Question
Hi,

I live in Walnut Cove NC. As you know I've had plans to build a bog and grow darlingtonia. My bog is already finished and within a week or two I will order my first cobra from you guys. I think have all the appropriate information I need from you guys concerning their growth but I still have 2 concerns I need to lay to rest. I read somewhere in the database where you told someone that even if they gave their cobra some water during the hot summer days it still wouldn't make any difference. I understand that drip systems are preferred for delivering relief to the roots via a well aerated soil. My dilemma is my bog is not close enough to the house for a hose to hook up to such a system. Will the occasional gallon or two of distilled water help with the proper soil mix in my bog? Can't even rain falling help simulate somewhat what occurs in nature? My other question concerns temps. I read on accuweather.com that my region is forcast to have slightly lower daytime temps than normal for the summer. This will definitely be good for my plants but I've still noticed that our lows still creep into the high-mid sixties at night. Will this be okay as long as the high keeps out of the 90s? I know this is a lot but I want to make sure I've got everything squared away and that I'm prepared for anything with these plants. I certainly don't want to be too hasty in getting these tricksters!

Thanks for my awesome flytrap!

Daniel Bunton

Answer
Hi Daniel,

If a drip system isn't possible, then water your plants twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.  As long as the soil is course and aerated, the plant should be OK.  

The plant still is an enigma.  We know for certain that pooled stale water is very detrimental.  But we aren't quite certain if the constant drip will aide the plant through very hot summers, particularly where nighttime temperatures rarely drops below 70癋.  In Oregon, the days can be extremely warm (above 90癋) but the nights almost always are in the lower 60s and upper 50s.  On a few occasions, we dip in the upper 40s, even in July.  The cool nights helps the plants deal with warm days, but we just don't know if the constant drip or watering is enough in your area.

Another option is to shade the plant with other plants.  Position it so the plant and soil is shielded from sunlight during the afternoon.  This might mean placing your plant in the eastern side of your garden.

In any case, keep us posted as how your plant performs during the summer.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin