Question
Hi again I forgot to ask you a couble of questions the last time I was here.I orderd a large flytrap from you guys but several days after some of its traps started to die and after 3 weeks leaves are still dying, and I dont know why, maybe its because its eating a lot of insects or maybe because its getting used to the climate. I did what the care sheets told me to do, but it still growing beautyfully and growing like weeds. and the leaves are a little thin but it could be the cloudy weather. Also were would I find the right  floresent lights for N. merrilliana x alata and cephalotus. Oh and is the water filter PUR watering system for faucet water ok.

Answer
Hi Jesus,

Is the plant blooming?  That can definitely cause a decrease in trap production.  Also, your water may be causing problems.  Carbon filters such as Pur and Brita don't remove minerals.  If your water is hard you need to use distilled water, rainwater or water purified by reverse osmosis.

With fluorescent lights you don't need anything special.  Ordinary cool-white tubes work great.  Intensity is the name of the game with most carnivorous plants.  Specialty plant lights are often not as bright, and cost a fortune.  If you are using a shoplight fixture just be sure to use 40 watt tubes and not energy saver types.  The lower wattage tubes are not as bright.


Good Growing!

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