Question

Medusa   QUESTION: Allexperts,

The Medusa that I have is beginning to come out of dormancy a bit to early.  Should I  put it under some CfL lights?  I have a picture of the plant.  It is beginning to put up flowers shoots.   Thank you.

Grow info.
Water= Distilled
dormant in garage like structure.
I got the plant from Sarracenia Northwest.
Sincerely,

Weylin Callery

ANSWER: Hi Weylin,

How warm has it been in your garage?  I looked at the weather for Wilmington, DE and your temperatures are pretty similar to ours in the Pacific Northwest.  You could just put it outside.  It will slow it down to a more normal season.  The rain will also be beneficial for it.  If you have a cold snap, just move it back to your garage until your temperatures are above freezing again.  Putting it under lights now will put it into growth a bit too early, so it will be somewhat out of sync for the season.  Your lights will probably not be bright enough either for Sarracenia.  When we force some early for shows we have them under Metal Halide combined with natural daylight through the greenhouse.

Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: Allexpers,

In the garage area it is usually within the temperature range of whats is happening outside.   Does this at all changes what you said earlier?  The place where I have the plant has a few windows that get some hours of sunlight, could that have brought the plant from its dormant state?  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Weylin

Answer
Hi Weylin,

My previous advice still stands.  Any kind of enclosure is a bit warmer than just being outside, especially through a window.  If you're not having really cold weather, it's probably better outside.  It will help fend off any fungal issues and keep you from needing fungicide.  Just watch your forecast for any late season cold snaps.

Good Growing!

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