Nepenthes ‘Diana’ – Compact, Red-Pitchered Hybrid for Easy Culture
Nepenthes ‘Diana’ is a vigorous, compact grower that throws numerous bright red pitchers and tolerates a wide range of indoor and greenhouse conditions. The cross is N. ampullaria × (N. sibuyanensis × N. ventricosa), introduced by Borneo Exotics and named for Diana Cantley. Expect fast establishment, frequent basal shoots, and reliable pitcher production once light and water are on point.
● Standout Traits at a Glance
- Pitcher display: many small to medium red pitchers (≈7 – 10 cm), long-lasting with proper light.
- Growth style: compact rosettes with a tendency to produce basals; easy to keep full.
- Hybrid advantages: color and clumping from ampullaria; vigor, long tendrils, and hanging habit from sibuyanensis × ventricosa.
- Beginner-friendly: forgiving across “intermediate” culture and tolerant of typical home setups.
● Parentage and Background
Hybrid: N. ampullaria × (N. sibuyanensis × N. ventricosa). Retail and nursery notes confirm the Borneo Exotics origin; some listings cite BE-3492 for ‘Diana’ and a sibling cross as BE-3944. Named after Diana Cantley, co-owner of Borneo Exotics.
● Size and Color Expectations
- Pitchers: typically 7 – 10 cm (≈3 – 4 in) long; shades from pink to deep red depending on light.
- Habit: compact rosette that readily throws basal shoots for a fuller clump over time.
● Care That Works (Indoor, Greenhouse, or Terrarium)
- Light: bright, filtered light; a few hours of gentle sun boost color without scorching.
- Water: use pure water (rain/RO). Keep evenly moist; never waterlog the pot.
- Humidity: stable 60 – 80% is ideal; plants will still pitcher in good household RH if light is strong.
- Temperature: “Intermediate” suits it well: roughly 18 – 28 °C days, a mild night drop.
- Substrate: airy, low-nutrient mix (e.g., long-fiber sphagnum with perlite); excellent drainage.
- Feeding: occasional insects are fine; do not pour fertilizer into pitchers.
- Repotting: refresh medium annually or when sphagnum compacts.
● Common Issues and Straight Fixes
- No pitchers forming: raise light and humidity; avoid cold, stagnant air.
- Pale color: increase light gradually; maintain moisture so leaves don’t scorch.
- Slowed growth: check for compacted media and low temps; repot and warm up.
● Etymology
Genus epithet Nepenthes comes from Greek ne (“not”) + penthos (“sorrow”), referencing the mythic nepenthe that banishes grief. Cultivar name honors Diana Cantley of Borneo Exotics.
● FAQs
- Is Nepenthes ‘Diana’ officially registered as a cultivar? Widely sold under this name by specialist nurseries; not all nursery cultivars are listed in the ICPS registry.
- Windowsill-capable? Yes—bright window with stable moisture works; growth is even easier in a terrarium or greenhouse.
- Warm or cool grower? Best as an intermediate plant; tolerates a range, which is why it’s recommended for beginners.
● Add Nepenthes ‘Diana’ to Your Collection
Looking for a reliable, colorful Nepenthes that keeps producing pitchers without drama? Nepenthes ‘Diana’ delivers—compact footprint, fast pitchering, and eye-catching red cups. Grab yours and let it settle in; color and numbers ramp up quickly under good light.
Nepenthes ‘Diana’
Nepenthes 'Diana' is approximately 30 cm tall/ long, and comes in a ⌀ 14 cm pot































