Raffles' pitcher plant Nepenthes rafflesiana
Raffles' pitcher plant (Nepenthes rafflesiana) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Nepenthaceae family, native to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo (lowland heath, swamp-forest edges and sandy open ground). It grows 1–4 m (3.3–13 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Raffles' pitcher plant in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Raffles' pitcher plant at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Nepenthaceae |
| Mature height | 1–4 m (3.3–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 3.5–5.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–209 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo (lowland heath, swamp-forest edges and sandy open ground) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Raffles' pitcher plant toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Pitcher plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Raffles' pitcher plant
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
See Raffles' pitcher plant in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (3 plants)
Questions about Raffles' pitcher plant
- How far apart should I plant Raffles' pitcher plant?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Raffles' pitcher plant need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Raffles' pitcher plant need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Raffles' pitcher plant?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Raffles' pitcher plant flower?
- About 104–209 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Raffles' pitcher plant poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Pitcher plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Raffles' pitcher plant?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Raffles' pitcher plant. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical lowland plant: outdoors only where it never frosts (as in Singapore); elsewhere it needs a heated glasshouse.
- Carnivorous lowland climber: squat, red-speckled lower pitchers sit on the ground and funnel-shaped upper pitchers hang from tendrils; needs acid, nutrient-poor peat or sand.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Winged pitcher plant Nepenthes alata
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea