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Carnivorous Plants/Light
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Question
Hallo,
Whats the different between filtered and partial sun? Can we do that with fluorescence light?
Thank you
Hello Ulrich,
Filtered sunlight would be through a mesh or other shield that would reflect some of the light from the plants, yet allow some light through. This would be for plants that cannot stand direct sunlight and need cooler temperatures all day. Partial light would be for plants that sit under trees in nature and get some direct sun in the morning and the evening with cover from the trees during the middle of the day. Some plants can take direct sun in the morning hours, but need some cover from scorching hot noon sunlight and constant ultraviolet light.
Florescent light already produces less ultraviolet light if it from the cool white tubes. Any carnivorous plant should be able to handle strong florescent light easily. I would suggest at least 6000 to 12000 lumens for most of the small tropical or lower light plants (many Sundews and Butterworts), 18000 to 24000 for the large tropicals like Nepenthes and high intensity light Sundews that like partial sun or higher, and between 25000 to 50000 lumens for the full sun plants that prefer being in the middle of high intensity light all day long, like Venus Flytraps and Sarracenias. In any event, grow full sun plants outside whenever possible.
Christopher
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Answers by Expert:
Christopher Littrell
Expertise
I am capable of answering questions about the most common carnivorous plants found in cultivation. I have no personal experience with Byblis, Drosophyllum, Aldrovanda, and Heliamphora. I have not cultivated gemmae forming pygmy sundews nor tuberous sundews. For information regarding those aforementioned species, I would suggest contacting other experts. I can answer questions regarding most species of Nepenthes, tropical and temperate Drosera, Mexican Pinguicula, Sarracenias, and Dionaea. I have some limited experience with growing Utricularia, Cephalotus, and Darlingtonia.
Experience
I have grown carnivorous plants off and on for about 27 years. I have made the same mistakes and suffered the same mishaps that many growers make as they attempt to separate the myths from the realities of growing these plants. Currently, I am successfully growing a variety of tropical sundews, a Nepenthes, several Venus Flytraps of varying ages, and Sarracenias. I have been successful in stratifying Sarracenia seeds and providing artificial dormancy requirements for my temperate plants when needed.
Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. Over my lifetime, I have constantly read books involving the growing conditions of carnivorous plants. I hope to incorporate the educational aspects involved in psychology with teaching other people how to cultivate carnivorous plants.
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