Does anyone use grow lights for AVs? Do you use them for rooting leaves, plantlets, or grown plants? I'm thinking I'd like to get one, if it would be useful. I remember seeing a post about using grow lights to time the blooming. Any other hints?
--DanaK
Grow Lights
Hiya danak,
I'm still learning, but here's some of my experience so far...hope it helps.
I use both kinds for my AV's and I use windows, too.
The rule of thumb for lights is use them for 10-12 hours a day and set them about 12 inches above the plants for semi's and standards and maybe 6 inches for mini's...but some of it depends on the individual AV.
Some AV's do look better under grow lights and I think prettier, greener and the blooms look richer in color.
I can tell you what not to do for sure...DON'T leave them on all the time or they will end up with bunched centers and the leaves will bleach out a pale yucky green color...that one is my own personal experience..lol
( note I never show pics of my failures..lol)
I think the cheap "shop light" type fixtures are the best value because you can get a 4ft run and the double lights do make a difference. If you have the space for the set up. I think they come in a 2 ft run also. Lowe's or Home Depot is a good place to find them.
The ones I have grown under the single bulb fixtures don't grow nice & flat or as pretty as the ones I have grown under a single bulb fixture....now that's just my beginners experience so far.
Maybe Keyring or someone with more experience than me can give us some other pointers as well.
Let us know what you decide.
MsC
LOL LOL ... I do grow a lot of things under lights. Well, more like EVERYTHING under lights. I get very little sun in this tiny apartment so I have about 26 sq ft of fluorescent lights.
Mine are all 4 ft shop lights - the cheapest ones - from HD. I have two per shelf = 4 fluor. tubes per shelf. I have used both full spectrum lights like these: http://www.homeharvest.com/fluorescenttubes.htm and standard cool tubes from HD or Lowes. I honestly have not noticed much of a difference. Most people recommend using a mixture of warm and cool fluors, but my HD & Lowes only carry the cool.
My light stands are chrome shelving that look like http://www.containerstore.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/12433/12433.jpg. I have two shelves of lights, one on top of the other. (Beware of water getting onto the lower one.)
The lights are on anywhere between 12-16 hrs a day, depending on time of year. They are on a timer.
The amount of light the AVs need depends. Neptune's Jewel is still reaching for light at 12" from the tubes, although it is blooming. The minis are about 16-20" from the lights and bloom well. Leaves are left to root UNDER the bottom shelf - ie almost no light at all. Once sprouted they are moved to about 18" from the lights. Some will take more light.
The episcias are between 20" and 12", depending on variety. The columneas are between 20 and 10, again depending on variety. In fact, Early Bird is about 18" from one shoplight (not two) and is blooming well - I don't think it could use much more light. The Aeschynanthus longicaulis is at 12". Streps are 18" or less. Florists gloxinias (sinningia speciosa) are at about 12", as are the other standard size sinningias. The micro minis are off to the side under the single shoplight, about 20" away.
The top shelf gets some bottom heat from the lights below, and this helps some of the warmer growers, as well as seeds. Gessie seeds are anywhere from 10-18" from the lights.
It is really easy to grow show quality AVs and other gessies under lights, as you can control temperature and light direction.
Hope this helps. I may (maybe, just maybe) have pictures of my light setup next week. Doubtful but possible.
Thank's for all the wonderful info Keyring!
Now we are all sitting on the edge of our seats waiting patiently for your pics.
Just point that camera at the shelves and push the little button..lol ;-D
MsC
Wow, great information! I would really like to see a picture of your set-up too, Keyring, if you get a chance to post one. So as far as AV leaves go, you put them under lights once the new leaves appear? That makes sense now that I think about it. I'm excited to get this set up at my house, too. Thanks for all the advice!
--DanaK
I did some rearranging today and took some pics - not of the setup but of plants. Sort of an illustration of my notes above, as well as signs of light and drought stress...lol. Do not try those at home.
I just love how the silver dust came out.
http://sq9.org/posts/041105.html
Thank you for the posts. The explanations were helpful, and your plants are lovely!
Wonderful pics Keyring! Thank you so much.
All of your plants look very healthy and happy.
Your E.Silver Dust is very pretty.One of my favorites.:)
That lil Falling Snow has worked out well for you. Cute lil rascal aren't they.
The info you gave is so helpful, too.
Drought stress experiments are never a problem here...I have to furnish life vest for my babies..:)
If I have learned anything about AV's.... MORE water & fertilizer is not a good thing...
I really enjoyed your pics thanks for posting them.
MsC