Starting CP seed- germination mat

[sundewman]

Hello,
I am trying to start a large amount of tropical/subtropical drosera seeds. I live in Iowa so it gets pretty cold at night. The recommended temp to grow tropical drosera is from 75-85 degrees. At night, it gets down to 64 in our house so I bought some germination mats. Does anyone have any experience with these? I have heard that it is best to leave them on all day, but I really only need them at night. Would this screw the seedlings growth up to have higher temps at night (around 85 F) than in the day (72 F)when they are under fluorescent lights?
If anyone could help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Not a Number]

They sell thermostat units for those heat mats. A temperature probe goes into the soil.

I believe the literature on the pads say they will heat to 10F degrees over the ambient temperature. I'm willing to bet that soil exposed to full sun in the tropics gets well over 95F.

Otherwise just use a "security" light timer to shut it off during the day.

What species and location data where applicable seeds do you have?

[sundewman]

Thanks for your response.
Yes, some even say the bump it up to 20 degrees F.
I have gotten mixed reports of germination. Some people say the "ideal" temp is 65-70 F while others say 75-85 is best. I agree with you that it could get up to 95 F for the seeds in the tropical regions. Is it possible that it can be "too hot" for the seeds if it starts pushing 100 F?

Would it be alright to leave the pad on at night, and turn it off in the day? Do you think this might mess up the "biological processes" of the plant since it is normally warmer when it is light outside and colder when dark?

The varieties I have are:
Drosera intermedia ---Cuba
D. burmannii ---Beerwah
D. venusta ---South Africa
D. capensis ---South Africa

I also have D. filiformis Florida Red form and D. indica green form

[Brian Barnes]

Hi! I have successfully germinated the named species with a constant 78 to 82F temp, under lights with a 14 hr photoperiod, with the media wet but not waterlogged...
Brian.

[sundewman]

Thanks for the heat and photoperiod info. Did you start them in the spring, or did you use a germination pad?

[Brian Barnes]

Actually, my indoor grow chambers are at a constant 78 to 82F year round, so i need no mat. I've got some going now as a matter of fact. Brian.

[sundewman]

nice.
thanks