Question
Hi,
I am very interested in purchasing a cephalotus, but wanted to make sure id
have the correct growing conditions first. I would grow it in front of a very
sunny sliding glass door. We live in eastern pennsylvania, and it can get
pretty hot in the summer and VERY cold in the winter, so I thought growing it
outside would be impossible. I know the cephalotus loves cool summer
nights, but the only drop of temperature would be from no sunlight. Our
house stays in the 66-70 degree range. I also know that it likes it cool in the
winter for its short rest, but like I said, the house stays around that
temperature, although it would be a little cooler near the door. There is also
a heating vent pretty close to the shelf I grow my plants on, and Im not sure
if that would be a problem either. I  hope you get this before your nursery
runs out!

Also, I am about to spray my plants for a springtail problem, and last time I
sprayed my plants (a venus flytrap) I used Orthene systemic insect killer, a
suggestion from california carnivores. The plant turned out fine, but I noticed
that you have to hook it up to a hose to spray the plants, which means they
would be exposed to any minerals in that water. now im not sure wether its a
safe thing to do. Your insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for all your help,
Dylan

Answer
Hi Dylan,

Your growing conditions in your home are appropriate for Cephalotus.  It's certainly no different than what they experience in my home or in the greenhouse at the nursery.  

With mature plants, we will sometimes grow them outdoors in September so that they could start experiencing cooler nighttime temperatures.  Sometime in October, after we've had a series of light frost (no lower than 28癋), we bring them back in the greenhouse where they continue their dormancy.  (The decrease in light levels at that point keeps the plant dormant.)

But this technique is best reserved for mature plants.  We don't do this with juvenile plants.  Since what we have available are only juvenile plants, the stable temperatures in your home is perfect for growing this plant.

Don't worry about using tap water when mixing the insecticide.  The amount of solution that you spray on your plant is very small, and the overall mineral content will also be very small.  Usually you only need to spray your plants once or twice a year with the systemic stuff, so I wouldn't worry about it.  Besides, I use tap water to make insecticide solutions.  As long as you're not having to spray your plants every week, then a one-time use with tap water won't harm your plants.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin