Question
Overall Setup
Hi! This is a follow up question, and I have photos this time. The original message is below, thanks for your help. I can only send one picture at a time, if you need pictures of the plant itself, just let me know.
Aaron
Hi, I recently bought a N. Deroose Alata and because of too many plants and not enough light, I bought some plant light bulbs to give this one enough light. I have a 75 watt bulb, it's around 8 inches away, and is on for around 14 hours a day. However, the top of the pitchers have started to turn black and somewhat curl a bit. The plant itself is thriving, and within a week has started to grow many other pitchers and leaves. So my question is, since I'm somewhat new to dying pitchers, is this a sign of my pitchers simply dying, or could my light be "burning" them? The pitchers are having the problems on the side that the light is on, but the massive growing makes me second guess that the light is the problem. Any help would be very much appreciated and if it is indeed the light, what should I do?
This is the bulb I'm currently using
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&...
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
If you could send me a photo of this set-up it would be very helpful. From your description I can't tell if your "light bulb" is a 75 watt incandescent light, or a compact fluorescent with 75 watt equivalent. It makes a big difference. Incandescent bulbs are always inappropriate for plant growing since they are too hot and not rich enough in blue light. Even the fanciest types such as Chromalux don't work. You should always use fluorescent lights. Your description does make it sound like it's too hot. Let me know and I'll help you get the correct set-up.
Jeff
AnswerHi Aaron,
I can see that you definitely have one of those incandescent grow bulbs. They are too hot and not bright enough where it counts. Switch over to the largest compact fluorescent you can find that will fit in your fixture. If possible, a "Daylight" type will provide a better spectrum since it is your primary light source. If not the regular ones will work.
The other (better) option would just be to buy a two-tube 48" shoplight fixture. They are easy to hang on a shelf like that, and the replacement tubes are inexpensive. Just be sure to use 40 watt tubes, such as Sylvania Cool-White Plus. Energy saver types won't be bright enough. With this type of fixture you can have several other plants on the shelf.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
