Potting Advice- Donkey's Tail

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi all. I'm looking for some advice on what to do with my new donkey's tail. I got it two days ago and am now looking to repot it but I'm having a hard time deciding what to do with it. I would love to hang it because I think they look better hanging and also, when it grows long enough, it will be able to trail down. The only issue is that I'm afraid I don't have a window to hang it in front of that receives enough light. All of my succulents are currently under grow lights, I've never been able to keep them successfully in any of my windows. By the way, I'm in zone 6b.

So I guess my question is, does the donkey's tail require as much light as other succulents and therefore it won't receive enough in my windows? Is it worth it for me to try to hang in the window or should I just put it under the grow lights? Or are there any creative ways to hang it by a window but still give it some additional light?

Thanks for the read (: I've added a picture for fun.

Featured Answer

elucas101

9 years ago

It needs a lot of light so if your window isn't sunny enough (and also for the winter) maybe consider one of those single bulb grow lights - there are clamp type lamps that you could position directly over the plant as it hangs in the window. Not sure if that would ruin the aesthetics for you but just a thought. Beautiful plant btw!

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Comments (9)

greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
9 years ago
Which direction do your windows face? 6b but where in the world, the US somewhere maybe? Perhaps add some location info after your name.

Gill
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Binks (PA6b)
Original Author
9 years ago
elucas101- Thank you, I think it's great as well (: The single bulb lamp is a great idea! I think I could actually make that work I would just need to buy the lamp and a singular bulb.

Gill- I have south, east and north windows. Unfortunately, the south side of my house has a lot of tree coverage so it is not a very useful window. I'm in Pennsylvania!
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You need to make sure the bulb you buy works for plants. What are you planning on buying? Many table/floor or even some hanging lamps can use relatively low W bulbs. If you use CFL or LED lightbulbs, they have very low W use for amount of light. Make sure you get 6500k (or 6000k)
Binks (PA6b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Rina- That's one of the things I have to figure out still! I don't want to use LED because I've read about too many issues with those for grow lights- I was thinking about doing CFL. My other succulents have been under fluorescent tube lights and I've had good experiences with that. I was thinking of this bulb:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-100W-Equivalent-Daylight-Deluxe-T2-Twister-CFL-Light-Bulb-4-Pack-E-433557/204855102

I believe that bulb should be sufficient! The thing is, now I need to find a clamp on lamp that can hold CFL- so many are for LED I'm finding. Except for the large metal clamp on lamps sold at places like Home Depot and Lowe's. They're not really the best looking, but that's about all I've been able to find right now. (I'm thinking a clamp on lamp so that I can attach it to the curtain rod to the window the plant will be in.)
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That looks OK, I use same bulbs (have few higher than 23W). Many CFL and LED bulbs have same socket. Not sure what are you referring as issues with LEDs?

If you have more than a plant or two, you may consider T5HO fluoro with reflector (you can buy whole set-up; 1 tube & reflector under $50 IIRC).
Binks (PA6b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Rina- I wasn't aware that you can interchange CFL and LED bulbs in the same socket- that's what you meant, right? If that's the case, then my search will be much easier if I don't chose to use the metal clamp on lamp.

Thanks for the suggestion on a larger setup, if I find the need to switch my setup from the one I currently have I will look into that! I currently use two 5' fluoro bulbs in a reflector housing.
Katherine (SC 9a)
9 years ago
I think they are interchangeable when it's a e26 socket? At least that's what I was understanding as I was looking online for a second lamp for myself. Obviously you also have to check wattage because so many lamps these days are intended for LEDs so they have a very low wattage limit.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Most are, but not all. You'll find the info on net or in store - ask at Lowe's or similar. Are you using 'old fashioned' shop lights with 2 tubes? They use T12, not really good enough for plants. Check on that and if old, do not bother spending $ on new tubes should you need them. You'll be better off to get T5HO. Most desk or floor lamps are rated for up to 40W - that is for incandescent. So equivalent CFL or LED are no problem, as they use 23W and 18W respectively. There are many desk/reading lights and only LED bulbs with pin socket will fit them. I have many CFL bulbs and they are in vanity strips and some in homemade strips. If and when I need replacement (when I run out of CFLs or need more than I have), I would most likely buy T5HO. You could start with 1, and add more as needed.