Cephalotus follicularis
Ease to Grow: Moderate
Dormancy: Yes
Native Range: Sandy-peat wetlands of coastal southwestern Australia
Zones: 10 (9-11)
Cephalotus follicularis, the Australian Pitcher Plant or Albany Pitcher Plant, is a unique compact carnivorous plant with numerous moccasin shaped traps forming a tight rosette or mass of traps. Traps are typically 1/4" to 2" in size depending upon age and growing conditions. They are often burgundy to dark maroon in full sun and greener in lower light. The hoods are thick and cup shaped with translucent windows, and frequently have red and white "stripes". They cover the small "mouth" which is lined with toothy looking ribbed lips that are often maroon or blackish in color. In its natural habitat it grows in Mediterranean climates in coastal, damp, peat/sandy heathlands. They can tolerate a light frost. Albany Pitcher Plant flowers are small and inconspicuous on long stems in late Spring. They are infrequent in cultivation, and seeds are even rarer. It likes being pot-bound, which actually encourages the formation of new plants from root buds. Root divisions and leaf cutting work. Root cuttings are easier. It often grows with Drosera hamiltonii, D. pulchella, D. binata T-form and Utricularia simplex. This selection comes from root cuttings and are identical to the parents. It is a remarkable and charming pitcher plant, growing well on the window sill, terrarium and greenhouse.
Height: 3+"
Plant Type: Perennial, Mediterranean
Soil: Live Sphagnum Moss or Cephalotus Soil Mix
Light: Bright indirect indoors, full to partial sun outdoors
Use: Does well on the windowsill, in terrariums or greenhouse.
