Cephalotus follicularis sample (Copy)
Cephalotus follicularis classified in 1806 , is a carnivorous plant native to southwestern Australia. It is the only species of the genus Cephalotus and the Cephalotaceae family. It grows to about 5 cm in height and produces both photosynthetic leaves and carnivorous pitcher traps. The pitchers are green, with a toothed peristome and a lid that protects the digestive fluid. The flowers are small, petal-less, and arranged in a racemose inflorescence.
Origin:
South Western Australia
Product Features:
- Moccasin-shaped pitchers.
- Toothed peristome.
- Spotted operculum.
- Non-carnivorous and carnivorous leaves.
- Humid and boggy habitats.
Additional info:
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Scope of delivery
- Vigorous plants, repotted in the current season, in high-quality soil
- Brick-coloured pot made of recycled plastic (6.5 cm diameter)
- Care guides
- Free access to our plant doctor care service
Care instructions
How we grow Cephalotus follicularis?
In-vitro plants are acclimated in a Grow Chamber with controlled temperatures and humidity. This indoor setup ensure an easy adaptation to extra-vitro condition, guaranteeing the best conditions for plants in this delicate stage. All plants available at the Diflora shop have been acclimatised for at least 3 months. After this first step the plant is bringed outside, under direct sunlight. It is watered from above every day without a saucer to avoid water stagnation. As with the majority of carnivorous plants, we use distilled water produced by our reverse osmosis system.
Lighting:
Full sun all year round! It is possible to shade slightly in the warmer summer months to avoid excessive temperatures that may stunt the plant’s growth.
Watering:
Its habitat is on wet peaty sands found in swamps or along streams and brooks, but it tolerates less humid situations. It is recommended to water daily from above, without a saucer, to avoid water stagnation. It is important to use only distilled water or alternatively all waters that have an extremely low mineral salt content. For example rainwater or all condensation water (air conditioner, dehumidifier). It’s important that the conductivity measures below 50 micro-Siemens.
Substrate:
While 50% peat and 50% perlite is fine as a general substrate, we recommend the Cephalotus substrate we have developed and tested for optimal growth of this genus.
Seasonally and temperature:
Cephalotus does best in moderately warm summers and cold winters. The plants can die in long periods of very hot weather and enjoy cool summer nights. They have no real dormancy period. They are tolerant to short, light frosts, but can be killed if exposed to sub-zero temperatures for too long. They are best grown in greenhouses or highland terraria. They can be grown outdoors all year round in mild areas.
Additional info:
For more cultivation information visit our care guides or use our plant care support by writing to ilpigliamosche@diflora.it
Source
Diflora started the in-vitro propagation of this Cephalotus follicularis from plant parts. Micropropagation allows the preservation of the mother plant genome avoiding contamination and genetic variation caused by traditional pollination followed by seeds production.
Trapping technique
Cephalotus follicularis produces both non-carnivorous and carnivorous leaves. The “mouth” is lined with inward pointing teeth or furrows and an operculum that prevents rain from penetrating the trap and diluting its enzyme content. On the outer surface of the operculum there are spots formed by translucent cells whose function is to confuse prey. The front of the pitcher has a winged, “ant runway” similar to Nepenthes, but much smaller in scale. The traps lure, catch and digest small crawling insects, such as ants.
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