Question
I have a drosera adelae I got from lowes 3 days ago.I was wondering if I should use a plant light or put it by a window.The plant light looks like this  http://doitbest.com/main.aspx?memberid=1875h&associate=true&pageid=64&sku=516882 Also right now its in the cube it came in with all long fibered sphagnum moss and it looks like it has a long stem with about an inch between leaves and has no dew.

Answer
Hi Clara,

Although it says it's a plant light, it's inappropriate for any type of plant.  You see, it doesn't have enough UV light and it gets too warm for plants.  

The most appropriate type of lighting is fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescent bulbs.  I just picked up a 42-watt compact fluorescent bulb at a local hardware store.  This type of lighting is strong enough, provides sufficient UV light and is cool enough to keep relatively close to the plant.  

For more information about artificial lighting, read the care sheet on tropical sundews:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

We also completed filming a DVD on tropical sundews and addressed the issue of artificial lighting.  We will release the DVD in November.  

In any case, take your plant out of the cube terrarium and grow it in a sunny south window.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin