Nepenthes ampullaria 'Lime Twist': The Arrival

This was the other birthday present I had mentioned that I had to wait, (wringing my hands,) for. I had seen pictures online of Borneo Exotics' 'Lime Twist' clone and loved it. I usually can't afford the latest and greatest releases from Nepenthes nurseries, (and I certainly would never ask someone else to buy me something expensive,) so I didn't think anymore about it.

I did check to see what my favorite vendor had up on his website a few weeks ago though, and there it was, (at a good price none the less!) I then had one of those moments when you debate your need for a particular item. My mom is a plant hoarder too, so she loves to give these kind of gifts as much as I like receiving them. I have to pick her out something really good for the upcoming holidays in return for this one.

So here it is, the package!

Awww yeaaaaa...

How it came packaged

Some tiny pitchers on it

The best part? It came with two growth points!

I always prefer getting plants bare root. I re-pot everything new right away anyway, plus it's safer for the plant to travel that way. Nepenthes are particular about their conditions and through some trial and error I know what works for mine here. I'd rather deal with the growth delay of the shock of a transplant and a move all at once. I've found it's just easier on everybody; the plant can go undisturbed for longer, gets potted ready for my growing conditions allowing for an easier adjustment, and I don't have to mess with it again for a long time.

A nice healthy root system

Re-potted. Although I trust this vendor, little ampullaria 'Lime Twist' will still be quarantined for about a week anyway. Then it goes into the lowland tank next to the other ampullaria (the 'Brunei Red' from last week's post,) so this one will have an impressive big brother or sister to inspire it to grow well. If nothing else I know it's a good spot in the tank for amps.

Re-potted

Tiny pitchers!

I know it's not much to look at yet, but when this one grows up a little, it will be stunning. The pitchers will have light lime green peristomes and  red bodies with harlequin type spots of darker and lighter reds.

You will very rarely see an online nursery or vendor recommendation in this blog. I don't usually have strong feelings about a place to bother for a few reasons. If they do their part of the transaction correctly your order should be processed in a timely manner,  the plants should be shipped fast, packed well, and arrive healthy. That's nothing to rave about, that's just what should be expected. I also will never put up a bad review because sometimes unexpected things happen and unless it's a total ripoff, I believe in second chances. Most importantly, I really don't want people coming after me about something I said when their experience turns out different.

That being said, here is the first (and hopefully not last?) time I actually do have something I feel confident enough to put out there. Par O Bek Orchids/ExoticPlantsPlus.com has been my go to place for Nepenthes, to the point where I really don't order from anywhere else anymore. Tony Paroubek takes better care of them for a better price than anywhere else. Highly recommended, skip the bigger/more famous carnivorous plant nurseries here that overcharge for smaller Nepenthes. I've consistently received better then expected service, Nepenthes, or both, with every order.