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Growing under Lights
danbringhurst

Growing Ghost Peppers, but is my setup alright?

11 years ago


I am growing a variety of peppers in a terrarium, ranging from Ghost to Paper Lantern. I understand most of these peppers thrive in a humid climate, so I've got the screen lid wrapped in plastic wrap to retain moisture. I have three lights overhead, each a simulated 100 watt CFL, and each outputs roughly 1600 lumens. Since I can't suspend the lights via chains - because it would interfere with the humidity lid - I have brought the plants to the lights via a stacked platform, and I intend to remove a layer as the plants grow, thus keeping the plants at a minimal distance from the lights.

I filled the base with a layer of water to try and keep the temperature down, but even now the general temperature is around 89 degrees, and under 95 degrees directly beneath the bulbs. Humidity is between 50% and 70%.

The soil dries out very quickly directly under the center of the dual lamp, so I have to keep it watered frequently, even with the high humidity. My question is this. Despite these conditions, do you think these plants will thrive? The majority of them sprouted about a week ago and I really have no idea if the lights are too close, too hot, too weak, and if the temperature is too warm. I look forward to any feedback, and thanks in advance.

Featured Answer
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    "It's a bit early, but I'm feeling like this is going to make my situation all the more better."

    Without controls, we will never know. I was eager to see the results of your first set up because I couldn't confidently predict them. Now, not so much.

    What was the price of your T5 fixtures?

    Incidentally, I can't tell whether your terrarium is vented on top. You need to let in air for CO2.

    Comments (13)

    • 11 years ago

      "thrive in a humid climate"

      They also thrive in an non-humid climate like any other pepper. Your setup isn't the way I would do it but I am going to take a wait and see attitude. Incidentally, it is my experience that the growth of these plants stall for 1 week immediately after growing the first two true leaves. I mention this because, if I didn't, you might needlessly worry about it.

    • 11 years ago

      Thanks a bunch.


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    • 11 years ago
      And today I bought a grow light consisting of two 24 inch fluorescent T-5 lights. It equates to nearly a combined 2800 lumens that's evenly distributed. It also brought the ambient temperature down to 80 degrees. It's a bit early, but I'm feeling like this is going to make my situation all the more better.
    • 11 years ago
      I spent $70 on the fixture. It's two 24 inch, 14 watt T-5 bulbs. using a lumens gauge each bulb outputs roughly 1700 lumens.

      it's not vented, but it's watered twice a day and I thought removing the loud that often would be sufficient. In terms of this versus the cfl setup I had, there shouldn't be any difference in light given, except now it's not as hot and it's more evenly dispersed.

      I'm still considering implementing the cfl's from the side, too maybe add extra light. thanks for the Comment.
    • 11 years ago
      "Without controls we will never know"

      I wasn't really looking to begin a science experiment. I really just want to give my plants the best chance I can, while keeping costs down. I'm a novice and know only what I read online, and that information is very different depending on who's providing it, in terms of what plants need to grow indoors.

      you've pretty much cleared up the issue of humidity and it looks like I can remove the top to let some air in, but now I mostly want to ensure they're getting the light they need. unfortunately, most of my information comes from those who grow weed, because they seem to know what they're doing, but I'm not sure all of that necessarily translates to my pepper plants. thanks again.
    • 11 years ago

      Don't sweat it. They are just peppers. Back in 2013, I almost couldn't even give these Bhut Jolokia in 6" pots away:

      Finally, I gave them to the Oak Park Conservatory and they threw them away.

    • 11 years ago
      They seem to be going on eBay, fresh, for around $20 a pop.
    • 11 years ago
      peppers, that is, not the plant.
    • 11 years ago

      The latest craze is Carolina Reaper. Have you looked in the Hot Pepper forum?

    • 11 years ago
      last modified: 11 years ago

      No, but I'm also working on some Moruga Scorpions, which should bring me a couple dollars. I'll look into those. For the record, if you have any knowledge regarding lighting I'm still yet to hear it, and I'd really appreciate your input.

    • 11 years ago

      In 2013, I started my Bhut Jolokia seeds under the same setup described at http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/2005610/how-to-easily-supplement-fluorescent-with-incandescent-light , except using different fluorescent bulbs and no incandescent. I was Struwwelpeter in that post.

    • 11 years ago

      Thank you. My plants are now beginning their second set of true leaves and they're looking healthy, so I'm guessing what I've got will get me by until I harden them off.


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