Sir Chomps a Lot is a captivating carnivorous plant that has garnered significant public interest. This unique species stands out due to its specialized adaptations and unusual predatory habits.
Meet Sir Chomp-a-Lot
Scientifically known as Nepenthes attenboroughii, this plant earned its common moniker, “Sir Chomp-a-Lot,” due to its striking features. It produces exceptionally large, bell-shaped pitchers, up to 30 cm tall, capable of holding 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid. These specialized leaves function as traps, luring and digesting insects and even small vertebrates. While large enough to potentially trap small mammals like shrews, such occurrences are rare and accidental in the wild; insects are their typical prey.
The pitchers are covered in downward-facing hairs, making escape difficult for prey. The lower portion contains a viscous digestive fluid, while the upper part often fills with rainwater. This plant was recognized as one of the “top 10 new species described in 2009” by the International Institute for Species Exploration.
Natural Habitat and Discovery
Nepenthes attenboroughii is indigenous to the remote, high-altitude mountains of Palawan in the Philippines, specifically Mount Victoria and Mount Sagpaw within the Victoria Massif, at elevations from 1,450 to 1,726 meters above sea level. This plant thrives in rocky, ultramafic soils, rich in nickel and magnesium, which are generally inhospitable to many other plant species.
The species was discovered by botanists Alastair Robinson, Stewart R. McPherson, and Volker B. Heinrich in June 2007, during an expedition to catalog pitcher plant species across the Philippine Archipelago. Its formal description was published in February 2009, and it was named in honor of broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough. Missionary reports from 2000, describing giant Nepenthes on the mountain, initiated the expedition.
Cultivating Sir Chomp-a-Lot
Cultivating Nepenthes attenboroughii outside its native environment presents considerable challenges due to its specific requirements. This plant is difficult to grow and not recommended for beginners, typically necessitating a specialized terrarium or greenhouse setup to mimic its natural montane habitat.
High light levels are beneficial, but direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so indirect or diffused light is preferable. Temperatures must be carefully managed, with warm days between 23-28°C (73-82°F) and significantly cooler nights, ideally dropping to 13-18°C (55-64°F). This day-night temperature differential is characteristic of its highland origins.
Humidity levels are also crucial, with this species thriving in consistently high humidity, ideally above 80-90%. Lower humidity can inhibit pitcher production, though plants can acclimate to levels around 50-65% with reduced vigor. Misting the leaves and pitchers, using a humidifier, or grouping plants together can help maintain humidity.
The substrate should be highly specialized, well-draining, and nutrient-poor. A suitable mix often includes long-fibered sphagnum moss, perlite, and sometimes orchid bark or kanuma in a 1:1:1 ratio. Regular potting soil should be avoided, as it is too rich and can lead to root rot.
Watering should always be done with distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater, as tap water contains minerals that can harm the plant. The substrate should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, as the roots are prone to rotting. While some growers use a tray with water for humidity, the plant itself should not sit in standing water.
Feeding in cultivation is generally not frequently necessary, as the plant obtains nutrients through its pitchers. If desired, a few dead insects, such as crickets or bloodworms, can be placed in the pitchers every few weeks, ensuring they contain some fluid. Some growers also use diluted orchid fertilizer or slow-release pellets placed directly into the pitchers, but direct fertilization of the growing media should be avoided.
Conservation Status
Nepenthes attenboroughii is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This designation reflects its extremely restricted distribution, found only on a few peaks within the Victoria Massif in Palawan. Its rarity makes it vulnerable to various threats.
Threats to its survival include habitat destruction, often due to mining activities, and illegal collection for the horticultural trade. The plant’s desirability among collectors contributes to poaching pressure. While control measures for the trade of endangered Nepenthes species exist, better enforcement and protected zones are needed to ensure its long-term survival.