Using Heating Cables for Tropical Fruit Trees?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
razarizvi Richmond, TX Feb 05, 2010

Hi,

I live in Houston, TX (zone 9a) and would like to get a mango tree (Mallika variety) for my backyard - 10ft+ high in a 25 gallon container. Houston gets annual freezes 1 - 5 times a year with temp dropping in the twenties.

Many growers suggest wrapping the tropical tree in Christmas lights or using a list bulb. I figured why not use a soil heating cable and wrap that around the tree? Is there a reason why this may not be a good idea and why people don't seem to use it?

Heavy-Duty Soil Heating Cables (scroll down on link below):
http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/heaters3.shtml

Please advice. Really wanting to have a mango tree.

Thanks,
Raza

Post #7532587
Quote
Grantman31 West Palm Beach, FL Feb 05, 2010

Christmas lights would work for someone like me in S. Fla when temperatures occasionally get into the lower 30's and upper 20's. For you, being 1-5 times a year, I think something with more of a heating element would be necessary. We got temperatures in the upper 20's last month (broke records; Orlando had snow!) and had ice and I wrapped my mango tree in lights and covered with sheets (it's a dwarf variety and still small and young). It worked, but I'm not sure it would last suffering a prolonged freezing temperature cold snap. I suppose the only thing I would be leary of with a heating cable would be damage to exposed trunk/branches due to the intense heat emanating from such a cord. It states it is used to heat roots, and the soil surrounding would inhibit the heat just enough not to burn. Hope it helps.

Post #7533076
Quote
razarizvi Richmond, TX Feb 08, 2010

Thanks. I think the cable has a thermostat so I may be able to adjust it. I'll give it a try.

Post #7540037
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP