Question
Hi im Yaredis I was just wondering how to pollinate or crossbreed carnivoruos plants with out insects. For example venus flytrap and sarracenias, and can you crossbreed to totally different species. How much electricity will a floresent light will take from growing carnivoruos plants and how much money for haveing a floresent light cost me when left on for long periods of time?

Answer
Hi Yaredis,

Because of genetic barriers that exist, you can only cross pollinate plants that are in the same genus.  For example, you can cross breed many sundews with sundews, Sarracenia with Sarracenia, but you would not be able to successfully cross say a Sarracenia with a Nepenthes.  To understand how to perform the pollination you need to consult some books on carnivorous plants.  You need to see diagrams on how to identify the floral parts and transfer the pollen, and get an undertanding of the receptive periods of different plants.  Good texts would include "The Savage Garden" by Peter D'Amato, and "Carnivorous Plants" by Adrian Slack.

Unfortunately, I have no way to know how much electric rates are in your area of the country.  What you need to do is find our how much the kilowatt hour charge is in your area, then how much power the light you want to use consumes.  A typical light used by many folks is a two tube shoplight fixutre.  These units typically consume 80 watts.  Many electric companies have the math formulas on their websites on how to figure out appliance power usage.  

Good Growing!

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