Don't get me wrong, I'm brand new to Adeniums, but i've successfully germinated seeds with a reptile heat mat (not adenium, but seeds nonetheless). I find they keep the dirt very warm when left on 24/7, which is what they're meant for. The one i have is an under-tank mat, so it's supposed to be warm enough to heat the bottom of the tank through substrate but not burn the animals inside. Not sure how long they last but it's been workin for me!

Bump

Thank you,

Tyler

If the heat mat is sold without a thermostat, then it is designed to keep the heat at a constant degree based on the ambient temperature in the room/space using.

These are the ones I keep any seedlings or other seeds sown on. Have worked for me many years.

I use a piece of the Shiny, Waffle type, insulated material used for wrapping around Hot Water tanks. It is sold at most Hardware outlets and usually can be bought by the foot or meter.

Rick

Last year I did some heat mat testing. I measured the temperature on two different mats. Both without thermostats. If you put pots or containers directly onto a mat, covering most of the surface, you run the risk of overheating the mats. Under normal conditions/with proper airflow, my mats will reach 85-95F. After covering the mats with containers, the temperature quickly rose to 120F. I am sure that the temperature would have continued to rise, if I hadn't removed the containers again.

I did the same test years ago, when I got a mat for seedlings. The soil surface temp does not go above 34C, even in a plant box where the heating element raises the overall temp. The mat itself is rated for much higher than that. Obviously, don't use it bare---put a tray under the pots. I use clay saucers, sometimes with and sometimes without pea gravel. When I have a plant that I want heated significantly (like repotted adeniums or what-not), I use hard plastic saucers. For certain seeds (like mesembs), I place the germination box on top of discarded scrabble racks so there is air space underneath--keeps the box warm without having to sit directly on the mat.

I just used a lighter on one of mine to see whether it will burn. I think it will, if I put it over the stove.

If you're using this for brewing kombucha (gag) or for warming a reptile tank, you need a thermostat. Otherwise, just improvise.

Pagan

Thank you Rick, Martin & Pagan. I appreciate the input.

Hey Pagan, have you had a chance to look at the brand that you have? Seems like they've performed well for you and you are happy with them? No need for me to reinvent the wheel! Don't set them in fire on my account!

Thank you,

Tyler

Oh! I forgot to say---Hydrofarm.

Hey Pagan,

I'm looking on the Hydrofarm website and the mats I see on there are made by Jump Start. Are those the mats you have?

Thank you,

Tyler

i have the hydrofarm too. be careful you do not place it directly on your window sill, it will dry out the sill and crack the sill (if you get the narrow sill-size mat)

Yes, Tyler. I got mine from Amazon though. If I peek under the pot which I'm too tired right now to lift (lol), I see "Ju...." which is probably Jumpstart. I have 2 of the 9x20 (I think) and one 3 by something.

Thanks Pagan. I did some more searching and saw that they are one in the same. My local nursery wants twice what they are asking on either Amazon or Wal-mart. Appreciate the confirmation.

Tyler