Heliamphora

General
Heliamphora are native to the tepuis of Venezuela, northern Brazil, and southern Guyana. They grow in rain-lashed regions referred to as “rain deserts” because all of the nutrients are constantly washed off the tepuis, hence the need to capture prey. They grow almost directly on the equator at high elevation and are sun lovers. 

Heliamphora prefer stable conditions. The ideal location for them is a sunny windowsill (5+ hours or direct sun, more is better), or under grow lights that mimic that scenario, where the humidity is around 30% (higher humidity will produce larger pitchers and faster growth but is not necessary to have a nice healthy plant). Never drastically change the growing conditions of a Heliamphora in a short period. If you must increase the light exposure or decrease the humidity, do so over 10 – 15 days.

Your plant has been grown at a constant temperature of 70 F, 30% humidity, and under LED lights with similar intensity to a windowsill that receives 6 hours of direct sun.

Sunlight
Heliamphora require 5+ hours of direct sunlight, or equivalent with artificial lighting. If your Heliamphora is not getting an ideal amount of light, the pitchers will start to form a more funnel shape as opposed to tubular, and the nectar spoon will become much smaller and lose its defined shape. You will need to balance the light requirements with the temperature detailed below.

Temperature
Heliamphora are tropical plants and prefer temperatures between 60 – 85 F. Never let them freeze. They can handle temperatures in the low 90s F, but only for short periods of time.

Humidity
Heliamphora prefer humidity within 30% to 60% (or even higher). They do fine in typical household humidity. Higher humidity will facilitate larger pitchers and faster growth, but is not necessary for a nice healthy plant.

Water
Heliamphora prefer to be top watered on a regular basis with low mineral water (under 50 ppm), they do fine with the water in the Colorado Springs area. You can keep them in a tray with 0.5 inches of water for the humidity and ease of watering, but any deeper is not good. Plants grown in a shallow tray of water should still be top watered every few days. Never let your Heliamphora’s soil dry out.

Soil
The soil needs to hold moisture, but also have plenty of space for air. A good mix is 50/50 dried long fiber sphagnum moss and perlite. Other mixes are possible, such as 50/50 rinsed coco coir and perlite.