Does anyone have experience using heat mats under leaves? : )
Heat mats
Pam not under leaves...but using them for plumerias...have some experience....with the leaves...might be better to set them on top of computer monitor...cpu....that kind of thing...some folks use to put them on top of refrigerator for warmth...or even inside an oven with only pilot light...am sure others can offer more imput.
Hi Pam!
I have grown seeds and cuttings using heat mat in England. Here i did it for some Adenium and they popped out of their seeds very quickly. My leaf cuttings are on top of one, under the lights.
I know Jill and Deb have been using heat mats under leaves. Not sure who else/
Anna you are certainly correct about the Adeniums (desert rose)...being a cousin to the frangipani/plumeria...they like bottom heat....just wondering if it might be TOO hot for av leaves though....
I read on Brats site that heat mats are used fo AVs as well. Hope they are right!!!
*Spider crosses his fingers*
I didn't have my leaves under a heat mat to begin with...but ended up using one and am happy I did this. By using the heat mat the soil was consistently warm and no longer got cold during the night. I ofcourse also added lights during this time. For what it's worth I am confident that this helped my leaves produce roots faster and therefore produce ears eariler.
I think I might try it. Does anyone have a good source for a small one?
ARGHHHHH... I am trying to remember where I got mine from...
Have you tried Ebay?
Nope, off to check....
I think I purchased mine from Parks Seed.
i know that bottom heat is very important ..especially in colder areas of the country and for rooting plumeria cuttings as well...they like the bottom heat...i think most of the heat mats have a "safe" level of heat when they make them....some folks have used electric blankets as well...but that has to be done with caution..or take them apart and use the wiring...but only by a professional or someone with electrical expertise i would think.
HD and other of those type stores..have that little greenhouse with the plastic top and an electrical mat attached...usually about 30.00 i think
I found one on EBAY. Different sizes....hmmm... I'll keep looking to make sure I am getting the right thing. Thanks. Will let you know if it helps. : )
CHarley's greenhouse has them. I believe.
I'm using heat mats under my seedlings... got them last year from Park's. I only used them with AVs when I had them in the basement, which turned out to be a little too cold for them in December. Now that the AVs are upstairs, I think the leaf pots are happier without additional heat.
For me, the thermostatic controller was very important. Most "seedling heat mats" will raise the soil temperature about 15 degrees above ambient temp. If the ambient temperature ever goes above 70, that can mean enough heat to cook seeds to death. I liked being able to "set it & forget it!"
I'd be extremely careful about considering electric blankets or heating pads because of the fire risk... they simply aren't designed to be used 24/7, and in addition it's a bad idea to fold electric blankets while in use (bends the wires) or to put anything on top of them.
Cheaper solutions for larger areas have been discussed on various threads in the propagation forum. You can get heating cables to run through gravel/soil trays, setting plants on top, and you can even build a heat box -- and enclosed space heated with a couple of 40 watt incandescent bulbs wired to a thermostatic switch.
Thanks, Critter!