Indoor grow light height

[wyattroa]

Hello all, thank to everyone who has posted on the forums and contributed to the wealth of knowledge. My wife and 2 boys got my my first bonsai tree for Christmas. A dwarf Jade, funny enough I find out many people in the saltwater hobby also are attracted to bonsai trees as well.

My question is, I have a 50 watt plant grow light which was suggested on this site and I am wondering how long I should have it on for and how far from the tree I should have it. The tree is 5 years old, trunk is just under 3 inches, 8 inches tall, and canopy is 20 inches. I had the light about 8 inches from the tree but it seemed the leave browned a bit and burned. So now I have moved it up to 12 inches.

I have also read on different site this tree can go 4 weeks without waterings and other sites which say water it every week. It seems it dries out pretty fast in my home by the end of a week. Anyone have suggestions?

Thanks again in advanced for the responses.
Robert

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Is it a 50w T5 fluorescent or some other type of light? Generally I would try and measure the temperature near the canopy and make sure it never goes over 95F. I wouldn';t think a t5 would get that hot 8 inches away, but you have done the right thing to move it back.

Never having owned a Jade I can pass on the advice that I have read which is that they like to dry out in between watering. You can even wait until the leaves just start to crinkle due to lack of water before watering again.

Thanks,
David

 

[wyattroa]

Is it a 50w T5 fluorescent or some other type of light? Generally I would try and measure the temperature near the canopy and make sure it never goes over 95F. I wouldn';t think a t5 would get that hot 8 inches away, but you have done the right thing to move it back.

Never having owned a Jade I can pass on the advice that I have read which is that they like to dry out in between watering. You can even wait until the leaves just start to crinkle due to lack of water before watering again.

Thanks,
David

The light I am using is this one, it is not a T5 light. Not sure of the temp at the top of the light. I will try to measure this tomorrow.
http://www.menards.com/main/lightin...t-plant-light-r20-reflector-1pk/p-1405774.htm
Robert

 

[Redwood Ryan]

The light I am using is this one, it is not a T5 light. Not sure of the temp at the top of the light. I will try to measure this tomorrow.
http://www.menards.com/main/lightin...t-plant-light-r20-reflector-1pk/p-1405774.htm
Robert

If I were you, I'd toss that. It won't do you any good. The tree would be much happier if you got some T5 or T8 light fixtures. The T8s can be picked up at your local Lowes, and run around $15 for the fixture alone. I order T5 fixtures online, but they can be pretty pricey.

 

[Chub]

I've been using two T-8 double bulb fixtures and have had great success. No grow lights, just your basic household bulbs. 1 warm, 1 cool in each. Maybe 12-18 inches or so above the trees. I have two Jades under them now overwintering and they are doing great. I kept my firethorn under them for years. My buddy who used to own a greenhouse advised me on the set up. Just head to Lowes or Walmart and get a shop light set up.

 

[GrimLore]

Thermometers are cheap man... Just make sure they are far enough away not to burn anything. We keep all our winter lights suspended with Sash Chain so the height is easily adjusted. Jade itself I gave up on - no idea why I cannot seem to keep them alive. My friends Dad has one for 35 years now and the whole thing wieghs 70 pounds in the pot. He gives me starters and I manage to kill themm in a season *shrugs*