Venus Flytrap Lighting?

Question

How should i do the lights for them.

1) can i put them near a window?

2)what if its dark and rainy outside?

3)do i have to buy flourescent lightbulbs for it?

4) i live in Harrisongburg VA should i plant it outside?

5)this question is just out there but, how do u make a terririum (i think i spelled it wrong xD) or should i buy one, and if i should buy one how much does it cost?

also im only getting 1 if that helps

Answer 1

Venus Fly Traps do best when they are grown in full sunlight.  Harrisonburg, VA is nice enough that you can definitely grow Venus Fly Traps outside most of the year.  I checked the average temperatures and in the winter, it may get a little too cold, so here's what I'd do if I lived in Harrisonburg:

Grow them outside during the spring, summer and fall and then move them somewhere a little more sheltered during the coldest months.  Some good options are an unheated porch, an unheated garage, or an unheated basement.  You can also grow them on a windowsill in the winter provided that the temperature will stay low enough  - it should be between 35 and 60 F at all times.  They won't need as much light in the winter because they will be dormant, but they will still perform photosynthesis if you give them sun and this will keep them healthy during their dormancy.

I live in Boulder, CO and I have my plants outside right now.  They are actively growing right now, but it is still getting into the low 30s at night, so I cover them with a tarp to prevent frost from burning them and killing the new growth.  In a couple weeks, the risk of frost will likely be gone.  I imagine your weather in VA is the same or warmer, so go ahead and put your plant outside.  Put it in a sunny place in a tray of pure water (distilled or rain water).  It should receive a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, and the more the better.  Don't worry about the dark and rainy days.  They will get enough sun on the days when it isn't dark and rainy.

You can make a terrarium if you wish.  You can put one together pretty cheaply with a Compact Fluorescent bulb and a 10 gallon aquarium, but your plant will be healthier if it is grown outside.

To read more about lighting for Venus Fly Traps read here:

http://www.flytrapcare.com/the-importanc...

Also, look that site over.  I am sure that you will find more information that is useful to you.

Best of luck with your new plant!