Date: Sun, 5 Jan 1997 05:38:35 -0500 (EST) From: Perry Malouf <pmalouf@access.digex.net> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg59$foo@default> Subject: N. Khasiana under lights
Alastair Robinson wrote:
> I would very much like to know if anyone out there is
> cultivating N.khasiana under fuorescent light SUCCESSFULLY
Yes, I am growing N. khasiana under fluorescent lights
successfully.
My potting mix is long fiber sphagnum with perlite mixed in;
the ratio is roughly 1:1 by volume. The intention is to
provide a light, airy mix that drains well but will keep
the roots moist (not sopping wet).
My N. khasiana is grown under fluorescent lights for about
5 months of the year, when outside conditions are too cold
for the plant. The rest of the time I put the plant
outdoors in partial shade, but I'm thinking about halting
this.
The reason is that many of my Nepenthes seem to do better
when they're inside for the winter. This may be due to a
couple of factors. First, although my area can have hot
humid summers (good for Nepenthes), the humidity often
varies quite a bit from day to day. The plants seem to
prefer constant humidity, even if it's less than 70%, rather
than have 90% one day and 60% the next. Second, the plants
occasionally get exposed to certain insect pests when they're
placed outside. The pests don't kill the plants, but they sometimes
stress the plant to the point of setting them back a little.
My N. khasiana puts on most of its growth when I put it under
fluorescent lights for the winter. Note that I don't have
a greenhouse, which would probably help the plant even more.
Regards,
Perry Malouf
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