Nepenthes spectabilis X talangensis is hybrid between two highlanders. There are two versions of this plant around: EP and BE. The EP hybrid has the best of both parents. The pitchers have the N. talangensis shape with the striping and patching of N. spectabilis. I saw this hybrid first in one of the Nepenthes forums and loved it. Before then, I'd never seen this plant around. I was extremely fortunate to get a rooted cutting from a private grower that had the hybrid as a generous gift and future trade. That's what makes the Nepenthes culture so great. Many growers readily exchange cuttings in trade to promote the hobby and make plants available. He sent me a pitcher from his adult plant and that is the one in the photo. As the plant gets larger it really puts on a show according to him. BE has released their version of N. spectabilis X talangensis as well. Some are from seed and others are from random clones in tc. BE says there's some variation between the clones ranging in different hues and such. I have several clones of the BE hybrids but none are as big as the EP plant so it's too early to tell what the adult pitchers will look like. However, both parent plants are very nice and I expect this hybrid to be very attractive
RATING
intermediate? / highlander (not a naturally
occurring hybrid)
Cultivation: slow to moderate
grower outdoors; may tolerate intermediate conditions because of N. spectabilis
parentage
Market
availability: size 2, 3, large plants, rooted cuttings; BE clones
common, EP cuttings limited
Species variability: some among the various BE clones, not sure
on the EP cuttings
$
/ size: inexpensive to expensive; $20.00 - $80.00 for the EP cuttings
when available
Cuttings: none
available for trade
Sex: male (EP plant)