N. clipeata some growing advice

[rainforest]

As mentioned in another thread, there needs to be some articles written on the cultivation of this species. I have found that this species likes to be very root confined in a media that can dry out in between waterings but not fried out to the point of withering. In knowing some of the habitat descriptions of this species, it grows on cliff faces with probable strong gusty winds. I have had the best luck in growing this plant very exposed to the elements (sun, wind, rain, heat, etc.). For those who grow these indoors or in greenhouses without this feature, I would definitely say drying them out periodically should help make a better root system. Their media should be composty/mossy/and gritty/rocky/as well.
In rainy period I would imagine these plants to get very drenched and the water will run off away from the plant rapidly. The winds will aid in fast drying and so will the sun exposures and heat of the day.

Anyone else wants to contribute to how you grow your N. clipeata?

M

[marka]

I've been growing 5 plants, 3 wistuba clones a BE hybrid clone and another hybrid. Over here in the UK, most people seem to have tried either highland or lowland type conditions, as that is what they usually have available. I've tried mine in a variety of conditions from highland to lowland and allways found them to be a slow grower. Tried constant 24c, 8-15, 15-40 and most things in between, thats just the way it is wth my growing conditions and sometimes neps do well in it and sometimes they dont. What, i've found with clipeata is that it grows at a 'faster' rate if given temps around 18-24, ie warm daytime with a slight drop at night. Growth rate is now comparable to many of my lowland plants. Note that at a constant 24c growth was slower. Some of this is anecdotal and not verified but the change in growth rate has been easily observable.

I agree about letting the roots 'dry' out, I have a number of species that i let that happen to.

[Dave Evans]

Hello,

N. clipeata is an intermediate species. Specifically, this means they like hot days and cool nights. Also, many intermediate species tend to have increased airflow and slightly more sporadic water supply. This in turn means they like to have the media dry slightly more between waterings so more air get down to the roots, or you could simply add more sand or perlite to the soil and water them the same as all your another plants. I would include species like N. veitchii, N. truncata and N. albomarginata in this horticultural grouping too.

[rainforest]

In general for species occupying a windy location, I find a highland temperature range would be more appropriate for growing these. The cooling evaporative cooling effect should be a constant indication that these are in fact cooler growing for the most part. Where available water plus high wind yields equals a dry-cooling effect. While the average grower is not capable of duplicating this wind tunnel effect, growing this species cooler will inevitably mimic this wind tunnel's effect of a dry cool result.
Try growing this cooler and allow frequent drying in between regular soakings. Your plant should thrive better with this in mind.

Michael

[marka]

I don't think the plants would control the leaf temperature to anything below the optimum for photosynthesis, its unlikely a plant growing in warm conditions would drop the leaf temperature too far down, in order to mimic highland conditions. For me, clipeata is warm/intermediate plant, but not a true lowland.

[rainforest]

The plants don't control leaf or surrounding temperatures, just rely on the cool temp drops to actively break down sugars during the cold night time drops.
Days are hot, dry wind, and evaporation rates are highest.

M

[marka]

On the contrary, many plants do control the leaf temperature, the rate of evaporation is controlled by the opening/closing of the stomata and the rate of evaporation controls the leaf temperature. The optimum temperature for trees for example is 21C, regardless of they they are in the tropics or in cold temperate regions. In the tropics the temperature is lowered by the evaporation of water in the daytime and raised in temperate regions by the leaves growing crowded together and 'trapping' heat between them.

Clipeata does not grow at high enough altitudes to experience a particularly cool temperature at night.

[rainforest]

Night time temperature drops are not mentioned anywhere, all my cooling effect discussion was due to an evaporative cooling that occurs in areas of high wind velocity. The evidence of clipeatas closed narrow peristome exposure helps to reduce the occurrence of evaporation. The trailing growth habit also coincides with a growing area with strong winds and pendant habitat. N. clipeata do grow well in cooler environments and this I believe has a lot to do with the cooling effect from drying winds exposure almost constantly.

M

[marka]

You said

just rely on the cool temp drops to actively break down sugars during the cold night time drops

Then said

Night time temperature drops are not mentioned anywhere

Your contradicting yourself and your logic is lacking, I do agree they are not lowlanders, but I do not agree that they are Highlanders.