QuestionQUESTION: How might I cool a terrarium for Ultra-Highland Nepenthes such as N. Hamata? Also, Are my growing conditions for the pygmy sundew that you sent me as a bonus plant correct? I have it in a south window, in the soil that you sent it in and I have it in a tray of ditilled water 1/3 of the way up the pot? I am guessing for D. Capensis that it is the same except probably 1/2 the way up the pot?
ANSWER: Hi Patrick,
An easy and fun way to help cool the terrarium would be to use one of the ultrasonic fogger commonly found for frog tanks. Pet product companies often carry these.
You're correct on the conditions. Wet and sunny. The only difference I'd recommend is to not keep the water as high on the pot on either one. 1/3 of the way up the pot is fine when you first add water, but let the plant use up the water before adding more. You want the soil wet, but not waterlogged. This allows better oxygenation of the soil.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
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QUESTION: Sorry, I forgot to ask this. I read in your e-book and in another book that neps in terrariums can be kept in a shallow tray of water. Can neps in windowsills have the same? How much, if so. Hopefully i haven't forgotten anything else!
AnswerHi Patrick,
Actually, it is with a water tray under them. (It's just to catch excess water when you water them.) You don't ever want Nepenthes to sit in water for long periods of time the way you would Sarracenia. You would do the same for a Nepenthes in a windowsill. Many species and hybrids do great as windowsill plants. Some of my top recommendations would be N. sanguinea, N. truncata, N. alata hybrids, and N. maxima hybrids. Many others do well also, you just need to give them enough time to adapt to your particular conditions. Ones to avoid for windowsills, ultra-highland or ultra-lowland varieties.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
