Help. I don't have a greenhouse, so I am putting my plants in my garage. I have grow lights, but I am not sure how close or how far I should place the plants. I don't want to burn them up. I really treasure my little beauties. This is my first winter with hoyas. Need plenty of advice. Thanks in advance.
Patti
Help!!!!!!!! Grow light is the winter months.
Does anyone grow lights?
Rose, what kind of grow lights are you using (i.e. florescent, high pressure sodium, metal halide, etc.)?
Ann
Good morning Ann,
I have a Floralight stand with plant and aquarium cool light. I also have a regular florescent handing from the ceiling. Thanks for your help.
Patti
Hi Patti,
I use a light cart for some of my Hoyas and Orchids. I have mostly rooting or newly rooted plants under lights. I do not think you can hurt them in terms of light unless you lay the light right on top of the plant! I have my lights about 8" from the bottom of the flat the plants sit on. That said, some of the plants are as close as 1" from the light. I have never had any burned leaves. In fact, often time the leaves get some really interesting silver and pink flecking. As well, I have had to pull vines away from the light as they want to wrap around the bulb. I either have the lights on a timer or leave them on 24-7. I also use heat mats under the flats on the two bottom shelves. This fall I went a step further and placed bricks under a flat that has holes, which sits on top of a flat with holes. That keeps the plants from sitting in water while giving the plants a bit more humidity.
I don't think you can go wrong with your set up! Just keep an eye on the plants that are close to the lights. Feel free to D-mail me if I can help.
Mel
Thanks Mel for the information. I was hoping to leave them outside on my deck (which is cover with 70 percent shade cloth),but the we have had a couple nights in mid 40's with the daytime temps has been 70-80. I was thinking it was too low ? What would you do ?
Patti
Hi Patti - I have been using a light rack now for a month or so and the Hoyas are thriving! I have some that are trying to outgrow it completely and I am afraid I will have a serious mess come time to maybe moving them outside again!
But, I am in VA and you are in TX :-)
Thanks Bec for showing me your set up. It's a lot of help. :O)
Bec your plants looks great!!!!
Patti
This message was edited Nov 17, 2006 3:51 PM
Your plants look fabulous, Bec!
Patti, check through some of the older threads. As I recall Carol posted plants/ minimum temperatures per David Liddle. Technically, it has to go below freezing to zap the plants. I do not move my Hoyas out in the spring until the low temps are around 60.
Bec - your plants look really healthy!!
Thank you ladies for your help . It is very much appreciated. :O)
Patti
Best Wishes Rose! I have a few under lights now, but they are the slow growing ones like Kerrii Variegate and Reverse Variegate and Obovata. My multiflora is throwing out new growth left and right.
Becky, just curious:) Are those hoyas on the shelf below as well? Your plants look very happy. You may have to wrangle a few of those before Springtime girl!
GH
Thanks GH. :O)
Patti
Thanks guys - I was going to invest in a greenhouse, but after some research and due to serious size constraints I realized the rack was the way to go and all the plants have rewarded me with growth and even some peduncles - I use it primarily for Hoyas, but the bottom rack has all the "other" tropicals that used to live on the deck - from plumies to C&S! I'll take some more pix - the DL cuttings grew roots in record time and the shelves are "stuffed" full now!
Nice plant rack Becky, they all look happy and healthy. Looks like you are really out of room!!
I'll tell ya, I would LOVE a greenhouse, but there is no way here as there is NO room anywhere for one. However, it occured to me how nice it is to have all the plants around me in the winter right here under my nose so to speak. I love when I get up early on winter mornings and see all the "lighted places" bringing cheer to an otherwise gloomy and very dark morning. Then I can check on them in my jammies with a cup of coffee without having to even put on a robe & go outside. Makes winter gloom a much brighter and happier time in here.
Marcy
Marcy - I loved your post! Brought such a "sensory" experience! I have a greenhouse, in which Betsy (sis) and I keep most of our plants - epis, plumerias, brugs, cactus, some hoyas that I have propogated, etc. However, I keep the majority of my hoyas inside - on two lighted plant stands, in windows, etc. Your description is perfect - I love wandering around in the early morning, drinking, in my case, tea, playing plants! It DOES "make winter gloom a much brighter and happier time!!!" Karen
Does anyone use high pressure sodium or metal halide ? Thanks, Patti
This message was edited Nov 20, 2006 7:44 AM