From Alberto and the Australian Bulbs forum
Dear All:
It is interesting to know about Cypella coelestis. It
is not certain yet if this belongs to Cypella or to Phallocallis, therefore
you can find it under Cypella coelestis (incidentally coelestis means "of
the skies"), Phalocallis coelestis, Cypella plumbea (this form supposed to
be the color of lead, no one seems to grow it), Cypella plumbea platensis.
For the sake of sanity it is healthy that most people know it as Cypella
coelestis. It grows in Northeastern Argentina, a warm area with abundant
rainfall where soils are acid, red and poor in nutrients except iron. It
grows in full sun in low places where in Spring it has its feet in water. We
have also found it in small islands in stream beds. So you must provide
very wet conditions in Spring. It is dormant in summer The region in which
it grows is subtropical in which sugarcane and tea are among the common
crops, like San Diego in the States. So if you plan to grow this beautiful
species (you can see the stunning picture sent by Mary Sue) you must it
give it pretty warm conditions. It flowers in late Spring ,very abundantly
if faded flowers are removed. Letting the plants set seed takes so much
energy that flowering stops at once. It is very easy from seed sown in
Autumn.
There is a form of this, a monster of a plant that when
well grown can reach 1,50-1,80 m (5-6 ft.) in height. It is Cypella
gigantea, and we have been distributing it as it is very easy from seed. It
is a giant form of Cypella coelestis, possibly a tetraploid. It grows in
full sun in ditches with fantastically mellow organic soil. It is dormant in
winter and flowers in early summer, suggesting a Brazilian origin (carried
southwards by the rivers). Not a plant for a pot!
Regards
Alberto