Oh no worries, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing an acronym I didn't know or something (or that you were watering it with Tab Soda lol, Sarras prefer whiteclaw).
Seconding /u/RobertRosenfeld below. You can't really over sun them, and long strange growth is they're way of trying to find the light. That being said, at 6mo, have you had normal pitchers grow during that time? Similar if you've had succulents under that light that haven't "stretched" that's a good indication the light is good.
You should definitely swtich to rain water if you can, but my understanding is high-mineral water normally causes yellowing and burning, not this kind of growth. So yes, switch to rain water but that may not be the issue.
Grow light specs can be.... wrong. I've had good luck with these guys and park them about 8cm above my plants.
edit: last thing, make sure you cycle your grow lights. No plant likes light 24/7
Yes I do, thank you for being patient with me btw, I know how annoying the “new guy” can be lol. Here’s the link;
Barrina Plant Light, 144W(6 x... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082ZL2L3N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
i hear you can use Mosquito Dunks, https://www.amazon.com/Summit-Responsible-Solutions-Mosquito-Bits/dp/B0001LE1VC/ but those don't look like mosquitos larva...
i always suggest trying diluted neem oil as a spray. it kills a laundry list of bugs/pests and is fine for CPs
You might want to consider a better light for your VFT. A 15W bulb is probably not strong enough. I have grown my VFT under this light for several years with good success:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BRKT56T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Otherwise your setup looks good. Your plant looks like it might be trying to put out a flower stalk. If so I would cut it off so that the VFT dedicates it energy to growing more leaves.
To cover a 6-foot tank with good light, take a look at the MARS HYDRO TSL 2000 or VIPARSPECTRA Pro P2500 LED grow light. They aren't the cheapest options, but they work well.
Not sure why you think an RO system is seriously expensive, you can get one for $60 bucks that'll make all the RO water you need for plants.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00204CQF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_--gMFbCGZ89GS
Gets even cheaper if you get a three stage unit that produces low ppm (~10 ppm) usually vs a four stage which gets you 0 ppm. Plants don't care. I think someone did the math on an amazon review and it works out to being 8 cents a gallon.
If you don't want an RO unit for a small collection, zero water filters are reported to work great too, since they reduce the total ppm of the water.
I use this one:AgroMax RAW 65 Full Spectrum LED Grow Light - 4000K Veg & Bloom | Samsung LM301B Chips & Meanwell Driver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KX67F3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ghuHR4xbWxBVx
My B52 love this light. I have them in my basement office with not natural light. My B52 is a beautiful deep red color and my nepenthes are also really enjoying it.
I’m just cutting my oldest leaves off, cutting them into 3/4”-1” segments, and then I put them in distilled water under very direct high intensity light. The light is so bright, I think it’s killing my other cuttings from capensis. The lights are delivering a lot of light. They’re the IMVSincere 100 watt lights set like 10 inches from the water. You can see the par ratings and on the Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/IMVSINCERE-Spectrum-High-Performance-Greenhouse-Hydroponic/dp/B095C2DLH5
Then, I moved them into a 50/50 wet mix of peat perlite. Then I just took the whole leaf, shaped it like I wanted, and sprinkled a light dusting of dry peat over the top, watered, and finally covered and put under bright light.
Do you know the species/hybrid of the plant? It's much easier to grow the shorter ones indoors.
You'll need a very bright grow light, preferably a full-spectrum LED model. SANSI makes some nice ones. Here is a bulb, and here is a small panel.
To feed your plant, the easy and convenient source is freeze-dried bloodworms (in the fish-food section of a pet store). This is insect larva, so your plant is still eating bugs.
Here they are:
BangQiao deep pots
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MN1DGMW
They're incredibly sturdy and have great drainage. I wouldn't use smaller than 4.4 inches in diameter. If you're going to put these pots in direct sun, then I recommend shading them or painting the outside white, as the gray and black colors absorb a lot of heat and warm up the soil too much.
