Question
Hi Guys,
Seems I never have enough light to grow these beautiful plants so I am wondering if a 400 Watt Electronic Ballast Hydroponic Grow Light Lamp With Metal Halide MH & HPS Bulb would be sufficient. Mostly interested in Sarracenia.

Thanks
Joseph

Answer
Hi Joseph,

Actually, you could easily grow Sarracenia outdoors in full sun.  If you watch our video podcasts, you'll see how we grow our plants outdoors.  Not ever do they go in a greenhouse.  So I recommend putting them outside.  

You can use artificial lights.  Of the two you mentioned, I prefer metal halide over high pressure sodium because the lighting spectrum tends to favor leaf growth.  That wattage is also sufficient to producing nice colors in your plants.  You will need to adjust the light distance, starting at 2 feet.  Adjust the light until you get the growth and color you want.  If the leaves burn, move the light further away.  If the leaves are pale and lanky, move the light slightly closer.  Overall, 2 feet would be an appropriate distance.

I don't recommend artificial lights for tall Sarracenia.  The lighting will be very uneven.  Small or short plants benefit more from artificial lights than tall plants.

For more information about growing Sarracenia, visit the following links:
http://www.cobraplant.com/videos
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin