Cool White Fluorescent Bulbs for Carnivorous Plants—Yes, But…

Aaron asks if a cool white bulb alone is sufficient for carnivorous plants.

Cool White Works, With Caveats

Christopher: "Cool white tubes and bulbs of the fluorescent variety are the general types of artificial lighting to use with carnivorous plants. You could also use true daylight varieties."

Requirements

• Minimum 12,000 lumens total output.
• Plants 6–8 inches (or closer) from tubes.
• Full-sun North American species (Sarracenia, VFT) need 20,000–30,000+ lumens to thrive indoors.
• Natural full sun = 40,000–50,000 lumens; most growers put full-sun plants outdoors.

For tropicals (Nepenthes, some Drosera), cool white fluorescents at 12,000+ lumens can work well.