RO Buddie is only $70 and is very easy to use. I use mine to make about 5-10 gallons every day. It has an attachment that will hook up to most sinks but I just hook mine up to the hose outside.
If you are Europe side, you can check this set 40W x2.
I use it horizontally, but they can be set up vertically as well!!!
The next couple I'll buy will go on the two sides of a windowsill.
(Preparing for wintering some of my big plants)
Thanks!
Please note that "IMIDACLOPRID" is now forbidden all around the world.
The alternative safe systemic ingredient now authorized by FDA and the other certification Agencies is "Sanium AL" or any of his cousins.
On the spot, I used PYRETHRIN I had available at hand.
And today Sanium AL arrived from Amazon:
Theses lights seem pretty weak. I'd suggest you try some sansi grow lights. This https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Daylight-Lights-Indoor-Plants/dp/B07TKKG8Q3/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=2H589DY85V0I&keywords=sansi+grow+light&qid=1658424075&sprefix=sansi+%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-6# or this https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Daylight-Spectrum-Sunlight-Greenhouse/dp/B07BRKG7X1/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2IMM2DYVYHQEC&keywords=sansi+grow+light+45w&qid=1658424200&sprefix=sansi+grow+light+45w%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-4. I used sansi bulbs and they worked great for a small grow area.
This is the light I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099DMY1ZT
I was worried maybe it was too bright as when I moved my binata closer to it it dropped all its leaves, but maybe that was another problem.
I bought this one specifically. I bought the plant on a whim at the store and so I bought this brand because it had good reviews and would ship the fastest.
https://www.amazon.com/Carnivorous-Organic-Terrarium-Carnivore-Sphagnum/dp/B07FM2CBHM
>Do you mean you grow cannabis? That's super cool! I saw from the carnivorous plant's shop they use a 45W full spectrum grow light that looks like this one: > >https://www.amazon.com/Light-Spectrum-Indoor-Plants-Growing/dp/B082FZC174 > >Since will only have few small carnivorous plants, like the pot is not larger than 10 cm, what model of Sansi light you would recommend?
10 cm ≈ 0.00091 football fields
^^^[WHY](/r/UselessConversionBot/comments/1knas0/hi_im_useless/)
Do you mean you grow cannabis? That's super cool! I saw from the carnivorous plant's shop they use a 45W full spectrum grow light that looks like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Light-Spectrum-Indoor-Plants-Growing/dp/B082FZC174
Since will only have few small carnivorous plants, like the pot is not larger than 10 cm, what model of Sansi light you would recommend?
leave anything green, otherwise trimming is a good thing :)
be patient with your plant, they take months to acclimate to their new environment from the nursery hothouse where they were probably growing before you got it.
if you're moving somewhere super dry, i'd recommend a wide hanging pot, with lots of sphagnum. you can keep all that material moist, and it will keep some extra humidity close to the plant.
i like the fine misters from amazon, not sure if spraying the plant once or twice a day really does much though :) this style https://www.amazon.com/Beautify-Beauties-Flairosol-Empty-Bottle/dp/B08B1SDZRP/
I've done a decent amount of research, but my drosera natalensis is flowering and just wanted some tips on harvesting seeds and the germination process. I bought this: EarlyGrow 70782 Propagator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7FBBBA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Will this meet the requirements needed?
Most people recommend you just get the White one, since its more pleasing to look at than just blasting your plants in red and blue lighting.
I'd recommend getting a cheap wall timer or smart plug as well, so you can time it for like 12-14 hours a day and then turning off without you having to do it yourself.
I've had fantastic results with these.
LED Pflanzenlampe Vollspektrum, Tasmor Dimmbar Grow Light 80W, Wachstumslampe für Zimmerpflanzen mit Timing LED Grow Lampe Pflanzenleuchte, Rot, Blau, Warmweiß IP44 LED Pflanzenlicht für Garten https://www.amazon.de/dp/B089QJR83X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_M7V5D69ERDDS05YN294H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I‘m currently using this one. 2 arms right above the terrarium opening.
