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Heliamphora

High above the steamy, tropical jungles of South America on the cloudy, misty tepuis, grows one of the more primitive carnivorous plants, the Heliamphora. This really is something out of a story book. The tepuis are high sandstone cliffs which are constantly rained upon quickly stripping nutrients and organic material, washing it off the cliffs in waterfalls. In fact, the tepuis are home to the highest (tallest?) waterfall in the world, Angel Falls.

Despite all that they have going against them, plants do survive and grow, often sprouting in the dead remains of each other. In fact, several species of carnivorous plants make their homes here besides Heliamphoraincluding Drosera and Utriculariaspecies and a carnivorous bromeliad.

The traps of Heliamphoraare little more than leaves which have been curled around to form a funnel. To get an approximation of what they look like, take a sheet of paper and form a funnel. That's about it! The pitchers arise from a brittle rhizome and slowly form clumps over time. At the front of the pitcher is a slit about one quarter of the way down, which allows excess rain waters to drain without losing its precious contents of insects.

Insects are attracted to the pitchers by the nectar bell, a small red protrusion at the top of the back of the pitcher. Whether it is for nectar, or the small amount of protection it offers from the rain is unknown. Generally, insects fight over this tiny space, the loser often ending up in the pitcher and becoming lunch (or dinner, depending on the time of day).

Due to their location, Heliamphoraare generally protected from land development and collectors. In fact, new species of Heliamphorahave been discovered very recently. The fact that they are difficult to collect, and are generally slow growers makes them very expensive when offered for sale.

Species

There are several species, with new ones being discovered all the time. Currently, there is Heliamphora nutans, H. minor, H. heterodoxa, H. ionassi,and H. tatei. Hybrids also exist, which are fertile.

Soil and Containers

Heliamphoralike a loose soil. Growers generally use live sphagnum, but a mix of equal parts peat moss, sand, perlite, and orchid bark is also suitable. The containers should be plastic, and vary according to the species. H. minorcan be grown in a small 4 inch pot, while H. ionassirequires at least an eight inch pot.

Heliamphorashould sit in about an inch of water, and appreciate being watered and misted overhead with coolish water.

Climate

Despite being from the tropics, the tepuis are relatively cool and can survive temperatures down to +5 degrees celsius. While Heliamphorado not have a definite dormancy period, they do appreciate a fluctuation in photoperiod. They also enjoy some sunlight (up to about 50% of full sun) which brings out their red colouration.

Propagation

Heliamphoracan be propagated by seed, division, and tissue culture.

Division is, as always, the simplest way to obtain a large plant in short order. This should be done in spring, and you should be mindful of the fact that the rhizome and roots are very brittle.

Seed is somewhat difficult. The first difficulty is that Heliamphoraare shy flowerers, a shame considering the beauty of them. The second difficulty is in obtaining pollen, which does not simply fall off in showers like it does in the Sarracenia. To release the pollen will require either a tuning fork (which simulates the vibration of the wing beat of natural pollinators), or by removing and tearing open the pollen sac. Once pollinated, seed pods will take several months to ripen. Sow the seed immediately upon the standard mix and germination should occur within a couple of weeks. Mature plants take 5 years or longer to grow from seed.

Heliamphoraare slowly being introduced into tissue culture, which should hopefully bring down the price of these plants in the future.

Seasonal Care

As with all carnivorous plants, care must be taken to remove all dead material to prevent fungus, especially considering the high humidity conditions Heliamphoralike to grow in. Every few years, soil should be changed, and plants divided.

Pests and Diseases

I have not found my plants to be particularly susceptible to any pests. Given that disturbance of this plant can severely set it back in growth, I would recommend avoiding pesticides and fungicides if at all possible.