Does anyone grow epi's under artificial light? I can't keep mine outdoors over the winter so I've got them on plant shelves under lights. I'm rearranging my plant shelves this weekend so every type of plant will have the right light. When I first set up the first set of shelves, I just guessed at the shelf heights. Now that I've been working with them for a couple of months, I can see that I need to make some changes. Any help on this is very welcome.
Thanks. Sarah
Growing Epi's under light?
I can't help on the light. Mine are out in my shade/green house. I am still working on designing shelves.
I have some of mine (mostly the cuttings that are less than 1 year old) under lights. They seem to grow well there. The lights are about 6 inches from the plants, and are on for 16 hours (on a timer) I grow my lager ones in east facing windows or in south facing windows a little farther back shielded from the full sun by other plants.
Thanks, batflower. I have 8 or so cuttings that I'm trying to root. It looks like they may need more light. I have one mature plant that I will have to grow under lights in the winter. I'll have to play with the light for that one.
I was reading on this in the summer. I put my larger Epi's and Hoyas under lights. One tube ( i have three floresent light fixtures, one per shelf.) just a normal daylight and the other is a full spectrum light. The rule of thumb is 1foot above the tallest part of the plant and 16 hours of light. I have have them on a timer but if the day is warm enough I open the garage door and turn off the lights. Then turn them back on before sunset.
A friend of mine has all her plants in her store under a red light. She said it was better for tropicals. I may try that next year. I keep cuttings and seedlings in a South window inside the house.
What I would like to know is how I can make a reflector on the lamps so I don't waste light?
Aluminum foil?? That is what I did when growing seeds and it is the safes one I know.
Sandy the epi nut.
I have mine under flourescents on a porch and in an aviary. The seem to really be growing. I will try the aluminum foil though on some seeds I have started. thanks for the idea. Linda