Question
The one plant I don't have is a Darlingtonia Californica. So I am looking to purchase one, but before I do i want to make sure it won't die after I get it. The location I am putting them in is in Moraga California. It will get full sun all day. I would have it in it's own 1 gallon platic pot in a cat litter box full of distilled water. I also have vft and filiformis sundew purchased from you..and a hooded pitcher, flava, and purpurea all in their own pots also in the cat litter box. In the springs and summer it can get hot sometimes..high 80's to ocasional 100's..i usually top water when it reaches high 90s or above..winter is cold but only below freezing at night and even then im pretty sure its not too far below.

Answer
Hi Matt,

With Darlingtonia, it will work best if you actually pot it up in the cat litter pan.  Poke holes in the bottom so it drains freely.  If you surround it with the growing containers of the others it will shield sun on the Darlingtonia pot.  The Darlingtonia shouldn't sit in water.  The soil cools better if it is well aerated.  You will need to water it a couple times a day during the summer while it's hot.  If you can put it on a drip system it will make it easier to water during the summer.  Also, purchase your plant in the winter.  Darlingtonia are much more sensitive to transplanting than Sarracenia.  Try to provide some shade in the late afternoon if your temperatures are in the 90's and 100's.  For more information on growing Darlingtonia, visit our caresheet pages at http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets


Good Growing!

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