Question
I have been nursing along a Cephalotus that I bought from you about 2-3 years ago.  It has done well in its southern window and has continued to grow slowly from the original tiny plantlets that I started with.

I usually top water it slightly each day (distilled water), but do not allow it to build up water in the tray.  Recently , I was traveling for a week, and when I returned, it looked dried up and brown.  It has been about 3 weeks and I have continued to water it as usual, and I also cut away the traps that have totally turned brown.  There are a few traps remaining that show hints of green, but the leaf stems going to them from the center of the plant look brown and perhaps lifeless.  There has been no obvious new growth since the occurrence.

All of my other Carnivorous recovered beautifully from that dry week, but I am worried about this jewel of my collection.  I am hoping the plant is just going into dormancy and will emerge fine, but I am worried.  What do you think?

Thanks.

Jon in Long Island

Answer
Hi Jon,

Cephalotus tend to have fleshy roots that hold water.  It wouldn't surprise me if they do experience dry periods in Australia.  Your plant may very well come back from the roots.  

Just water it regularly the way you've been doing, and give it time.  As you probably know by now, Cephalotus doesn't do anything fast, so it may take a month or so before you know if recovery is coming, or if you need to read it it's last rites.  They are far more likely to come back from drying out than they are from being too wet.


Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com