Dumb question....

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Oct 25, 2006

I have a lot of small conifers still in pots and want to store them in my basement. Do they need light in the winter? There's only a very small window in the area. I dunno???!!!

Post #2848097
Quote
growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Oct 25, 2006

I'd atleast use fluorescent lights.

Post #2848101
Quote
malusman Peoria, IL Oct 25, 2006

Not sure how little plants would react but most winters we put a few choice, 6' conifers into our cold storage room that doesn't get regular lighting. It's just to keep them from extreme cold weather that is possible, but hasn't arrived the last few years. Sometimes I'll go in to poke around when I'm bored, or looking for a specific tree but other than that no lights, no windows. They come out looking fine in spring. We usually sell them before bud break but I've never heard complaints. So, if you have no choice, it would probably be fine. Otherwise, light is a good thing.

Regards,
Ernie

Post #2848207
Quote
dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Oct 25, 2006

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Post #2848602
Quote
Decumbent Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6b) Oct 25, 2006

My understanding is that conifers, despite evergreen foliage, do go virtually dormant in the winter and can withstand darkness during the coldest winter months. That said, my concern is that in a relatively warm basement they would want to come out of dormancy (or never go into it) and then the lack of light would become a killer.

I suppose you could watch for signs of light stress and react accordingly, but I'm not really sure what would indicate a plant that is dying from lack of light. Further, in mid-Winter, you would be limited in the types of action you could take to rectify the problem. Putting the plants outdoors would be a concern, because they wouldn't be dormant enough to endure intense cold. It might be difficult to give relatively large plants enough light indoors under flourescent fixtures.

Scott

Post #2848786
Quote
dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Oct 25, 2006

The part of the basement is unheated. Actually an enclosed porch type of area. Get's cold there but safe from the extremes....

Post #2848848
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP