Borneo Pitcher Plant Plant Care
Anatropanthus borneensis Schltr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white veining, making it a striking addition to any collection. Originating from Borneo, Anatropanthus borneensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and rare appearance in cultivation. Its distinct visual appeal and elusive nature make it a coveted gem for enthusiasts looking to add a touch of tropical elegance to their indoor gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Water Borneo Pitcher Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Borneo Pitcher Plant (Anatropanthus borneensis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Anatropanthus genus. Borneo Pitcher Plant is native to the Island of Borneo. Borneo Pitcher Plant is also known as Bornean Cobra Lily.
Borneo Pitcher Plant displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Borneo Pitcher Plant produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Anatropanthus borneensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Borneo Pitcher Plant Need?
Borneo Pitcher Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Borneo Pitcher Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Borneo Pitcher Plant Prefer?
Anatropanthus borneensis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Borneo Pitcher Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Borneo Pitcher Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Feed Borneo Pitcher Plant every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Borneo Pitcher Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.
Is the Borneo Pitcher Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Borneo Pitcher Plant?
Borneo Pitcher Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Borneo Pitcher Plant Need?
Borneo Pitcher Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Borneo Pitcher Plant is native to the Island of Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Borneo Pitcher Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Borneo Pitcher Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anatropanthus genus — compare its care with other Anatropanthus species on PlantoScan.
Anatropanthus is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Borneo Pitcher Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anatropanthus borneensis Schltr., family Apocynaceae (first published in Beibl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 92: 18 (1908)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Borneo Pitcher Plant is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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