Cephalotus follicularis

There is only one species in the genus of Cephalotus which is native to the southwestern Australian coast and also referred to as the Albany Pitcher Plant. While the plants with a maximum of 5cm pitchers don't get really huge, they are of extra-ordinary beauty. Their traps work as light traps with translucent lids. They have claws that make it look quite scary, when you get close to it, especially if you happen to be an insect. The plant grows either non-carnivorous ovalish leaves or carnivorous pitchers.
Most people including me agree that this plant is easy to grow and easy to kill. However despite enjoying slightly cooler temperatures in nature, our collegues in Singapore are able grow Cephalotus of all size year round. While the plant does a 3 month dormancy in nature, it has been proven that it is not necessary. For media sphagnum, mixed with perlite and optionally river sand is best, but other low nutrient media might be ok, too. They can be harmed and killed by fungus, which will be a concern for us in the moist Philippines - good air movement should be provided. Make sure light levels are high, for more colorful plants it is advised to keep them sunny, but given our high temperatures I would recommend only morning sun and rather live with green plants.

C. follicularis

wikipedia

AVAILABLE MID 2012

Our sales plants won't be very large yet, but we will keep this image updated, so you can follow their progress. If you haven't seen a full sized plant yet, I recommend to click the Wikipedia button above.