Basement Light Setup

20 years ago

For a number of years I did all of my propagating in the greenhouse over the winter, but each year my greenhouse got smaller. Last year I decided to move the propagation mats and lights down into the basement to free up more bench space.

The mats sit on foam insulation sheets to force the heat up. There is a plastic sheet between mats and plant material to help against any possible water damage. The mats are 8 footers with 2 4Â lights over each.

I like to root many tropicals right into the 3.5"pots that they will grow in for a period of time. 18 pots will fit onto those white trays filled with gravel and water. Cuttings and seed get covered with those translucent storage containers to keep humidity up. Soil temps are set at 80 degrees. This type of setup has been used to root and sprout thousands of plants over the years.

I can also put fresh grafted plants under the containers and not have to use plastic to cover the grafts. Once cuttings and grafts have taken they are moved to another room before being taken to the greenhouse.

{{gwi:2678}}
{{gwi:490682}}
randy

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

cactusdan19
20 years ago
That is a great setup Randy,
I use a similar setup in my utility room (warmer than my basement) where I start thousands of seedlings every year. My cactus go into the basement to rest during the winter. I don't use anything under the flats to promote humidity and usually no extra heat as it stays warm with all the lights in close proximity. I've been thinking of posting some pics of my 6 month old seedlings, just can't get the pics attached to these messages. Here's a link to some of my light setups.
Dan

Here is a link that might be useful: My light setups
jamesfe
20 years ago
looks like you are trying to turn that A. obesa into a bonsi with all that wire attached.
Related Professionals
Kissimmee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Danville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Stamford Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · North Adams Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Pittsfield Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Napa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Reno Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Portsmouth Landscape Contractors · Duluth Landscape Contractors · Manchester Landscape Contractors · Mansfield Landscape Contractors · Cheyenne Landscape Contractors · Petersburg Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Honolulu Stone, Pavers & Concrete
Lynn
20 years ago
That looks really good Randy!
What are all the sprouts you have right now?

WindsurfGirl
rjj1
Original Author
20 years ago
Dan

I like how you have used available space and lights for your plants. It looks nice.

James

There is a little wire on the Adenium. I love bonsai and I have a few Adeniums that get a reflect that.

WindsurfGirl

There are quite a few Tia Adenium seedlings and grafts. Also have a bunch of Hibiscus schizopetalus, Hibiscus r.-s. Fiji Island, Ficus retusa, Ficus salicifolia, and Ficus microcarpa.

I have some cactus seed that will make it down there soon.

randy