Description & Care

Nepenthes jamban is a lovely Sumatran species named for its unique toilet-shaped upper pitchers (the word “jamban” meaning “toilet” in Indonesian). The species was first described in 2006, and it’s a native of upper montane mossy forests in Northern Sumatra, where it grows terrestrially.

This species stays relatively small, with thin dainty leaves and pitchers that rarely get larger than 10cm or so. It starts vining when relatively small, and the climbing stems benefit from the support of a stake or frame. I’d also suggest regular pruning, to encourage a nice bushy plant.

The famous upper pitchers - which can be lime green, yellow, orange, or red - have a flat, circular opening and are filled with thick, highly viscous fluid. In this respect it’s similar to related species like N. inermis and N. jacquelineae - tip over a pitcher, and the fluid will slowly pour out in an unbroken stream like glue. This characteristic helps the pitcher to function as a flypaper trap, like a sundew, as well as a pitfall trap, and helps the plant to catch large prey items (relative to its small pitchers). I often find big flying insects in N. jamban pitchers.

I grow two forms of this species: the Borneo Exotics two-clone release (BE-3875) and a couple of individuals from a new seed grex. All seem to enjoy proper highland conditions. As long as you can provide bright light, a good nighttime temperature drop, and nice high humidity, Nepenthes jamban should thrive and grow fairly quickly.