Gotcha, it'll definitely survive through lower temperatures but if it's freezing outside more often than not, it wouldn't hurt to keep it in, especially if it's struggling right now - don't want to introduce any more problems! Many people recommend the Yescom 225 panel and many other grow lights, but if you only have a small collection or perhaps just the one plant, a bulb should work well enough. I'm currently using a Sansi 36W for growing a few plants on a shelf in room temperature/humidity conditions and everything is doing well so far, although I'm growing a Cephalotus, Nepenthes, some Drosera capensis variants and a pygmy as well as a few Pinguicula, so I can't speak for using it with flytraps, but I would think Cephalotus and Dionaea fall under the same light requirements. If you go for the 36W model, I wouldn't place the light any farther than 12" from the plant. You can see the PPFD measurements on one of the images, and you'll find that flytraps take in a lot of light (which is why putting them outside is an easy solution) so just be aware of that. To make things a little trickier, I'm not sure how long you've had it out of dormancy, but I wouldn't suggest blasting the little one with strong light because that might just finish it off. If you don't want to keep adjusting the height of the light above it every few weeks, you could probably get away from slowly increasing the amount of time it's spending under the light.
I’m not sure about single lamps for single plants. But 1ft x 1ft white led panels have done well for me. Keeping them 6” from the top of the plants is enough to bring out color in heliamphora, pinguicula, drosera, and cephalotus.
Ive had this brand for 3 years and they’ve taken water dripping and sitting on their backs with no electrical issues. They’re sold individually too, but it’s cheapest to buy a pack with some friends to reduce the unit cost. https://www.amazon.com/Yescom-Ultrathin-Hydroponics-Indoor-Growing/dp/B016CZMOK0/
Those north American pitcher plants really like it outside full sun. I just build myself a little mobile bog garden cart using one of these. Plug the holes with some super glue. And get that nepenthese a hanging pot they get big! (Throw out the media it comes with)
Emsco Group City Picker Raised Bed Grow Box – Self Watering and Improved Aeration – Mobile Unit with Casters - Cobalt Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798W3K48/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_VJVXFJM1MB7K6YWFB5PD
GARDENIX DECOR 11'' Self Watering Hanging planters for Indoor Plants - Flower Pot with Water Level Indicator for Plants, Hanging pots - Self Watering Planter Plant Pot-Coco Coir - Round 1 Pack - Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DR2F6DT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_WMRMPNHPJG0C3NG1ECSA
cool, I don't have any irrigation system, they are all in stone pots similar to the one in the photo and I water them with a bottle similar to the one in the link, being careful not to wet their leaves and so far it has served me very well. PS: until now I found out that in English they are known as butterworts
I’ve had great growth with these too:
https://imgur.com/a/V0SOsx5
(disregard the one pot tag was reusing it from Nepenthes pot)
I've used this grow light for years. My sundews & VFT really like it:
https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Daylight-Spectrum-Sunlight-Greenhouse/dp/B07BRKG7X1/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=2V97NAUMIFD3F&keywords=sansi+grow+light&qid=1640474413&sprefix=sansi+%2Caps%2C553&sr=8-5
if viparspectras are too out of your price range, i also recommend sansi light bulbs, such as this one.
i've got an alata that i bought in VA, and i now live in the upper midwest.
your plant will be fine, find a sunny south-facing window inside, for it to live in during the winter. during the warmer months you can probably get it out on a porch.
you may or may not lose some pitchers while it gets used to the new conditions.
i like misting mine with distilled water, and feel like that helps with the low humidity from having the furnace running 7 months out of the year. mist it 3 or 4 times during the day when i'm bored.
got this one a few years back, and it's awesome https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L0CNGCU/
the pitchers will refill on their own, or if you really want you can add a little distilled water into them.
