N. X "Briggsiana" (left), N. lowii "Kinabalu" (right). Notice the hairy lid on the N. lowii


N. lowii "Mt. Kinabalu"
purchase date: 10 / 01
arrived as a small size 3
plant origin: unsure, CP Jungle
photo taken:  8 / 05


N. lowii "Mt. Trusmadi"
purchase date: 2 / 03
arrived as a size 3
plant origin: Borneo Exotics


Nepenthes lowii is one of the classic highland Nepenthes. This species is famous for its hourglass pitcher and exaggerated peristome in the upper pitchers. Unfortunately it is a very slow growing species. I have had some problems with a few of my plants. For some reason the main growing point was abandoned for sideshoots instead on a few of my oldest N. lowiis. If the plants had not have done this, I might have some upper pitchers by now. I'm growing some in more shaded locations while I have a few others in full sun on a deck. They seem to be doing fine in both locations. Borneo Exotics said in one of the forums that upper pitchers will be produced faster with increased sunlight. On occasion some other privated growers have posted photos of their lowiis with upper pitchers but it is somewhat rare. Plants are widely available through the Nepenthes Nursery and Borneo Exotics mainly. Exotica Plants has a Mt. Trusmadi N. lowii available as well. Most of the plants are small. Around 3" - 4" for the most part. Prices have dropped and small N. lowiis are relatively cheap compared to a few years back. Also, there seems to be several clones from different locations too. Some include Mt. Kinabalu, Gunung Mulu, Gunung Murud and Mt. Trusmadi. Since it is a highlander, N. lowii likes cooler nights. Lowland growers have told me they can't sustain growth over time with consistent warm temperatures year around. I do know one grower who has a beautiful plant he's been growing indoors under lights and his night time temperatures hover around the low 60's. I also suspect you could grow this as a windowsill plant too when small. This species makes some very spectacular hybrids as well. One of the most sought after is N. lowii x ventricosa. Some clones go by N. X "Briggsiana". The beauty of this hybrid is you get the N. lowii upper pitcher look with the versatility of a N. ventricosa. Exotica Plants is definitely the leader when it comes to putting out hybrids with N. lowii. Any of those hybrids are highly collectible and in short supply.

RATING
highlander 1600m-2600m

Cultivation: moderate to easy; slow grower; likes cool nights for adequate sustained growth
Market availability: size 2, size 3, possible larger specimens; common
Species variability: differences depending on locality, but overall not highly variable
$ / size: moderate to collector's plant;  $25.00 to $100.00 and up for larger specimens
Cuttings: none available
Sex: unknown