Question
I recently ordered a nepenthes ventricosa. I have a problem though I feel like if i put it on my west facing windowsill it will get to hot and dry. I heard having it dry will make it not want to pitcher. Is this true should i consider artificial lighting and a terrarium? Any help would be great! Thanks.

Answer
Hi Aidan,

It will really just depend on the microclimate of your window.  There's often this assumption (along with the myriad of other carnivorous plant myths) that because one lives in a dry climate a plant won't adapt to that.  Indoors is somewhat the same anywhere, however.  Inside homes is dry whether you are in Utah or Mississippi.  What makes Nepenthes happiest is super stable conditions.  They like things nice and boring.  The heat they have no problem with, and they like to be sunny in a window, but avoid breezy areas.  A pebble tray under the plant will help with the ambient humidity.  Also, don't move your plant around much or mist it.  Not misting sounds counter intuitive, but what it does is cause a see-saw effect with humidity, it's a type of disturbance, and it interferes with pitchering.  Here's additional information:  http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com/Articles.asp?ID=266

If you really want to do a terrarium like a tank with fluorescent lights (or LED, but those are complicated) will work just fine.  N. ventricosa isn't a real fast grower so it would take it awhile to outgrow a small terrarium.

Good Growing!

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