Netjer 0 Report post Posted April 2 First proper post here, so apologies if this isn't the best place for this! I've recently gotten into CP, having picked up my VFT from a local gardening center, shortly followed by my arracenia purpurea and drosera filiformis from Triffid Nurseries. I'm in a first floor flat so unfortunately no garden for a greenhouse and not really enough room for a terrarium, so all three are growing on a West-facing windowsill in individual pots, sitting in trays filled with rainwater. It isn't the sunniest windowsill ever, so it's been suggested that I could try placing glass bell jars over them to make the most of the sunlight they do get. Has anyone here tried using bell jars like this before or seen it tried? Could it be beneficial? if so, are there any things to be careful of in terms of size and ventilation (I've seen some come with adjustable vents). Thanks in advance for any feedback. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alexis 175 Report post Posted April 3 The bell jar will cut out the amount of light because it'll have to travel through an extra pane of glass. You'll also increase the chance of problems because of the stagnant air. I'd keep them as they are. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Netjer 0 Report post Posted April 3 Thanks for the response Alexis. I hadn't considered the risk of problems from stagnant air - I think I'll leave them as they are! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Ahrens 58 Report post Posted April 4 You can try growing a VFT in a flat but I can tell you now that it just won't work. They just won't get cold enough during the night and during the winter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Ahrens 58 Report post Posted April 4 Incidently, a good way to make a bell jar is to cut the bottom off of a demijohn. You need to file a line about an inch from the bottom with a file. Tie a string soaked in methylated spirit around the line . Set alight to the string and rotate the jar to get it nice and hot. Then plunge the demijohn into cold water and the line will fracture. Finish off the edges of the cut jar with sandpaper and hey presto, a nice bell jar. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alexis 175 Report post Posted April 4 Back in the day I had a few VFTs on a windowsill and they did well. I had to move them to a relative's greenhouse in winter for dormancy though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Ahrens 58 Report post Posted April 5 I've tried and tried and tried, and bloody well tried to grow VFT's in a flat and I can't do it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluedog0628 5 Report post Posted April 11 @Netjer Would it be possible to have a window box attached to the outside of the window? Don't know if you're renting or owning the flat or if the lease allows it but it's worth looking into... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Ahrens 58 Report post Posted April 12 Not possible, I live on a ground floor flat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluedog0628 5 Report post Posted April 12 David, my comment was aimed mainly at the original poster (Netjer) who lives in a first floor flat so a window box could be possible... Your situation is quite different so this solution won't work for you. The only thing I can think of is the fridge method for winter dormancy but I have no personal experience so can't really advise... I'm sure somebody on the forum would be able to help with that though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul.m 0 Report post Posted April 13 I have put vft in fridge over winter all survived ok, only problem I had was from missus wanting to know why fridge was full of pots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Ahrens 58 Report post Posted April 13 I've tried the fridge over the Winter, it didn't work for me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
