Nepenthes lowii is one of the most extraordinary and iconic species in the entire carnivorous plant world – a highland tropical pitcher plant endemic to Borneo with an evolutionary secret that sets it apart from every other Nepenthes. While juvenile plants produce conventional insect-trapping pitchers at ground level, mature plants develop radically different aerial pitchers that function as tree shrew toilets. The mountain tree shrew (Tupaia montana) visits the upper pitchers to feed on sweet, buttery nectar secreted beneath the reflexed lid, while its droppings fall directly into the pitcher below. Research has shown that between 57 and 100% of this plant's foliar nitrogen comes from tree shrew faeces – making N. lowii one of the only plants on Earth that has evolved to actively collect and digest animal waste instead of live prey.

The lower (juvenile) pitchers are subcylindrical and dark-colored with maroon to near-black interiors, reaching up to 13 cm (5 inches) tall. They function as conventional insect traps, catching small arthropods with their slippery peristome and waxy interior. The upper (mature) pitchers are the true spectacle: elongated, hourglass-shaped, strongly constricted in the middle, measuring 15-28 cm (6-11 inches), with a dramatically reflexed lid covered in coarse bristles that produce the characteristic white, waxy exudate. The peristome on upper pitchers is greatly reduced – an adaptation that makes these pitchers poor insect traps but perfectly sized for a tree shrew to straddle while feeding. In cultivation, the plant is a slow-growing vine that can ultimately reach several meters in length, though indoor specimens typically remain much smaller for many years.

Care Requirements:

• Light: Bright filtered light or partial shade. A few hours of direct morning sun is tolerated. Grow lights (12-14 hour photoperiod) work well for terrarium culture.
• Water: Use ONLY distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater. Keep soil consistently moist but very well-drained – never waterlogged. N. lowii is prone to root rot, especially when young. Do not use the tray/saucer method.
• Soil: Extremely well-draining mix: 3 parts long-fibered sphagnum, 1 part orchid bark, 1 part perlite/pumice. Some growers use over 50% perlite. Net pots improve drainage significantly. NEVER use regular potting soil.
• Temperature: HIGHLAND species – 19-27°C (66-80°F) daytime with a critical 8-12°C nighttime drop to 9-17°C (48-63°F). The night drop is essential for healthy growth. Do not expose to prolonged temperatures above 30°C.
• Humidity: 70-90% ideal. Consistent high humidity is crucial for pitcher development. Terrarium or highland chamber recommended for best results.
• Feeding: Small insects for lower pitchers. Alternatively, dried fish food, osmocote pellets, or dilute foliar fertilizer (Maxsea) once monthly. Upper pitchers in cultivation can also receive occasional insect feeding.

Botanical Info: Family: Nepenthaceae | Genus: Nepenthes | Species: N. lowii Hook.f. (1859) | Common Name: Low's Pitcher Plant | Type: Highland Tropical Vine | Altitude: 1,650-2,600 m | Endemic to: Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei) | Named after: Hugh Low (discovered 1851, Mount Kinabalu) | IUCN: Vulnerable (VU) | CITES: Appendix II