Albany Pitcher Plant Plant Care

Albany Pitcher Plant (Cephalotus follicularis) belongs to the Cephalotaceae family within the Cephalotus genus. Albany Pitcher Plant is native to peaty swamps in the southwestern corner of Western Australia. Albany Pitcher Plant is also known as Australian Pitcher Plant, Little Pitcher Plant.

Albany Pitcher Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Albany Pitcher Plant produces small, red, pitcher-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Albany Pitcher Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Albany Pitcher Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Albany Pitcher Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cephalotus follicularis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Albany Pitcher Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Sphagnum moss or peat-based soil mix with perlite for drainage. Good drainage is essential for Albany Pitcher Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Albany Pitcher Plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and sphagnum moss or peat-based soil mix with perlite for drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Albany Pitcher Plant is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Albany Pitcher Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Albany Pitcher Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Albany Pitcher Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Albany Pitcher Plant can be propagated through division, leaf cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Albany Pitcher Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Albany Pitcher Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Albany Pitcher Plant is native to peaty swamps in the southwestern corner of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Albany Pitcher Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.