N. spectabilis
plant origin: Borneo Exotics
photo taken: 8 / 11
Nepenthes spectabilis is a highland species. The pitchers
are very striated with reds on a green background and a very nice striped
peristome. There are several varieties of this species available. All the major
growers like Borneo Exotics, Nepenthes Nursery (Wistuba), Malesiana Tropicals,
and Exotica Plants have them available. Borneo Exotics seems to have a few
varieties of N. spectabilis. Because it is so striking, it is used heavily in
hybridization. For me, this species has been troublesome at times because of my
winters. It can take temperatures into the low 40's F but doesn't like them. I
would consider this species as an intermediate to some degree as it isn't as
cold tolerant as other highlanders. Smaller plants do take time to settle in to
outdoor conditions because their leaves aren't as thick and need time adjusting
to lower humidity levels than other highlanders.
RATING
intermediate? / highlander 1450m-2000m
Cultivation: slightly difficult adjusting to outdoor,
highland conditions; not that cold tolerant for a highlander
Market availability: size 2, 3, large plants, to rooted cuttings:
common
Species variability: G. bandahara, Pangulubao,
Sibuyatan, Giant form, and possibly other locality names
$ / size: inexpensive to expensive: $10.00 - $50.00 for
very large specimen plants
Cuttings: none available for trade
Sex: unknown