AboutSarracenia Northwest Expertise Got a carnivorous plant problem? The growers at Sarracenia Northwest can help! Carnivorous plant experts Jeff Dallas and Jacob Farin have helped thousands of growers around the world, and they can help you too. When you submit your question, they will diagnose your situation and offer a solution to help you get your carnivorous plant back on track.
Experience With over 40 years of combined experience, Jeff and Jacob has definitely taken a straight forward approach to growing carnivorous plants. Get the straight facts from the guys who grow and propagate thousands of these plants every year.
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR QUESTION:
We no longer answer how-to questions (i.e. How do I propagate...?; How do I grow...?).
Instead, we help growers by diagnosing a specific plant problem and offering solutions (i.e. Why is my sundew not producing dew?; Is now a good time to divide my Sarracenia?; Why are the traps turning black?; What's a good substitute for perlite?; Why didn't my seeds germinate?; Can you identify this carnivorous plant for me?)
Question I will be buying a lighting fixture that will have 3 T5 HO florescent tubes.
What distance from the plants should they be at?
Answer Hi John,
I've never personally used these lights. From others I've talked to who have, the consensus is that they are much hotter than standard T12 type tubes. Start with about 6 inches away and monitor temperatures and appearance of plants. Cape sundews (Drosera capensis) and Spoon-leaf sundews (Drosera spatulata) would be good indicator species. If they turn nice and red, yet don't burn, you've found the sweet spot. Otherwise raise or lower as needed.
