Question
I have just recently received a TLC Plant light which uses a full spectrum 9-watt fluorescent light.  After doing additional reading, I am now wondering if this is enough light for a Sarracenia (Wrigleyana), a Forked Leaf Sundew, a Nepenthes ventricosa and, a Pigmy Sundew roseana (which I have just ordered from you, but have not yet received).

I am just beginning to grow carnivorous plants, and want to make sure to do it right the first time.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

Unfortunately, using a 9-watt fluorescent tube is the equivalent of growing a plant in shade.  The lumen output is roughly 600.  You need at least 6000 lumens for healthy growth.  Full sun is 10,000 lumens.  

However, the plants you've mentioned all require different growing conditions.  The Sarracenia is a hardy US-native, and it grows best outdoors in full sun.  The fork leaf and pygmy sundews are fairly light intensive plants and also grow best in full sun.  (With these sundews, we sometimes grow them outdoors during the summer.)  The Nepenthes grows best in filtered sunlight.

We used to sell those lights that you just purchased.  However, we discontinued them because they just didn't give off enough light intensity.  The only plants that grew OK under them in the long term were Mexican butterworts.

For more information about using artificial lights, read our care sheets for tropical sundews and Asian pitcher plants:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin