How to grow Cephalotus follicularis (Albany pitcher plants)
Albany pitcher plants are one of the less commonly cultivated carnivorous plants. Their traps work through gravity, attracting insects with the scent of the pitcher and causing them to fall into digestive fluid at the bottom of the pitcher. Below is a concise guide How to grow Cephalotus follicularis (Albany pitcher plants), organized by the conditions they require:
Light conditions: Provide maximum diffused light. A south-, west-, or east-facing window is ideal. If the plants are not overwintered, supplemental lighting during winter is necessary.
Temperature: Maintain standard room temperature. The plants cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30°C. Be cautious about overheating from sunlight. If artificial lighting is not provided during winter, overwintering at temperatures of 5–10°C is recommended.
Substrate: The plants are relatively flexible regarding substrate composition. A mix of peat and silica sand or perlite in a 2:1 ratio can be used. They also grow well in epiphytic substrate.
Humidity: Higher air humidity should be ensured by placing the plants in a terrarium or misting them regularly.
Watering: Except during overwintering, the plants should always stand in water. Water from below by placing the pot in a shallow tray. An ideal water level is approximately 1 cm. When overwintering the plants in cool conditions, reduce watering but ensure the substrate does not dry out completely.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, the plants can be „fed“ with insects if they cannot catch their own prey. If prey is available, the plants will capture it themselves. Other forms of fertilizing are unsuitable.
Photographs of Albany pitcher plants can be found in the „My Collection“ section.