Windowsill growing

[nepsaroundthehouse]

This thread will be for discussing success and failures of windowsill growing. Which species / hybrids do well as windowsill specimens and what techniques are used to cultivate them in this atypical environment.

[nepsaroundthehouse]

Windowsill growing can be successful for Nepenthes. I've seen photos of gorgeous Nepenthes grown indoors next to a sunny window with plenty of pitchers. Not all Nepenthes can be grown this way, but if you don't have the money or space for lights or greenhouses then windowsills may be an option.

I will grow small highlander seedlings and intermediates as windowsill plants. Smaller plants fit better on windowsills than larger plants at first. A good example for me is N. clipeata. It is thick leaved but does well on a windowsill providing there's ample air circulation. Smaller more vulnerable Nepenthes that I don't want to risk outdoors settle in on the windowsill until they get big enough for me to move outdoors. You can grow bigger Nepenthes in hanging baskets as well providing their other cultivation requirements are met.

To me, the two biggest problems that can occur with windowsill growing is poor lighting and air circulation. I get around the air circulation by leaving the windows open next to the pots. There's enough daytime air movement through the screens for the plants. The Nepenthes like this and it also allows the soil to dry out and not stay too wet. I leave the window next to my highland seedlings open all night so they can chill a bit and close the other window where my clipeatas are so they don't go down as low. In winter, break out the quilt. Of course I don't freeze myself for the benefit of my plants. So if the temps get into the low 40's and 30's the window closes at night. Point is, with a little modification you can grow some Nepenthes quite well this way.

When it comes to lighting, it needs to be strong but not roasting. Sunlight streaming through a window can heat up a plant and burn the leaves. This usually happens to new arrivals I'm acclimating. The best option is to place the plant on the screen side of the window or, have it slightly away from the window. As long as the Nepenthes gets a good amount of strong lighting, it should be enough for decent growth. South facing windows provide the most sunlight. East facing windows provide morning sun while west facing windows will provide afternoon sun.

For best success, start off with known hybrids and / or species that are hardy. Don't try to grow expensive plants or difficult plants to experiment with. Most likely you'll waste your money and become frustrated. In other words, don't start off with showy Nepenthes like villosa, hamata, and bicalcarata. It's tempting I know. Start off with cheap hybrids or species like ventricosa, maxima, and alata to name a few. You'll more likely have success and gain experience cultivating Nepenthes as well as enjoy the hobby.