Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I was interesting in growing this plant outside. I have purchased all three dvd's and I studied everyone one however, I want to save some room in my indoor plant setup I have by placing my Nepenthes Sanguinea outside. I currently live in the Texas Panhandle which has very hot drying heat. However, I would like to know. If I place my plant on my balcony which receives just a few hours of light, do you think I would be ok in successfully growing this plant outside at least during the warmer part of the months?

ANSWER: Hi Jake,

You should be able to grow a Nepenthes sanguinea outside during the summer.  You will definitely need afternoon shade, you'll need to water it daily during hot weather, and protect it from wind.  Morning sun will be best.  The wind will probably be your biggest problem depending on how windy it is in your area.  A Nepenthes sanguinea can handle heat alright, but the wind could cause leaf damage in very hot weather.  Also, try to have other plants around it.  This will help with sheltering, and help raise the ambient humidity a little.

Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: Hello Jeff,
I actually bought this Nepenthes from you guys about 3 years ago. I now have it in a 8 inch pot. Luckily the plant itself is protected from the wind by the walls of the building. I was able to measure the exact amount of direct lighting. I receive about 4 hours of direct after noon lighting. My other question is would this plant produce hardened leafs as do venus flytraps to prevent sun damage? Or will I always have to protect it from direct light?

Thanks Jeff

Answer
Hi Jake,

It will produce a harder leaf.  I've grown some very nice Sanguineas indoors in typical 15-20% house humidity.  I would think in Texas you would be a bit more humid than that.  The main thing is to stay on top of the watering during the summer, and give it time.  N. sanguinea seems to be one of the toughest Nepenthes, and pitcher well as long as they have adequate light.  When do you typically see the last frost up in the panhandle?

Good Growing!

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