Terry
Heliamphora's suffer from the same bad press as all other CP's did.
The problem is known as authoratitis bogus, where someone claims
authoratative knowledge based on growing just one specimen and making
no experiments due to the risk of killing the only plant. Adrian
Slack's brilliant first book is full of such misleading information.
Best advice is to read everything and assume nothing. Any plantsman
knowns that rules are made for breaking.
I grow my Heliamphora standing permanently in deep water which is
reputedly not correct. I use equal parts peat and sand (reputedly not
correct) and I rely on artificial or indirect light rather than strong
sunlight as recommended by some.
Just do what works for you and let us all know to add to the joyous confusion.
Heliamphoras are tough little plants that take a lot more abuse than
the books suggest including drought and rough handling. Just watch for
signs of stress and if you see the plant looking odd, believe your
senses before the signs become too clear and try something different.
Regards
Paul