Question
Hi, I was wondering what wattage or lumens I need to look for in a high pressure sodium lamp in order to grow a Cephalotus. Pirranhaboy01 on Youtube, who grows many plants under high power lights, recommended a 400w HPS and to also use a halide light for the widest light spectrum.
 And I suggest you look up Pirranhaboy01 on Youtube because he has a huge collection of Cps.
   Thanks a bunch!,
     Alaric

Answer
Hi Alaric,

I looked at Piranhaboy01's videos, and he has an impressive collection.  I didn't see much on how he grows his plants, however.

If you have a room or greenhouse where you have a sizable area you can dedicate to a good size collection of plants, HID lights (High Pressure Sodium, Metal Halide) can give excellent results.  It is true that if you combine one of each you get a very complete spectral output for your plants.  However, if you are talking about a single Cephalotus to set up these kind of lights, it is overkill in the extreme.  The lights are expensive to buy and operate.  We use a 1,000 watt HPS in our sundew greenhouse in the winter to boost daylight hours, but you can just watch the power meter spin.  We use it because the Pacific Northwest is very cloudy all winter.

You'll get just as good of a results by using simple fluorescent shoplights for Cephalotus, and they have the advantages of low power usage and not nearly as much heat which Cepahalotus hates.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com