I have had similar problems, particularly as the plants get bigger
root systems and they thus need taller pots. My new case, which
I'm planning on having made by a fishtank maker, will be about 3'
tall. This should give me enough space for vining Nepenthes, but
still not be so tall that the light from the top falls off too much.
I plan on 3-4 4' tubes, with reflectros on the top, back, and sides.
I've been told by Geoff Wong that with a 16 hour photoperiod and
reflectors this should be workable. I may supplement my plants with
incandenscent grow & show lights.
Outdoor pitchering I think depends on the species, and the
area you live in. I have N. x. boissiense outdoors now, it's
my biggest plant, and it seems to be pitchering. It's in an
open topped 55 gallon fishtank covered with wire mesh, and I
keep it outside. 'come winter I will probably have to move it
back inside.
To answer your question, I anticipate I'll have to keep my plants
trimmed to about 3' tall. This shouldn't be a problem for at least
another season however. What I really need now is floor space, not
height.
>>
>>
>>> I recommend using mirrored mylar to increase your growth. The plants
>>> have only started coloring up really well with the addition of the
>>> reflectors. Aluminum foil could be used as well. The only downside
>>> to this is or course it probably looks like you're growing recreational
>>> /medicianl "herbs" to the uninitiated :-).
>>
>>I once had a fish tank that had a broken piece of glass that I
replaced with >>a piece of mirror. That really reflects a lot of light
back in. Looked pretty >>good too. The only drawback was that the
mirror glass was thinner than the >>aquarium glass and hence more
fragile. Not a big problem though since it >>didn't need to hold water.
I've also been told that a flat white painted background (not a white
plastic, it must be a painted surface) will reflect about 90% of
reflected light. I prefer mylar though, it looks neater.
R.