Houseplants - Artificial Lighting
With artificial lights, you can grow a wide variety of tropical carnivorous plants.
The only artificial light we recommend at the moment is T-5 fluorescent tubes, either in 2-feet and 4-feet lengths.
You can find fixtures for these tubes at your local hardware or hydroponics store.
When used as a supplement for natural lighting, cool white lights are sufficient. While T-5 tubes labeled as grow
lights or full spectrum may sound better, they are often more expensive with without any significant
difference in growth when compared to cool white lights.
The lights should also be on for 12-16 hours daily. Start with the tubes approximately 12 inches above the top of plants.
For many plants, this is an adequate distance. You may need to move the lights closer or further away, depending on how your
plant is growing.
As for LED lights, you can experiment with them. We just don't have any recommendations because the quality of these lights
vary tremendously. T-5 fluorescent tubes are most reliable for growing carnivorous plants.
The following groups of plants that are appropriate for first-time growers
and adapt very well to artificial lights.
Why aren't Venus flytraps and Sarracenia on this list?
Venus flytraps and Sarracenia require more sunlight than what's found in most homes. Lack of adequate sunlight is why they often die in the home. They are also cold-hardy perennials that require winter dormancy. Without it, they get cranky and refuse to grow well. Venus flytraps and Sarracenia grow best outdoors throughout the year, just like other garden perennials.