Question
Hi,
I was wondering if you could tell me what you think about a few things. First my nepenthes Caesar that I bought a few weeks ago has a bulge on the side of the stem. It looks like it is starting to grow a new vine but the plants are only two years old, is that normal.

Also I was thinking about buying some heliamphora and I have a small ten gallon tank and a 20watt floresent bulb is that good enough to grow these plants if not can you give me some pointers. I also have read a good amount of the ebook and just wanted to know what you think.

Answer
Hi Mitchell,

The bulge on your Caesar sounds like a new shoot developing.  Depending upon the Nepenthes species, this is very common.

If you're using a 10 gallon aquarium I'd recommend a two-tube standard fluorescent light fixture rather than compact fluorescent bulb.  The reason is that Heliamphora like it bright and cool, and the CFL may be a bit too warm.  Standard tubes are cooler.  Even though it will look goofy, a regular shoplight with 40 watt tubes will be the most inexpensive, and should give you great results.  Monitoring temperature will help also.  The temperature should be in the 70's.  Heliamphora also benefit from frequent water spraying to refill their pitchers.


Good Growing!

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