N. bicalcarata X maxima
purchase date: 7 / 06
arrived as a size 3
plant origin: Exotica Plants
photo taken:  8 / 06

Nepenthes bicalcarata X maxima is a hybrid between a lowlander and a highlander. So far the pitcher shape tends to be more like N. bicalcarata in shape but the splotchy color pattern comes from the N. maxima. I haven't noticed the retention of any fangs that make N. bicalcarata so unique. Generally speaking, most hybrids that use N. bicalcarata tend to lose the fangs and may only have two "bumps" where the fangs would be. My plants' leaves look like N. bicalcarata and aren't real leathery like N. maxima. Exotica Plants lists this hybrid as an intermediate. I'm currently growing it outdoors under some shade cloth and it is doing quite well. I'm amazed there hasn't been any leaf disfigurement do to the low humidity I grow my plants in. N. bicalcarata is notorious for needing high humidity and temperatures to thrive but this hybrid really does seem to act like an intermediate. As lower temperatures occur in winter, I may have to move this plant indoors to avoid severe stress. I have a feeling by the looks of this hybrid that it can't take as low of temperatures as some of my other more forgiving intermediates.  

Cultivation: moderate outdoors in warmer weather, may need to be moved indoors in winter; potential indoor plant as well
Market availability: size 3, available now from Exotica and their distributors
Species variability: may be some among the different seed raised clones
$ / size: moderate $30.00 and up
Cuttings: none available for trade
Sex: unknown