; keep it in a warm, fairly humid room through winter.
Light & Placement
It grows on exposed cliffs and likes bright light; in low light it rarely forms its big pitchers.
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.
Soil & Repotting
In the wild it grows only on limestone; in cultivation use a free-draining mix and avoid soggy roots.
Fertilizer
If using chemical fertilizer, use it at very low strength; an occasional insect dropped into a pitcher is enough.
Pests & Cautions
Wild populations have been reduced by over-collection. Buy only seed-grown or tissue-cultured plants.
Nepenthes northiana FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Nepenthes northiana?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Nepenthes northiana get?
The mature size of Nepenthes northiana is Lower pitchers up to 40 cm tall and 15 cm wide; stems to 10 m. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Nepenthes northiana?
Nepenthes northiana: watering & fertilizer — Very dilute fertilizer at most (catches insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Nepenthes northiana?
The price of Nepenthes northiana 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 northiana Hook.f.
Synonyms: Nepenthes decurrens Macfarl., Nepenthes spuria Beck
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Nepenthes northiana Hook.fil.
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.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) Nepenthes northiana
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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