Grow Lights for EE's

Does anyone use grow lights or have used for their elephant ear pups and/or mature plants?

Results? Too bright? Too hot? etc?

The Borneo Giants require 65%-73% shade, likes high light, but will do reasonably well in 80% shade... But would a grow light be too bright?

My new & improved soil mixture: Small bark, peat, perlite, sand and an addition of lime. Seems like the plants are enjoying it. Plus, am using Miracle Grow (weaker solution).

The weather in San Diego is all Spring, so hoping my plants spring alive quicker :)

michaelg

Michael,

My mature Borneo Giants are growing in full sun outdoors, so they can take bright light. I know outdoor sunlight in San Diego won't be the same as in south Florida, but for light intensity, they can take and thrive in brighter light than the amount of shade you indicate.

LariAnn
Aroidia Research

I grew a few under grow light's this past winter and they grew extremely well. The only problem I had, they drew spidermite's like crazy due to the low humidity level's during this time of year. Hot +Dry= spidermite's for me.

Rachel's point is important - heat and dryness (low humidity) is heaven for spider mites, and that is one risk of growing under lights. High humidity is not good for electrical circuits, so you can see the problem there.

I bought a few hydroponic foggers for $13 a piece (what a difference in humidity). My plants seem to really grow crazy with it.

The weather in San Diego has reached record highs and think I might need to purchase a swamp cooler.

Will let you all know how it goes.

Thank you everyone...

michaelg

Michael,

Please tell me more about those hydroponic foggers - where to get them, etc.

Thanks,
LariAnn

I would be interested in hearing about them as well. 13.00 sound's better than what I paid for my humidifier's!

Thank's

Rachel

This message was edited Apr 21, 2009 2:58 PM

Just bought the last 3 from a distribution center here in town. This is the ad for them and explains a bit more. I have seen them over $100 online, but not sure of quality vs others.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/for/1133174665.html

The web site for the company is closed down, forgot to ask why.

The fogger without the transformer (power plug) is $10 - with the power plug is $13. If you already have a power plug, they are great back ups.

They are going to email me once they receive more.

michaelg

Michael,

Thanks for the info; after I saw the unit, I did a search and came up with this:

http://www.mainlandmart.com/foggerwholesales.html

I may just get a batch of these as I can have some in every greenhouse!

LariAnn

Hi LariAnn,

Did you get the foggers? It's amazing the difference with having them.

And thank you for all of the great advice.

michaelg

Michael,

Not yet, as I've been going crazy silly with spring Rainbow Eucalyptus sales! I will, soon, though, because I am sure they will work great with my plants. Thanks!

LariAnn