Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary'
Eish… this one's gone!
Discover what’s still available ⤵️
- At Cultivo, every release is carefully selected and grown with purpose. We don’t mass restock - most plants are small-batch, seasonal or one-of-a-kind “exact plant pictured” pieces. Once they’re sold, they’re truly gone. That’s why you won’t see a typical “email me when available” option on these listings
- Some seasonal items or small-batch variants may return in the future. If that happens, we’ll update the original listing with new photos and details
- 🔔 For updates on new and rare arrivals, keep an eye on our New Arrivals Collection or join our VIP list above.
- 📚 Want to know how stock works at Cultivo? Read "When will … be back in stock?" in our FAQ Library
Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' — N. ventricosa × ampullaria
One of the most recognisable Nepenthes hybrids in cultivation — and for good reason. Bloody Mary produces compact, deep red pitchers that hold their colour and shape almost year-round, making it one of the most visually rewarding tropical pitcher plants you can grow.
This is a single WYSIWYG plant at 5–7 cm leaf span with pitchers actively developing. Fully acclimatised to South African conditions and ready to perform from day one.
What makes this plant stand out
- Deep red pitchers up to 10 cm — bold, long-lasting colour that holds almost year-round when kept warm
- Compact growth habit — ideal for terrariums, paludariums, and bright windowsills without taking over the space
- Hardy and adaptable — tolerates a wide range of SA conditions; one of the most forgiving Nepenthes hybrids available
- Fully acclimatised — grown in our own collection and adjusted to local conditions before listing
- One plant, one listing — WYSIWYG; you receive the exact plant photographed
Shipped bareroot — the collector's way
Ships bareroot in moist sphagnum — arrives healthy, roots intact, ready to pot into your own mix exactly the way you want it. Bareroot shipping reduces transit stress, keeps the root zone healthy, and gives you full control over substrate and setup from day one. It's the method trusted by serious growers worldwide.
Need soil? Pick up our carnivorous plant soil for Nepenthes on your way to checkout.
Growing notes
Bloody Mary thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light — temperatures of 18–32°C suit it well. The ampullaria parent makes this one more cold-sensitive than typical intermediate hybrids: during South African winters, keep it in your warmest spot indoors, away from cold windows and draughts. A terrarium or heated growing space is ideal through the colder months. Growth slows in winter but pitchers hold well when kept warm — and it bounces back strongly in spring.
How we measure plant size
Tropical pitcher plants are measured across the leafspan — from leaf tip to leaf tip of the two largest leaves, not including tendrils or pitchers.
Quick FAQ
What size will I receive?
This is a WYSIWYG listing — the exact plant photographed is what you'll receive. Current leaf span is 5–7 cm with pitchers actively developing.
Is Bloody Mary difficult to grow?
Not at all — it's one of the most beginner-friendly Nepenthes hybrids available. It adapts well to a wide range of conditions and is very forgiving of minor care inconsistencies.
What is N. ventricosa × ampullaria?
Bloody Mary is a hybrid between N. ventricosa (a hardy highland species) and N. ampullaria (a lowland species known for its striking pitchers). The combination produces a vigorous, adaptable plant with exceptional pitcher colour.
Does it need special care in winter?
Yes — more than most. The ampullaria parent makes Bloody Mary more cold-sensitive than typical intermediate Nepenthes. During SA winters, move it to your warmest indoor spot — a heated room, terrarium, or warm windowsill away from cold draughts. Avoid temperatures below 15°C. Keep humidity up and it'll hold its pitchers and push through to spring in good shape.
Unfamiliar with how carnivorous plants behave in winter? Read our winter dormancy guide here.
Is Bloody Mary suitable for a terrarium or paludarium?
Yes — it's one of the best Nepenthes choices for an enclosed or semi-enclosed setup. Its compact growth habit keeps it manageable in smaller spaces and it thrives in the warm, humid microclimate a terrarium or paludarium provides. The deep red pitchers make it a visual centrepiece. Just ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues and keep temperatures above 18°C year-round.
Can I only buy one?
Yes — once-off, single-plant listing. When it's gone, it's gone.
