Multiple Carnivorous Plant Questions: Sundew Light, Pygmy Sun, Sarracenia ID, Pollination, Fungicides, Seeds, and VFT Breeding

A Mexican grower asks 15+ questions covering: full sun for D. aliciae/spathulata/burmannii; pygmy sundew light confusion; Sarracenia hybrid ID (purpurea × rubra cross, not 'Cobra Nest'); watering purpurea hybrids; perlite shipping to Mexico; seed availability; Sarracenia pollination (needs two different flowers/plants); copper fungicide safety (copper sulfate = copper fungicide, not sulfur); gibberellic acid for stratification bypass; Drosophyllum/Byblis scarification (sandpaper works); gemmae sowing (immediate); limestone in peat (avoid except Mexican pings); and breeding tropical/drought-tolerant VFTs (theoretically possible via selection, like Hawaiian D. anglica).

Key Answers Summary

• Sundews: All listed love full sun; D. aliciae prefers cooler temps.
• Pygmy sundews: 4 hrs direct sun = good window; more is better.
• Hybrid ID: Likely S. purpurea × rubra; not 'Cobra Nest'.
• Water in purpurea pitchers: Not necessary—rain enters naturally.
• Perlite to Mexico: Shippable (inert); pumice/washed sand alternatives.
• Seeds: Limited this year; email for inventory.
• Pollination: Two different flowers (ideally different plants) required.
• Copper fungicide: Copper sulfate = copper fungicide; avoid if possible. Use sulfur.
• Gibberellic acid: Works for Sarracenia, not Drosophyllum (sandpaper scarification better).
• Gemmae: Sow immediately—short viability.
• Limestone: Alkaline—bad for most CPs.
• Tropical VFT: Theoretically possible via long-term selection (decades).

Complex questions deserve detailed answers—each topic could be its own article.