Date: Mon, 21 Jul 1997 14:44:54 -0400 From: BREWER__CHARLES@ecomail.damneck.navy.mil To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg2727$foo@default> Subject: Re[2]: Cephalotus
Hi All,
I would like to share some of my knowledge in growing Cephalotus plants as they
are one of my fancies. I have three different clones and all three seem to grow
in the same conditions as one another. I use 80 percent course silica sand to 20
percent peat moss. I sometimes add a little perlite to the mix, but generally
stay away from it as it tends to float to the top of the soil. I try to use a
more open mix as opposed to having more peat. Although, I have seen Ceph's
growing in a variety of mixes, leading one to believe that these plants are not
as picky as first thought.
I grow most of my plants in a greenhouse during the spring, summer, and fall. I
also grow them outside just as well. Why the greenhouse, it gives them
protection from small animals and birds. During the winter months, the smaller
Ceph's are grown in a 30 gallon long aquarium under 4 lights. Two cool white,
two grow lights. I keep the aquarium lights on 24 hours a day almost all winter
long (3 months). They don't seem to mind the 24 hour light, as a matter of fact,
I get quit a lot of growth over the winter using this method. Every now in then,
I leave the light off for a day, then back to 24 hour light. I have been doing
this for 4 years without any problems.
The larger plants (1 to 2 inch pitchers) that are growing in the greenhouse are
grown in tall 5 to 6 inch pots. By far, my best plants are grown in 12 inch
hanging baskets. Ceph's seem more happy growing in wider containers then in
smaller ones and will reward you will lots of divisions.
I have grown Ceph's in almost full sun(with limitations) to very shaded
conditions. The more sun you give these plants, the more they color up, but the
trade off is, smaller pitchers. The less sun you give these plants, the greener
and bigger and healthier they are. You would think that the sun would produce
healthier plants, but for some reason, these plants seen to reject full sun.
In the growing months I fertilize my plants, I use quarter strength liquid
fertilizer every two weeks. I just pour the fertilized water all over the plant
and allow them to drain completely before putting them back in there dry trays.
I have a friend that grows her Ceph's in an aquarium sitting in half strength
liquid fertilizer all the time. Her plants are a very dark green, beautiful,
large and very healthy. Figure that one out. When you think you know it all,
someone comes alone and does everything you are have been told not to do, only
to produce award winning plants. (Maybe it has something to do with a woman's
touch).
I generally divide up my plants in late fall or early spring. I find that
Ceph's tend to survive better when divided in cooler temps(less fungus, mold,
heat or what ever. It just seems to work better where I live). When I divide
the plant up, I make a small hole in the soil, line the hole with live
sphagnum moss. The sphagnum moss holds the moisture around the plant roots
giving them time to reestablish themselves. I after planting, I then water the
plant from the top, place the newly planted plant in a shaded area for a few
weeks. I only move the plant out of the shade when I see new growth forming
and then very carefully. Ceph's do not like being disturbed much and will
respond by dropping pitchers and leaves or dying so care must be taken when re
potting them. When I re pot them, I always try to make sure that I leave some
soil around their roots. This helps with the transplant shock.
Here are some of the things that Ceph's do not like and should be avoided if
all possible. Ceph's do not like windy areas. They tend to dry out quickly and
will respond by dying back very quickly. Ceph's will tolerate wet soil during
the growing season, but tend to grow better in soil that drains well. Dryer
during winter months. Ceph's likes daily misting and this seems to provide all
the moisture they need for a day. This also depends on how hot it is and how
much wind is present. Avoid placing them in full sun, filtered or morning sun is
all they need for outside. Once they have developed sizable pitchers, you can
carefully expose them to more light, but take care in doing this. Don't over do
it at first. You will burn the traps and lose a whole years worth of growth. A
little extra sun allows them to color up just nicely. Ceph's likes large pots,
even better, hanging baskets, avoid small pots. Avoid ordering Ceph's in the
summer months, if all possible. It would be wise to wait for cooler weather,
then place your order. These plants are slow to grow, but quick to die if
exposed to the wrong conditions. Try to purchase only Ceph's that are potted.
Try to stay away from plants that have no roots or that have roots and are
soiless and before you order these plants, make sure you are all set up to
receive them.
I hope this helps some. Maybe other experience growers will add some helpful
hints to this message. I would like to know more about these plants and
different growing conditions that work and don't work. Ceph's can be very
difficult to grow for first time growers and even experienced growers.
Charles Brewer
Virginia Beach, Va.
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