Question
Dear carnivorous plant guys,

I enjoy your youtube episodes very much. It got me to buy my first carnivorous plants! I bought Drosera Capensis and Sarracenia Purpurea, seeing as how those are beginner plants. I am VERY interested in Nepenthes and Cephalotus. I live in Los Osos, CA (zone 9). It's in the central coast of California. The problem is I don't have any sunny windows or any place I can put it in my house for fear I will not give it enough sunlight.

Would I be able to grow them, healthy pitchers and all, outside? I wouldn't mind bringing them out in the morning (750am) then back in at night if that's what it would take to keep one.

Thanks for the help guys. Make more youtube videos!!

-Nathaniel

Answer
Hi Nathaniel,

I'm glad you liked the videos.

If you don't have sunny windows, and since your USDA zone 9, a Cephalotus could be very happy outside in your area.  It and the Nepenthes both would just need some light shade from the hottest parts of the day during the summer.  Many of the highland, intermediate, and lots of Nepenthes hybrids would be very happy outdoors during the summer, and would just need to be protected from frost during the winter.  They (Nepenthes) can handle brief spells into the 40's with no problem.  Cephalotus is a zone 9 plant, and can handle brief, mild frosts.

Your other option is to set up a light shelf with fluorescent lights.  A couple of two-tube shoplights could make a great area for some Nepenthes and Cephalotus.  We talk about that in our "Grow Carnivorous Plants" volume #2 DVD.  Volume #3 is about tropical pitcher plants specifically.  Information on all the videos can be found on our homepage.

Good Growing!

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