Nepenthes Alata

Nepenthes alata has a tremendous number of variations, some which may be distinct species, and also comes from a wide range of elevations. Most every form I have grown responds well to intermediate conditions.

Cultivating Ease - Easy

Type - There are highland and lowland forms of the plant. Most forms can grow in lowland conditions, except that they may refuse to pitcher. All can grow well in intermediate conditions, and probably should be the method used if you have no location data on your plant. If location data (elevation data) is available, go with those requirements, or use the growing method from the person you are buying the plant from.

Temperature - Intermediate temperatures work well for all the forms I know of, but you should try to mimic the specific environment for the type of alata plant that you have.

Humidity - Alatas's are known for their ability to handle less humidity than most other Nepenthes. 50% humidity is normally good enough for this plant, although more humidity is needed if the plant refuses to pitcher.

Light - Strong indirect light to direct sunlight.

Moisture - Keep the plant wet to moist. Do not let the soil dry out.

Soil - Long Fiber Sphagnum

Size - The plant can grow into a vigorous climber which produces an abundance of pitchers as long as the humidity is high enough and the temperatures arent excessively hot. Some forms have rather large pitchers as well, reaching a foot or more in length.

Details: This plant is fairly easy to grow. Due to the extreme number of forms and elevation ranges that the forms come from, you need to get specific location data for your plant in order to know how to grow it most effectively. Due to being able to handle intermediate temperatures and lower humidity, N. alata is an excellent plant for new growers.  

Propagation -  Easy from cuttings.

Forms - There are many color and shape forms of alata.  Some of them are:
Green forms, red forms, purple forms, highland and lowland forms, as well as boschiana mimic, which produces pitchers that are quite bulbous in the lower part.