- First described
- 2025
- Into cultivation
- 2022
- Type
- single clone registered cultivar second acquisition
- Cultivar
- 'Bubble Giant'
Origin
Registered cultivar; full origin history in CPN v44 n2 p90-92. Mike's first plant came from Rainbow Carnivorous Plants in 2022 — the source he considers "100% certified legit." That plant was lost to sudden cephalotus death syndrome after a fall heatwave when direct sunlight + warmth combined to push it past the failure threshold.
Mike acquired a second Bubble Giant after the loss; the thread is ongoing as of 2025-01-28.
Standout traits
- Confirmed giant — Mike's diagnostic: large traps on a regular-sized tuber.
- Bubble-shape large traps — the defining feature, but only emerges once growth momentum is established. Possibly environment-influenced.
- Hard to ID outside of beast mode — looks much like a typical when not producing large traps. Mike's authentication advice: rely on provenance from reputable sellers.
Cultivation notes
- Heat-stress sensitivity is the dominant failure mode. Mike's hard-won rule: don't give direct sunlight too long when warm.
- Slow to put up traps once growth resumes after acclimation.
Photo IP / scam alert
Mike's iconic 2022 Bubble Giant photo (the second photo above) was stolen by an online seller falsely advertising the clone. When Mike confronted them they took the first photo down, then stole a different Mike photo. The seller is still operating on platforms like Etsy / eBay / non-US sites; the plant they ship is unlikely to match the photographs.
Standout traits
- Confirmed giant — diagnostic: produced relatively large traps even on a regular-sized tuber.
- Bubble-shaped large traps emerge as the defining feature once the plant gains growth momentum. Maybe environment-influenced.
- Hard to ID from a typical when not in 'beast mode' (large-trap mode) — provenance from a reputable seller is the safer authentication route.
- Slow to put up traps once growth momentum starts — Mike found this frustrating ('next thing that came to mind is GOSH').
- Distinctive thicker peristome / D-shaped trap opening on largest traps (per lushgrows' observations of Noah's plant).
Cultivation
Mike's first plant — bought 2022 from Rainbow Carnivorous Plants, arrived a bit chlorotic but healthy. Survived initial care, started to gain momentum, then died from sudden cephalotus death syndrome after a fall heatwave. Mike's diagnosis: too much direct sunlight when warm, eventually triggers the death cascade.
Mike's distilled rule for Cephalotus heat care: don't give them direct sunlight for too long when it's warm — burns and kill-out follow.
Second plant acquired post-loss; thread is "to be continued" — Mike growing it warily.
Photo IP note: Mike's iconic 2022 Bubble Giant photo was stolen and used by an Etsy/eBay-style seller falsely advertising the clone. When Mike asked for credit, they took it down — then stole a second Mike photo. Buyers beware: the seller's plant is probably not what they advertise.
Photos (6)
Naming
"Bubble Giant" — registered cultivar name, see CPN v44 n2 p90-92 for history and original description. Refers to the bubble shape of large traps.