This is my solution:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08237VJ5W?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
I'm new at this too. This light isn't extremely expensive. You got this, and these plants are cool enough that a little extra effort I think will pay off.
I have several of these grow lights and they work great:
https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Daylight-Lights-Indoor-Plants/dp/B07TKKG8Q3/ref=sr\_1\_4?crid=2N487JWJ3GOQL&dchild=1&keywords=sansi+grow+light&qid=1632830979&sprefix=sansi+%2Caps%2C967&sr=8-4
Can’t speak for the pings as I’ve never had them but for the Ceph I would say more probably needs more light.
I use this:
LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants, Relassy 15000Lux Sunlike Full Spectrum Grow Lamp, Dual Head Gooseneck Plant Light with Replaceable Bulbs, Professional for Seedling Growing Blooming Fruiting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C68N7PC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HBFG1F2AH1K9KF4BGANA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Also what are the soil conditions, they like it moist but they hate wet feet and are prone to rot. I use a 1 part carnivorous soil mix to 1 part course silica sand. I also use LECA on the bottom of the pot to keep it airy.
I just looked up the Milsbo greenhouse conversions and that is so cool! I def recommend monitoring the humidity I’ve noticed it does make a difference especially when the plant is younger.
I tend to monitor for dried out pitchers (weekly) in the crowns and pick them out so that there is more airflow in the crown and eliminate material that could potentially rot since I occasionally mist them in addition to using the tray watering method.
I have been using one of these: ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCR5Y4B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
But if you’re building out a milsbo you probably could use one designed for a terrarium.
This is a great video of Cephs in their natural habitat, the guys commentary is fantastically colorful as well.
LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants, Relassy 15000Lux Sunlike Full Spectrum Grow Lamp, Dual Head Gooseneck Plant Light with Replaceable Bulbs, Professional for Seedling Growing Blooming Fruiting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C68N7PC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NEHEF0SCF7J542A4VQ5A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Been using this one for my ceph, drosera, and Traps and they’ve been doing great under them.
I have used SANSI bulbs for years on my VFTs and other carnivores. Just note, you can't use a hood or cover with the bulb in the link below, it will shorten the life of the bulb.
​
The company also has larger panel lights that are water proof.
Since we’re talking outside, I’d definitely recommend weatherproof/waterproof even if it doesn’t rain much. I’m a big fan of my Mars Hydro lights inside but I went for a cheaper one outside for my bog because I wasn’t sure I’d need it.
I ended up getting one similar to this (probably the same one, let’s be real) that isn’t available anymore: https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Waterproof-Technology-Dissipation-Lifespan/dp/B07R4X8LFB/
Mounted it on a patio railing with zip ties. I only used it regularly for a month or two before I started (or realized I was) getting really good sun though. It’s quite bright but I can’t make a strong qualifier about its effectiveness as a grow light.
I actually have a cheap one I got off Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082ZL1Q63?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share It came with six 2' long strips and I managed to snag them for $40 which was one of the cheapest I could find at the time. I have a coworker who bought some cheap shop lights at Walmart for her succulents and house plants that she says works well. Some people have what spectrum you need, how many watts and lumens you need at whatever distance away for however long down to a tee. I just play with it. I've had my plants growing successfully for over a year now with a lot of trial and error. I wouldn't listen too carefully to all these people who treat lighting as an art form because they don't have the same opinions all across the board and you don't know which one you should follow. Maybe buy a cheap strip if it doesn't work send it back. Maybe try a Walmart shop light or any other light you stumble upon. Like I said to the OP try to avoid single bulbs because they just have ever worked for me. But maybe they will for you so you could give that shot. In my experience, If that's the only light they're getting I wouldn't recommend using it because no matter how long I left my plants under, they just didn't look healthy.
(Amazon Link) This is an old photo from before my plants healed post-store, but I’ve had a ton of luck with these planters. Love the modern look!
