Question
We have a pretty cool, fairly shady house here in western Oregon.  Tropical houseplants grow well, but there is not a LOT of light.  We have, for example Anthuriums that grow much but never bloom anymore, I think as this house is less hot and sunny location.
Was thinking maybe some highland Nepenthes as they grow well in the cooler conditions, though not so sure which would require the least light?  The "intermediate" N. ventricosa sounds like a good bet, or perhaps a higher elevation plant?

Answer
Hi Doug,

Unfortunately, even the highland Nepenthes requires a bit more sunlight than what your home can provide.  Your non-blooming Anthuriums are a perfect example.  Though it grows well in shade, it doesn't bloom unless it receives a few hours of direct sunlight.  The same goes for Nepenthes.  You'll have lots of nice leaves, but you won't see any pitchers unless the plants receive a few hours of direct sunlight.  

Very few carnivorous plants grow in shade.  While some Nepenthes grow on the protective floor of tropical rainforests, they still receive lots and lots of bright indirect sunlight.  This is true with the lowland Nepenthes, such as N. ampullaria and N. bicalcarata.  The only trouble that you'll encounter in growing these species, however, is keeping it warm enough for them to produce their pitchers.  They just don't like Oregon's cool climate.  They like it hot and humid nearly constantly.

If you want to grow Nepenthes, you may need to invest in fluorescent lights to supplement the ambient light coming through your windows.  You can find information about lighting for Nepenthes at:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

I also recommend using the Best Plants For You feature on our website. Just answer a few questions about your growing conditions, and you'll get a list of plants suitable for your home.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin