Question
closed Cephalotus pitc
Hi,
I live in Southern California and I recently bought a Cephalotus from your website.When it arrived yesterday it was perfectly normal,but when I set it out in full sun the pitchers started closing?Am I doing something wrong or is it suppose to do that?I have been following all the grow requirements the I've read from your website and I mist the plant once in the afternoon and once in the morning.Please tell me what I am doing wrong and how I can fix the problem.
AnswerHi Eric,
Right after shipping you need to give the plant a few days to adjust. When they are all wrapped up they loose resistance to low humidity and sun. I've seen Sarracenia, which thrive in full sun, burn after being shipped even though just a few days earlier they were basking in the rays.
Move your plant to a place with partial sun or bright shade for a few days. If your plant is outside definitely shade it from hot afternoon sun. Don't bother with misting. It does more harm than good since the humidity is constantly going up and down. It's another one of those old myths that dies a hard death. If it doesn't perk up in a day or two, put a clear plastic cup partially over the plant for a few days. Slowly open it up over a few days to normal humidity after that. Be sure if you do the cup treatment to only have it in bright shade such as a north window. Overall Cephalotus do best in partial sun exposure. In some coastal climates they can do well in full sun, but the don't respond well to overheating. They are more shade tolerant than most pitcher plants. Ours are currently in our Nepenthes house which has about 30% filtering. Also be sure the soil is staying moist.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
