Question
With all the rain we are having here in NY( a month straight already!), and
with too many large trees blocking the sun, my sundews and nepenthes have
not been doing so well. My sundews stopped growing and won't flower, and
the nepenthes' leaf shape has been growing broader and flatter. Color isn't
right either, too green.  I'd love to get a light bulb to supplement the sunlight
( the trees are blocking my direct  SW sun that I get all winter). Is there a
brand of grow light you recommend? How high above the plants should it
hang?

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Katie,

The most cost effective and efficient grow light is a simple two-tube shop-light.  These are usually sold and home improvement stores for around $10.00.  They take 48" fluorescent tubes.  Use 40 watt cool-white tubes.  Avoid plant spectrum tubes or energy saver types;  they are not bright enough.  Hang the fixture about 3-4 inches above the plants.  You may need to stage the plants on different levels to get the little ones closer to the light.  Be sure to get a timer also.  Set it for a 14 hour day.


Good Growing!

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