Australian Pitchers
(Cephalotus follicularis)

CARING FOR CEPHALOTUS

Cephalotus follicularis

This tiny pitcher plant is native to Australia, growing in a relatively small geographical area along the southwest coast. They are low growing, with traps rarely exceeding 2" in total size. This species is slow growing, more sensitive to cultural conditions than many other carnivorous pants, and does not readily flower, so it is less commonly kept in collections. Recently, more plants are being produced using tissue culture and therefore availability has come up and cost to purchase down. Their diet and care is similar to that of a Venus Flytrap, but without the need for a strong winter dormancy. They can be grown under lights, on a windowsill, in a terrarium, or in a protected bog garden.

Soil: Cephalotus pitcher plants need a loose, very well drained media. A good basic mixture is 1:1 blend of Sphagnum peat moss and washed silica sand. Use white sandblasting sand and wash it with rain water or distilled water. Moisten and break up the peat moss well before mixing with the sand. Wear gloves. Do not use ordinary potting soil or garden soil. Another great potting mix is 1 part dried sphagnum moss, 1 part fine orchid bark, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite.

Water: It is best to use pure water such as distilled water, revserse osmosis, or rainwater that you collect. Water the plant thoroughly when the potting media is just slightly dry. Allow excess water to drain; don't leave the plant sitting in more than 1/4" of water unless the pot is very tall (6"+). 

Pots: Plastic pots are best, but they must have drainage holes. Small plants can live in a 4" pot when young, then should be moved to a 6" or larger pot as they grow. Net pots, often used in hydroponics and for pond plants, are an excellent option as they provide extra access to air. 

Location: Historically considered strictly greenhouse or terrarium plants, this species can be adapted to windowsill or outdoor environments if the right conditions are met. They prefer bright light (see below) and moderate temperatures (60-85F). If grown indoors, outside of a terrarium, keeping the plant humid enough will be the biggest challenge. Members of the STLCPS have had luck growing them in a sunny window sill above the kitchen sink or a bathroom with frequently used shower. Plants can be misted daily with pure water regularly or grown above a water tray to maintain proper humidity. 

Feeding: To feed your plant, carefully place insects such as flies, crickets, sow bugs, or meal worms inside the pitcher. Dried insects and carnivorous fish food flakes and small pellets work great, too. Cephalotus respond well to fertilizing: use orchid fertilizer diluted to 25% of the usual rate, and spray it on the plant's leaves as foliar feed. Do not fertilize the soil. Fertilize at most once a month in summer, every other month in winter.

Light: This species thrives under bright light, and can even tolerate full. Be sure to acclimate any plants coming from indoors: start them in mostly shade and gradually move them to full sun over a week or two. If grown indoors, give them the sunniest window possible, or use strong grow lights set on a timer to provide at least 14 hours of light a day from spring through fall. Keep the plants as close to the light as possible.

Growing outdoors: This species can be kept outside for some of the year in the St. Louis region, but do not survive freezes. They also do not thrive under our very hot summers since temperatures routinely exceed 85F. If grown outdoors during the summer, avoid letting the potting mix completely dry out or you will quickly lose the plant. 

Other sources:

• The International Carnivorous Society Growing Guides