Question
QUESTION: I have a desk lamp at work which I have retrofitted the shade to accept a 42W. compact fluorescent 42W spiral bulb.
I keep it around 6" above Nepenthes "exoctic lady" hybrid at work. Any suggestions?
Please give me your input on other species concerning this setup.

IMG_0225.JPG



ANSWER: Hello Charlie,

A 42 watt compact fluorescent would be fine for most of lower intensity light requiring carnivorous plants, like a small Nepenthes, Butterworts, and even some of the Sundews like D. adelae and D. spatulata.

The main thing to consider is that larger plants, even if they require less light than garden plants, will require larger surface areas of light that even windows might not provide. Supplement any one source of light with others as needed as your Nepenthes grows. My N. sanguinea started off a mere 3 inches tall, but now is over 4 feet long and vining out in all directions with several cuttings growing merrily alongside it. I have to keep it under 12000 lumens of florescent shop lights and in a south facing window to give it enough coverage to pitcher and survive.

Christopher

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


N. Hybrid   QUESTION: I need to add the fact that this bulb in my lamp is putting out 2600
lumens.
It is about 6 to 7 inches above the plant.
I have also purchased a timer so that the plant is currently receiving
10 hours of light per day.
As far as hydration, I soak it every other day with distilled water
and make sure the pot is not sitting in any standing water in
collecting tray.
After 5 days, the N. Exotic Lady hybrid is doing great.
Please see Picture.
Please let me know your thoughts and thanks for your help!

Answer
Hello Charlie,

For a small plant, a single fluorescent compact bulb may be fine for a short time. But it would be a good idea to increase the daylength of light the plant receives to over 14 hours a day. If you notice any slowing of growth or less intense coloration on additional growth, the plant will need additional light sources. Nepenthes can fail to produce bright colors, fail to pitcher, and fail to grow at a normal rate when given too little light for too short a period each day.

Christopher