Question
Today I received a one inch leafspan sized Nepenthes Hamata. I potted it up in equal parts of long fibered sphagnum, peat moss, and sand. To keep the humidity up I put the whole pot in a gallon sized plastic bag.... Do I have buy a terrarium to keep the humidity up? Also, How far away should I put this young plant from my 4 foot long shop lights?

Btw, thank you Jeff and Jacob for your really thoughtful and professional answers. I really appreciate having an expert ready to answer your questions at hand! Thanks

Answer
Hi Bob,

If you're willing to drop the 50+ dollars for a Nepenthes hamata, be willing to spend some money to keep it alive.  The plastic bag is an ok temporary enclosure, but will become problematic with time.  Hamata does seem to need elevated humidity, and a larger terrarium will make that much easier.  An aquarium you can set your light on top of will work well.  If you get something around 40 gallon, you will have room for your hamata, and some other plants too.

I would put your plant about 4 inches below the fluorescent tubes.

Good Growing!

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