The plant is remarkably simple to grow, provided you don't do what a number of growers tend to do:
cook them. I have found that
Cephalotus are remarkably resilient provided some thought is given to their Tb well-being. Most of my plants grow in the high sixties to seventies range and are not allowed to soar into the triple-digits on too many occasions. Also, I prefer to grow them in about 40-50% shade for optimal plant / pitcher size, and then to expose them to more light in September or October (in North America) to get a bit of color . . .
There is still some disagreement about
Cephalotus dormancy requirements. I believe that they do experience a definite slow-down in winter though remain evergreen. The confusion probably stems from a popular habit in cultivation of providing constant Tb and artificial light throughout the year. The plants don't get to experience dormancy, since their photoperiods are not observed . . .
Cephalotus can produce remarkably-long rhizomes and roots so a deeper pot would be preferred, though I've had experiences in the past with the rhizome emerging from a drainage hole and forming a plant alongside the original pot. Shallower, wider pots often allow for more offshoots to form; though a deeper pot may quell some fears about using the tray method for watering, and the increased amount of compost will keep the Tb down. While not as potentially touchy about the warming of the roots as
Darlingtonia and
Heliamphora, it should still be a mild concern . . .
As far as how fast
Cephalotus grows, it depends on specific cultivation, that particular clone, and the plant's own attitude. Below, I have a couple of shots of a "German Giant" that I've had since 2004. It is one of the single most frustrating plants I've ever had. Other
Cephalotus have grown to flowering maturity from minute leaf-cuttings beside this one.
Seed-grown plants can take upwards of ten years to mature; so say some who have a penchant for growing them that way. Sometimes it may take over a year for a seed to even germinate!
Couple of questions about Cephalotus.
1) Is it a difficult plant to grow?
2) How much light do they need?
3) Do they grow year round without any dormancy requirments?
4) How big should the pot be?
5) I heard that they are very slow growing. Exactly how slow are we talking?
6) Grown from seed, how long do they take to reach maturity?
I'm considering buying a Cephalotus because I want a small and compact pitcher plant that I can grow year round. Nepenthes are nice, but the traps get a little too big for me and their stems eventually outgrow my growing space. Therefore, I've become particually attracted to the Cephalotus.