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Cephalotus Follicularis Seeds (Australian Pitcher Plant)

Cephalotus Follicularis Seeds (Australian Pitcher Plant)
There's no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for food. Fertilizing will kill the plant.
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Product Name
5 Cephalotus Follicularis Seeds (Australian Pitcher Plant)
US$6.50
30 Cephalotus Follicularis Seeds (Australian Pitcher Plant)
US$29.00
Availability:Out of stock
SKU Cephalotus Follicularis
Details
This is really some of the rarest seeds I have. Cephalotus follicularis, or the Australian Pitcher Plant, is native to South-western Australia. The stalk can average 2 feet in length and can topple over and grow along the ground. The pitchers start to grow as small hairy balls at the end of a stalk. Cephalotus forms two different leaves. In Summer and Autumn the plant produces small, about 3 cm to 5 cm pitchers. At the end of Autumn until late Spring, the plant produces normal green leaves. Clip off old leaves to make way for flower buds and new leaf growth. The little white flowers, about 4 mm in diameter, are opened at the beginning of the Summer. The entire pitcher is covered in bristly hairs which aid in reflecting heat away from the plant. They trap their prey by offering them nectar to sip which is secreted around the lip of the plant and also at the base of the lid. Flying and crawling insects will find the nectar and if they take a wrong step, they will tumble into the pitcher. Once inside, they will find that retreat is impossible, due to short stiff hairs pointing downward. The inside of the pitchers are also very slippery, even to insects with the best traction. Once the insect reaches the bottom it is dissolved by enzymes in the bottom of the pitcher and the nutrient value is absorbed by the plant. Hardiness zone 8, (-10øC/15øF) in Winter. They could be grown in light shading or bright light, but with protection from full midday sun. In the sun, Cephalotus can develop beautiful coloration of red and purples. They produce larger but greener pitchers in a more shady situation. In Summer the recommend temperature is 20-30øC / 68-85øF. In cloudy coastal areas, artificial light is a must. In Winter, temperature should be kept between 10-15øC /50-60øF for 3 months. Reduce water to keep the soil just damp, and keep frost-free as this species does not go dormant. Cephalotus is tolerant of low temperatures and can handle brief frosts. They can grow well in pure sphagnum moss, live, long fibered or shredded, as well as the standard peat moss:sand which can be anything from 30% to 100% peat moss. There's no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for food. Fertilizing will kill the plant. The humidity should be between 60-80%. Lids close on hot dry days as it is the plants natural mechanism to counter moisture loss under conditions of low humidity. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings. Water must be distilled or rain water because they do not tolerate city or hard water. It is a good idea to place a pie pan or large saucer, with about an inch of water in it, under the pot. Elevate the pot by placing pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is barely in contact with the water, not submerged; the growing medium must stay moist, but never soggy. This will keep the humidity around the plant higher and it will ensure that the plant has a constant source of moisture.
More Information
More Information
Common name Australian Pitcher
Species Cephalotus follicularis
Germination The seeds require 2 months cold stratification before sowing, directly on the surface of your moist but not soaked soil mix. Once it's time to take the seeds out of cold stratification, cover the top of the pot with clear plastic so the humidity will remain high, place them in an area with real nice strong light and keep the temperature around 21øC/70øF, 27øC/80øF.

When you see some tiny plants starting to sprout, slowly open the top of the pot, a little each day, so that the new seedlings don't go into shock from the humidity being lowered too quickly. After cold stratification, germination usually occurs in 2 months, but it can be prolonged up to several months, depending on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don't give up.
Scarification / Stratification It creates a cold and moist environment for the seeds. This will break their dormancy. Place the seeds on top of a prepared soil mix. The pot is then placed into a ziplock bag with approximately an inch of water on the bottom of the bag. Close the bag shut and place it into the salad crisper compartment of your refrigerator. Make sure to check the seeds often. If fungus or mold appears treat it with a fungicide.
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