Q/A #133 - Will a Darlingtonia Grow in My Indoor Setup?

QUESTION:
I am interested in growing a Darlingtonia but want to make sure I put it in the right environment. If I were to purchase one, it would be in my basement on the second level of the plant shelf. I have attached a picture for your reference. It would be under a 20 watt Sansi Grow light and temperatures in the basement on average from 55°F (13°C) to 72°F (22°C), which I believe are suitable for Darlingtonia. I am also a tad confused about hibernation, do I just let the leaves die off and reduce lighting from 14 hours to 12? What else would I have to do?
(Submitted in July 2021.)

RESPONSE BY JEFF DALLAS:
I'm leery about trying to grow one like this. Darlingtonia are hardy perennials, i.e. outdoor plants. You will have the same struggles growing Darlingtonia in tropical conditions like this as you would growing potted strawberry plants indoors. They would need to have their daylight cycle dropped to the same as outdoors, which would be 8 hours in midwinter. Your tropical plants won't like such short days; they will do better with 11-12 hours of light. 

The temperature range you describe is OK for dormancy, but it would be best if you can keep the temperature below  60°F (15°C).

Even if you're initially successful , Darlingtonia get pretty big and will soon outgrow the pot and space. You will also struggle to provide them with enough light as they get larger with this kind of light set-up. Darlingtonia tend to be fussy under the best of circumstances, and this type of set-up would be challenging.

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