Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 11/1/2011

Question
QUESTION: Forest Grove, Oregon.

I am getting ready to bring my Drosophyllum in for winter, two 10" terra cotta pots. I was wondering if a shop light with two 40-watt cool white bulbs in a South-facing window in the garage would be adequate for them over winter and how close to the lights they should they be. The window provides lots of light. The temperature stays in the mid to low 60s during the day and mid 40s/low 50s at night during winter. Also, would a caphalotus do okay over winter in these conditions? I don't have one yet, but plan on getting one from you guys next year if I can provide the proper winter conditions.

Thank you

ANSWER: Nice plants!  The shop light should be OK as long as you're using it only as a supplement to natural sunlight.  You'll need to keep the light right above the plant, no more than a few inches above the plant.  Keep the lights on for 12 hours.  You'll also need to monitor the plant and adjust the light as the plant grows during the winter months.  These conditions should also be fine for a Cephalotus, though a sunny south window in your home will be fine, too.  I have a Cephalotus in my south window, and it's been there for about 3 years.  This summer it flowered and produced lots of seeds.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Jacob for the compliment on the Drosophyllum and for your advice, which was just what I needed to know; the other one looks the same except only one plant. Also, when is a good time to put them back outside next year(temperature)and will they need any kind of acclimation before doing so?

The garage is the only south-facing window I have, so the ceph will have to be outside in summer (afraid it will cook in that window in summer as it gets very hot in there). I have a spot outside for it that gets roughly 4+ hours of direct morning sun and dappled bright light the rest of the day, would this be adequate for a cephalotus during the growing season and can they tolerate being moved between garage in winter and outside in summer? I won't get one if I cannot provide adequate conditions.

You advice, as usual, is very helpful and much appreciated.

Thank you,

Djoni

Answer
Always wait until the last frost of the season has passed before moving plants outdoors.  I don't know when that will be, but you're pretty safe if you wait until May.  The scenario for your Cephalotus seems fine. Based on your description, I don't see any red flags.