You really do need a brighter light if you want it to do well indoors. I’d stay away from bulbs, and instead get an Led lighting kit. Here’s something decent that’s on sale https://www.amazon.com/Lights-Spectrum-Indoor-Succulents-Seedling/dp/B07FKF6BT4/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=led+grow+light&qid=1621957348&sr=8-13 Hope this helps
Yescoms are great, but if you want some primo lighting here are some good options:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLYR5HG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_5QD2TF0X7JX0HTZTSMBE
What are you looking to grow in there?
I used a fishbowl (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068NZVIY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to create a small terrarium for a nepenthes in my office at work two years ago. I didn't do any crazy layers, just small aquarium river rocks at the bottom, a layer about 1" thick of long strand spaghnum, then about 4" of a nepenthes mix of orchid bark, perlite and spaghnum. It worked well. So well, the nepenthes outgrew the container in about a year. I had to transplant it, but gave me an "reason" to buy another small nepenthes to take it's place :)
I put a lid on mine to keep humidity levels up. At that, it takes maybe a pint of water a month. It's really easy to overwater it, so well draining mix and a place for water to drain down into (river rocks for me) works really well.
I would be concerned about peat/perlite, as it won't provide enough air in that small greenhouse. But, a nepenthes has different needs than a VFT.
Hope that helps!
I'm using two different sets.
And
The mossthink was the initial light I got for the setup, but it couldn't be set to run longer than 8 hours so I got the relassy lights and hooked them up to a timer. I left the first ones in, because they were already taped in place, and extra light certainly couldn't hurt.
There’s a lot out there isn’t there and often not a lot of good information. I’ve been using this one for a year. It appears out of stock at the moment but if you buy similar you’ll be fine. KINGBO 50W Plant Light, Full Spectrum LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants, 100 LEDs White Plant grow Lamp with Dual Head 360°Adjustable Gooseneck for Greenhouse and Succulents (Silver) (50W Sunlike) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MNFKTW3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Y7SSXJ6YM2YXSTF85Z8W
If you get something live this it will tell you if your water is bad and you can put distilled water through the soil from the top and measure what comes out to see how your soil is, TDS wise
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLZ6DT5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dlT1_o.laGb4G8WQVT
my only suggestion is to make sure they're not water-logged. nepenthes like moist but well drained soil. i use the this self-waterer from bulmat and it works great for my nethpenthes :)
https://www.amazon.com/Blumat-Classic-Automatic-Watering-Stakes/dp/B0001IOZ98/
I bought an inexpensive digital thermometer/hygrometer to use with my indoor plants. It displays the high and low temperatures and humidity levels since the last power reset (it runs on batteries). You might want to consider something like this for your attic.
As for cutting off all pitchers during dormancy, I see no reason to cut off healthy plant tissue, even if the light levels are low.
Not getting enough light. I use this light for my drosera and it works great. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NCVWFUE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Did you repot it? What soil is it in? I luckily got some burmannii with another plant and harvested seeds and have a second generation going inside now.
These were seed grown I have inside under a 30 dollar grow light:
Grow light: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C68N7PC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apap_vsj7b7fA3EyFR
i'm sure it would work for bog plants... my only concern is that you can't change the amount of moisture that gets into the soil, the thing sits in the water, and you just refill as needed.
i've been using some of these for my nepenthes, https://www.amazon.com/Blumat-Watering-Houseplants-Austria-Vacation/dp/B07H9HZ4FB/
they work awesome. and, you can increase / decrease the amount of watering by raising / lowering the water supply's height relative to the plant.
You can get a TDS meter to test your water,if the PPM is below 50 then the water is safe for your VFT.
iSpring 3-Button Digital TDS Water Quality Test Meter Kit with Temperature Calibration, 0-9990 ppm Measurement Range, 1 PPM Accuracy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDBZ1A2