Supplementing Windowsill Light for Drosera capensis with CFLs

Question

I am receiving a Drosera Capensis from you in the mail, and I have a small question. I will be growing it in a windowsill that gets about three hours of full morning sun, and I know that is not enough. Could I supplement the three hours of sunlight with a 100 or 150 watt equivalent Compact fluorescent? I would by a fixture, but space is limited.

And if I do get a 150 watt should that still be 3 inches from the plant?

Thanks, Connor

Answer

Using a compact fluorescent in this way can give excellent results. The combination of natural and artificial light will make the plant produce beautiful colors. A 100 or 150 watt equivalent is fine. You might also consider a fluorescent desk lamp that has a larger bulb. We bought several fixtures a year ago from Home Depot that were 13 watt, natural spectrum, and had an adjustable height. These units were about $20.00. They worked quite well.

Three to four inches form the plant should be fine.

Good Growing!

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