Expert: Christopher Littrell - 6/10/2008

Question
Hi I just got a baby Cephalotus and I was wondering if it could survive on a east-south facing window.  That window get 4-5 hours of bright morning sun then get shady light up until 7pm.  Also how many times a week should I water it?  A lot of pros I asked say to let it dry out a little before watering so you wont get root rot.  And will opening the window and turning on the fan help cool it at night?  Any other tips on these plants would be excellent.

Answer
Hello Chris,

An east facing window would be great for a Cephalotus. You can add florescent lights from 40 watt shop lights and or compact florescent bulbs if your plant does not develop its fullest coloration in that window.

I would water the plant about once a week and keep a shallow saucer under it to catch runoff water. About like a typical houseplant. Do not let your Cephalotus dry out. It should always have moist medium. Cephalotus do not like standing water drowning out their roots, so never keep a deep tray of water under the pot. Whatever runoff occurs under your plant should evaporate in a day or two at most. Sarracenia Northwest uses African Violet pots for their plants that prefer slightly less wet roots.

So long as the Cephalotus gets a drop in nightly temperatures, down to a bit below 70 degrees, it will be fine. If your home does not experience this drop naturally you can use a small air conditioner in the room the plant is in, blowing indirectly near the plant, to cool the room to the plant's preference. You can also just use a fan or open a window if the outside air is cool at night. Whatever works. Make sure to place a thermometer near your plant so you can tell what temperature the plant is getting at various times of the day. It might just be fine as is with no modifications.

You might want to ask Sarracenia Northwest more on this subject as they are more experienced with Cephalotus than I.

Christopher