Nepenthes rafflesiana – I can take it or leave it. Maybe it’s the shape of the pitcher that doesn’t appeal to me.
But when crossed with ampullaria, the resultant hybrid is a winner.
The oval, sometimes globular, shape of the ampullaria is distinct in the hybrid hookeriana. So too is the wide peristome.
What I love about the hook, as I call it, is its form. I love the rounded hooks best.
But really round ones are hard to come by and are tagged with formidable prices.
..
Most hooks are speckled, while some come in pure unadulterated colours. I love hooks that look like delicious ripened apples, the redder the better.
Lately, I’ve seen pink, purple, bronze and even gorgeously black hooks. Unfortunately they are all as rare as hen’s teeth.
Some hooks have green peristomes, some red, purple, yellow – you name it. Imagine the wonder of God’s creation and the innumerable combinations that can be found. Imagine collecting them all.
One needs to exercise some form of self-restraint though – unless of course, one has a yard the size of a football field and pockets a mile deep.
Since I do not have either, I’ll just be thankful for the hooks I do have.
Care and propagation: mix of peat moss, pine bark, sand and perlite; moss topping; bright light, slightly shielded from the hot afternoon sun; water generously. Propagate using cuttings or by separating basal plants.
Wow! You have alot of hookers there! I’ve only got one which has a striped peristome. Gonna drool xP
there are many on my wishlist, but i am grateful for what i do have. 🙂
Nice hooks you got there… you’re right on on the roundish pitcher hook, they’re few and far between 😉
thanks, nepnut. a very small collection compared to yours i am sure. 🙂
So many outstanding reddish hooks…all on my wishlist.