This is one of three cephalotus plants I have grown. The first one grew very well for several years until I left the top off the terrarium it was in while at school. Lets just say a very nice ceph got very very dry.
Anyway, here is how I grow my plants.
I grow my plants in sealed clear containers. Be it plastic/glass terrariums, plastic bags, or covered with a plastic cup. I have never been able to grow a ceph open to the air. They have always wilted on me and started to die within several days if left uncovered, or even 1/2 uncovered. As an example, the German Giant shown in the photos died back within a week to 1/2 the size it was in that June 2, 2003 photo. I have a typical I got at the same time and it died back to a singer leaf. I was able to save both plants by putting them in plastic bag under lights. The German Giant has done the best, and the typical is now has 2 traps and several leaves. It is also bigger than when I first got it.
So, I guess that says they need 90-100% humidity, at least for me.
The planting media is a mix of peat/perlite/sphagnum moss. Its 1:1:1 ratio or very close to that. The top is dressed with long fiber sphagnum moss. As you can see from the later photos, the moss has started to grow as well as some non sphaganus moss. This non-sphagnum moss was with the plants when they were received, it has not caused any harm.
The plants are kept moist at all times. Only on occasion has the top layer of sphagnum dried out the tiniest bit, I try to keep it moist all the time. When I do water, I water from the side of the pots to wet the top layer of moss and so that a bit runs out of the container. The pots sit in this water. The water that the pots sit in is less than 4mm and is not allowed to remain more than a few days. The water is normally gone on its own in 2 days. The pots are then checked for moisture every couple of days. I Only water about once every 2 weeks. I will try to start keeping records of the watering cycle. More or less I water the plants, seal the bag, and forget about them, only to check them weekly.
Each plant is in a sealed plastic bag. Currently my bags have small holes that have developed. This may allow for good air movement, although I think they are too small. So, I would still say they are sealed. I do open them about once a week just enough for me to blow air into the bags and reseal them.
Finally, the bags are placed about 8 inches under a bank of 6 flourescent lights. My first plant was grown in a shaded window and did very well, but stayed green. You can see from the photos that the German Giant has turned a nice purple. The typical I have under the same lighting has remained green. Although it may color up in a few weeks. I will try to keep an eye on the coloration.
I have not fed the plants. I plan on feeding them with a blend of water and bloodworms. Ok, blood worm soup... at a few drops/trap. No recipe at this time.
So...
Humidity: 90-100%
Light: Partial shade or under grow lights. (my lights are 6@3200 lumens each)
Water: Keep soil medium moist, but not soggy. Do not allow to dry out.
Soil: Pure Sphagnum Moss, or mix of Peat/Perlite/Sphagnum Moss 1:1:1.
Temp: 68-80°F (Most of the time between 70-75°F or whatever temp my basement is).
Well, I probably have a few things that don't make sense. Please let me know if anything sounds odd. Its 12:12AM and I need some sleep.