I was wondering about that too. I can't imagine the lights would be a very efficient means of heating. Obviously, much of the electrical energy would be used to produce light rather than heat, so there is a certain amount of wasted energy cost. This is one case where you would WANT your lights to be inefficient (at producing light) so that you are getting more heat for your dollar. I would also caution anyone thinking of using regular christmas lights that aren't well shielded by the plastic "rope". Obviously there are safer way to create heat. Maybe not cheaper though...

I don't know about bottom heat but it would be good for those plumies to be wrapped with it so it keeps it warm during the winter months. Especially those sensitive to black tip in So. Ca.

Janet

Janet,
Do you mean wrap the lights around the cutting?? Even if you have in the house??? Boy I learn more and more each day...
I thought my Kevin(husband) was gonna have fit when I told him I was putting the plants in his sitting room for the winter... Is the coldest room in the house in winter ... Well he brought up a stand that one of our kids left here and said hey would this work for what you need...LOL He is loving this as much as me...LOL
Thanks,
Susan,Va.

Here is a link that I ordered heating cable from today. I have never used these but was told they are insulated and can be buried in sand. They have a built in thermostat that is preset to come on when the temp reached 74 degrees. I ordered 2 - 48' cables and intend to root more sticks this winter! LOL - I hope! It cost I belive 65.00 for 96 feet including tax and shipping. Hope this might help.

http://www.indoorgardensupplies.com/produc...CFTOKEN=6288364

Jerri

Thanks Jerri!
I went out to the garage and the aforementioned rope lights are in bad shape and will probably not make it through one night. Your link has gotten me thinking (sounds dangerous) that this will probably be the ticket for me.

Glad to help Dave. This will be my first plumeria winter so I'm really nervous! I will let you guys know more info when my cables arrive.

Jerri

I would appeciate the info - I am especially interested to hear how flexible/rigid the cable happens to be.

They should be here by Friday Dave. I believe they are very flexible. They are mainly used for cold frames I believe. I don't know if it's something you would actually want to wrap around the stalks or trunks, but I don't know. I am getting them for bottom heat for my newly rooted plumies and to try and root a few this winter. The cables are definitely not supposed to cross each other though@

Jerri