Media Manipulation to Enhance In Vitro Pitcher Formation in Nepenthes mirabilis (Lour.) Druce for Microfloriculture Development

Microfloriculture refers to souvenirs and Living Room Ornaments made from the <em>in vitro</em> cultured ornamental plants, which are innovative, unique, environmentally friendly, and can be produced across the year. <em>In vitro</em> pitcher-forming <em>Nepenthes mirabilis</em> will increase the attractiveness and market value of microfloriculture products. Two experiments have been carried out to stimulate <em>in vitro</em> pitcher formation in <em>N. mirabilis</em> using a completely randomized design (CRD) of a two-factorial treatment pattern with three replicates. The first experiment tested different Murashige and Skoog (MS) media formulations (full-strength, 3/4MS, 1/2MS, and 1/4MS) and phytagel concentrations (0, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 g l<sup>-1</sup>). The same media formulations and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μM) were tested in the second experiment. The results showed that the explants cultured on 1/4MS media produced the greatest number of shoots (3.83-8.25) and leaves (26.17-26.75), the earliest pitcher formation (27.75±2.06 days), the highest number of pitchers (6.50±2.65), and pitcher-forming leaves (23.30±5.10%). Liquid media enhanced leaves (28.33±4.97) and pitchers (6.42±3.36) formation as well as pitcher-forming leaves percentage (21.37±8.01%). A 1/4MS supplemented with 0.5 μM BAP maximized pitcher-forming leaves (21.08±7.78%) and pitcher number (5.67±2.52). Adding 1.5 μM BAP on 1/4MS media produced the highest number of leaves (38.67±5.69). Full-strength MS produced the lowest number of shoots, leaves, pitchers, and pitcher-forming leaves. This study developed an affordable and effective method to improve <em>in vitro</em> pitcher development in <em>N. mirabilis</em>, highlighting how nutrient levels and BAP concentration influence pitcher formation, which aids in optimizing culture techniques for ornamental carnivorous plants.