Question

Windowsill Plants   QUESTION: Hello

    Recently I ordered a two Nepenthes and a Pinguicula knowing I was going to place them on my south facing windowsill that was getting filtered sunlight.  But now The trees covering the sun from the harshest times have been cut down and now the window gets sunlight about 8 hours a day but it doesn't beat through the window.  Not so direct that it fries any plants.  What's my concern is that this may be to much light now for these plants?  I have a Nepenthes Sanguinea witch I believe is doing well because it's getting a shaded red leafs now witch Sanguinea means blood I think so I think it's fine.  A Nepenthes Ventricosa which I know isn't looking well but it does seem to be growing new leafs/pitchers.  Also a Pinguicla Moctezumae which I think it's not adapting to the new sunlight well because it's not producing many leafs now but it's still green and caching insects.  My main question is will these plants still live in these kind of conditions?  (The window is has a high of 85F and a low of 70-75F and if it matters 45-50% humidity)

    Now if these plants aren't going to live through this window I' am going to purchase a shop light like shown in the 3rd grow carnivorous plants video, because my outdoor Droseras are being un-potted from our hard thunderstorms we have daily.  I wanted to make sure that a Drosera Paradoxa, Drosera Capensis (red leaf), Drosera Aliciae, and a Drosera scorpiodes will live under artificial light.

    I know these were some questions Allexperts doesn't answer but any help will be deeply appreciated.

Thank you, Justin

ANSWER: Hi Justin,

I think you're misreading what has happened here.  Those trees being cut down was a gift to your plants.  They clearly were not getting enough sun before.  That's why the Nepenthes are starting to look better.  In my experience, it is virtually impossible to give Nepenthes too much sun indoors in a windowsill.  The P. moctezumae also will appreciate the extra light.  Most of the long-leaf Pinguicula are used to brighter light.  The window is now a great window for carnivorous plants.

A shoplight will extend your growing area, but it isn't needed for the windowsill plants.  If the other plants are getting beat down by rain, growing under lights may be a good option.

Good Growing!

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

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QUESTION: Just one last question, do you think I could grow my Drosera Scorpiodes, Aliciae, Paradoxa, and my Capensis at that windowsill?

Answer
Hi Justin,

Those sundews should be fine in that window now that it has more sun.  In the winter, it may be good to consider supplementing with artificial light since the days are short.

Good Growing!

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