I just posted a similar question on the C&S forum, but this is a little different I guess. I decided against a greenhouse due to space problems in townhouse back yard and ordered a 4 tier grow light stand instead (which in the long run will be cheaper), I know the Hoyas won't be unhappy with this at all, (or at least I hope not), but my question is, will they all like the lights? Do I leave it on 7/24 or do I shut it off during the night? I know this sounds somewhat stupid, but I have never used grow lights except in a greenhouse environment and I am a little unsure of how to proceed during the winter. Any input?
Grow lights.....
I turn my lights on when I get up and off before bed . the plants need the rest from stemulation my deep shade plants are more in a corner not in direct light. I also have a small fish tank and a small fan for air flow all my plants must come in for the winter. This works for me hope it helps vicki
me again I also have the plants in front of my windows to try for some oregon light in the winter vicki
currently i use a grow light just for supplement...as it goes into winter i have used lights more heavily...but i still would turn them off at night...like vicki said...they need a break from it....kind of like in nature...when the sun goes down etc..i have had good success with many other plants with lights..so i plan on using it with my hoyas...now that i have a substancial (sp?) collection...i too would like to set up more area for my hoyas...just dont have any idea where would be best right now...nor the money to invest as yet...want to think of a spot that would make the rest of the family happy.....lol....hummingbird
Since artificial light (especially flourescent) is less intense than natural light, most people leave it on for 18 hours or so, giving the plants a chance to rest for 6-8 hours.
what are your thoughts on full spectrum or something similar?
hummingbird.......i use them with good results..the Gro-lux and ones from Home Depot both work very well
Sandy
If you don't want to spend a huge amount of cash on gro-lights, but want the same results, use one cool bulb and one warm bulb in the same light fixture. This combination simulates the sun's light spectrum. I have used it in the past with equally good results as when I spent lots of money on the gro-light.
Make sure to use the four-foot tubes for maximum output.
Also, make sure most of the plant is between 12-18 inches below the light, depending on how much sun the plant normally likes (i.e., a carnosa will be happy 18 inches away from the light, while an eriostemma will want to be closer to a foot away)
Mark's point on length of time for lights to be on is correct.
Ann
I use the one warm, one cool bulb method and it has worked well for me. The link shows a picture of my lightstand that I made last year. It works well for overwintering and for rooting cuttings. The aquarium on the bottom is for rooting and for my episcias, which object to the low humidity in the house. The other container was my rooting setup this past winter for some brugmansia cuttings.
:) Kim
link: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/63951853/1501572942044472573lzGekz
Hi All, This is what I've done this year, fortunatly my DH is as big of a plant nut as I. He tossed this setup for me over the weekend. The lights are full spectrum grow lights HD, alot cheaper than GH supply. The whole setup cost less than $50, and we still have more lights to set up if needed. Now the only prob is my DD, as she mutters to herself.... when will this end, because I still have a few plants to bring in... LOL , still have alot of room for lower hanging ones..
Viv
The other side of my dinning room, or should I call it ( the plant room) I've also set up a fan and humidifier, dont know how much good it will do, but it cant hurt.
Viv
I like your alternative set-up Viv. This way all of the plants don't have to be stuck in one small space.
Ann
Viv...where did your DH find that LONG, narrow light fixture in the first picture? Do you now what is was called? I need to get one of those.
Marcy
Those are two four ft. they will take full spectrum t12 or t8. and they were $8.00 at HD, make sure you follow the wire diagram.
Viv