Question
hello i have aquired a 400 W HPS light and ballast, the glow from the bulb is very orange. I was wondering however would ths be good for nepenthes and other cps? how far away should the bulb be from the plants for good results? tahnkyou kindly, Jessy

Answer
Hi Jessy,

That orange glow is very normal for HPS lights.  We use it occasionally during the winter months to supplement what little sunlight we get in the Pacific Northwest.  

Because the light is mostly red and yellow spectrum, you won't get as much leafy growth as you might with fluorescent lights, which have more blue light.  But an HPS light will serve its purpose and keep your plants healthy during the winter months.

The bulb produces a lot of heat, so keep it about 2 feet above the plants.  Set the light on a timer to come on for 14 hours per day.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin