Starting out...

[jms]

Cheers.

I'm just starting out for real (the sole VFT on my windowsill doesn't count ;)) and would like some advice. Browsing the genera-specific forums has gotten me somewhat wiser i hope but i still feel i could use pointers from people who have actually grown CP:s before.

The plan is to get a propagator with 4x24W T5 lighting (the exact model is this one: www.green-haus.eu/nlite-T5HO/Zimmergewaechshaus/Zimmergewaechshaus-mit-4-x-24w-nlite-Leuchtstoffroehren.html , don't ask me why but you can't look at it if you select English language on their webshop).

I can place the propagator from somewhat full sun (southern window, but partly shaded by trees, in a not so tropical Sweden) to full shadow. It's also possible to suspend the light-fixture if the distance is not far enough in the standard execution.
The water i was planning on using is RO-water (i use this water for poison dart frogs as well).
The ambient temperature in my apartment is somewhere around 75 degrees Fahrenheit on "normal" summer days but it can climb to 80 on hotter days and its even hotter in my living-room (which would be the room to put the propagator in if i need the window with full sun). The temperature does not drop much during the nights and in the winter it will decline to a steady day and night temperature of high 60:s.
Ventilation can be arranged and so can heat, if needed, during the winter months.

So far i have presented the plan and the environment where i live but nothing about the plants i will use and this is where i need help. I don't really know which plants would do well under those circumstances.
The only thing i know, from looking at pictures, is that enjoy looking at, for example, Cephalotus follicularis, Nepenthes maxima, Nepenthes spectabilis, Sarracenia purpurea and Darlingtonia californica among others. I guess my favorite is the Cephalotus follicularis but plants that use "pitfall"-traps in general looks pretty sweet in my opinion.

The question then is, would some of the plants mentioned work well for me? Would Cephalotus follicularis?

Any other pointers, about where to put the propagator or whatever, are welcome as well of course.

//JMS

[bluemax]

Hi, JMS. Welcome to the forum!

You are asking a big question but maybe I can suggest some resources and some very humble opinions.

The propagator you are considering looks capable for the Cephalotus but I suspect the Nepenthes species will outgrow it before long. If I were setting up with the sum of money you are suggesting I would probably go with a conventional glass aquarium and a T-5, T-8 or T12 fluorescent lighting system. In this way you can get the most space for your money. I would also suggest the book The Savage Garden by Peter D'Amato for your currant questions and those you haven't needed answered yet.

You may well find useful information on plant specifics at: www.sarracenia.com/faq.html and also at www.carnivorousplants.org/seedbank/SeedsQuickLinks.php These are both wonderful sites.

I wish you well and hope to hear of your successes!

- Mark

[jms]

Hey Mark and thanks for the input.

I thought about the outgrowing-aspect as well but i was under the impression that they would fit inside such a propagator for at least a year, is that wrong? Next spring i will get a terrarium (two really but only one for CP:s and the other for my frogs) anyways but maybe i should consider getting one quicker then.

Actually i have read some of the info from the seedbank-link, and other sites as well, but to be quite honest it is simply so much info condensed that i find it hard to sort it all out because of my limited experience.
If one would want to be a bit mean i guess you could say i was looking for the easy way out by outright asking for the key. ;)

//JMS

[bluemax]

I understand feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information and all there seems to be to know. There is a lot of useful stuff available here!
Again, I would recommend the D'Amato book as it contains most of what you need to know in one place.

As to how long it would take to outgrow the propagator, that would depend on how large the plants are. The Sarracenias and Nepenthes would have to be quite small to be happy for long with only 23cm total height. You could do it with seedlings or very small plants. A 10-gallon aquarium with a 2 or 4 tube fluorescent fixture would be less expensive and have more headroom.

- Mark

[jms]

Right, i will look into getting the book for sure. It probably saves a bunch of money in the long run anyways, apart from being a fun read i suppose.

Then i will start with a Cephalotus along with some non-CP plants i am cultivating for my next frog-terraria (which are the main reason for buying the propagator really, the CP:s are just bonus for me at the moment) and hold on with those others.

Once again, thanks for helping me out. I really need it. :)

//JMS

[gardenofeden]

Cephalotus will be happier on a windowsill, pot standing in a saucer of rainwater, rather than in a terrarium. Same for Sarracenia purpurea and Darlingtonia, although of the two Darlingtonia copes better with partial shade, but I suspect your room temperatures will not suit these 2 as they like a cold winter rest.. Darlingtonia is of course fully hardy and will survive outside no problems in Sweden, so will Sarracenia purpurea ssp. purpurea. for a terrarium I would stick to Nepenthes and perhaps tropical Drosera and epiphytic Utricularia.

[jms]

Cheers Stephen.

Maybe i should just skip the propagator for the CP:s for now then.

I live in an apartment so i'm afraid outside planting is not an option for me.

//JMS