Expert: Christopher Littrell - 5/27/2011

Question
I just got my Nepenthes bicalcarata 'Brunei orange' and Nepenthes muluensis. I was wondering if they can live in a pot with no hole? Its made of rock also can I grow Drosera capensis, Nepenthes bicalcarata and Nepenthes muluensis x lowii under fluorescent lights? Thanks

Answer
Hello Clara,

Pots with no drainage holes are only asking for trouble as you will have water building up in the bottom of the pot collecting impurities and bacteria. Nepenthes do not like water standing under their roots like that. Your best bet would be to use a pot with holes, or make some holes in the pot you want to use if possible. In any event, the pot will need drainage to keep the Nepenthes happy and alive.

I grow all of my carnivorous plants under florescent lights. You will need at least one shop light with two 3000 lumen cool white 40 watt tubes (the 4 foot long varity) for a few small plants. It would be optimal to have two such florescent lights side by side covering a four foot by 10 inch area over the plants so that they receive a total of at least 12000 lumens at a one foot distance. Place the plants closer to ramp up the intensity. I have mine about 6-8 inches from the lights. You can add more shop lights to your set up as the Nepenthes require as some Nepenthes do get quite large and will need more coverage area and intensity to ensure that their long vines and leaves all get some light. For example, I have three shop lights for 18000 lumens total over my two Nepenthes as both plants are taking up that much room plus.

The answer, is yes, you can grow most any carnivorous plant under florescent lights, so long as you have enough light to ensure that each species gets what it needs in intensity. I went from one Drosera capensis under such florescent lights to hundreds over the course of the last three years. Just make sure they remain below 80 degrees for best results.

Christopher