N. hookeriana X spectabilis
purchase date: 9 / 06
arrived as a large plant
plant origin: Exotica Plants
photo taken:  10 / 06

Nepenthes hookeriana X spectabilis is complex hybrid with a lowlander (N. X hookeriana = N. rafflesiana X ampullaria) and a highlander N. spectabilis. When I first got this plant I was stunned. It really is gorgeous. The peristome is darkly striped from the N. spectabilis while still maintaining a tubby shape form N. X hookeriana. I'm beginning to think that EP's hybrids with N. spectabilis are producing some great results. I haven't had this plant long. I'm growing it outdoors under shade cloth for now. This year will be its first winter so I'll be able to see if it stresses out in highland conditions. It may turn out that I will need to move it indoors if temperatures drop below the 40's F. My guess is that this plant does best in intermediate to lowland conditions but will tolerate some extremes. As of late I haven't seen this hybrid available on EP's list. Another grower told me that it was available a year or so ago and then dropped off the list. This hybrid is very nice and worth trying to seek out.

Cultivation: appears easy outdoors in intermediate conditions, probably does better in warmer temperatures
Market availability: size 3? to larger plants; limited
Species variability: some among the different seed grown plants
$ / size: expensive; $50.00 and up
Cuttings: none available for trade
Sex: unknown