Question
QUESTION: Dear Jeff,

   I have 1 nepenthes(poi dog), 4 sundews(capensis var., aliciae multifida), and 1 pinguicula (gina). I grow them with Primo water and I grow them on an east window and grow them about 12 inches away from a 18watt, 120 vac, 60z 260ma compact fluorescent light. The sundews are pale and gangly and the nepenthes hasn't grown pitchers these past 2 years, so I am starting to question the lighting for my plants. I was considering to buy this light:
https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/1601/FC40-FEIS40W27.html?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=FC40-FEIS40W27&utm_content=2700K+-+150+Watt+Equal+Compact+Fluorescents&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBaseShopping&gclid=CjwKEAjw1MSvBRDj2IyP-o7PygsSJAC_6zodZyPxnuRIBUi5fOTCwb9270whRFOcbQkraj6ZbFEwcBoC7gfw_wcB. Please tell me if this will be right for my carnivorous plants.

         Thank you
         David

ANSWER: Hi David,

The signs your plants are showing definitely sound like too low light levels.  If you're going to use an CFL, use one of these:  https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/150-watt-equal-compact-fluorescents-5000K/  It's a much better spectral output.

Since you have several plants, here's a much more efficient way to do this.  Use a simple two-tube shoplight type fixture with either T-12 or T-8, cool-white tubes.  If you can find a way to hang it you'll have much more plant growing space.  They also make some T-5 type units like this now that are much stronger light output.  Here's an example of the more common type:  http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-All-Season-4-ft-2-Light-Grey-T8-Str

Good Growing!

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

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QUESTION: Thank you for your information! I bought some T12 40 watt flourescent lights. I couldn't find a way to hang them though. So I put the light fixture on the side and I was wondering if light coming in sideways is fine.

         Thank you,
         David

ANSWER: Hi David,

Do you like your plants growing sideways?  That's what will happen if you illuminate them from the side.  Plants do what's known as phototropism; the bend toward light.

If you could send me a photo or two of the type of light you have and your growing area I might be able to give you some better suggestions on how to get the light over your plants.

Good Growing!

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

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Plant lighting fixture   QUESTION: Here is my light fixture.

Answer
Hi David,

You just need to find a way that works for you to suspend the light over the plants.  That can be done with longer chains from the ceiling, a small frame you could build or purchase, or even blocking the light up with bricks or other objects.  I've also used small shelving units for this purpose.

Good Growing!

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