Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 2/21/2011

Question
QUESTION: I started growing carnivorous plants (Nepenthes Highlands, Sarracenia, Pinguicula, and Drosera.)about a year ago. Now my collection is growing to the point that I can't keep a majority of my plants in the window. Now I am planning on growing them on shelving units indoors (Not the Sarracenia).

My only problem is that I don't have an area that gets more than 2 or so hours of direct sunlight for an entire shelving unit. I live in Southen California near the desert. So I can offer the plants bright indirect sunlight from a room that has an east facing sliding glass door and northern window OR a western facing window that gets bright indirect light and a 2 to 2 1/2 hours of direct sunlight since my neighbor's house is in the way.

What would be my best approach for lighting? I know that the eastern/northern area gets a few hours of direct morning sunlight. Should I consider suplimenting artificial lighting with the indirect sunlight OR do you feel that one of those locations will be sufficient on its own? I would opt for a greenhouse, but it just gets far too hot around here.

ANSWER: Hi Chris,

Artificial light is going to be the best option as your collection grows.  2 hours of sun really isn't enough for most plants, and I think you would just struggle.  Lack of light is easily the biggest problem people have when growing carnivorous plants of all kinds.

The easiest set-up is to use simple plastic shelves like you can buy at big box stores, and put two, two-tube, T-12 shoplight units on each shelf.  Use 40 watt cool-white tubes for maximum lumen output. You can connect the light together with power bars, and put them on a timer.  The shoplights come with chains, so you can adjust their height.  If you can position this shelf so it gets some natural light, even better.  If you need or want something more attractive, many companies sell specially designed light shelving units.  They will be much more expensive than what I just described.  T-5 light units exist also that may fit a shelf well, but they also are much more expensive, but are much brighter.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt answer. How many hours of direct sunlight would I need to supply in an eastern facing window?

Answer
Hi Chris,

With natural window light, and considering you're in Southern California, 4 hours should be fine.  It will depend some on the type of plants.  Four hours would be fine for most Nepenthes, but a few sundews might like a bit more.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com