Winter setup advice/Newbie

9 years ago

I have 3 3-4 year old Adeniums and one 9 month old. I am going to buy a 4 ft T5 HO fixture for my four plants. I'm just not sure on how many lamps to get in it. Would 6 be good. I was going to put 4 6500k bulbs and 2 3000k red bulbs in it. Is that enough light for them.

Also, I would like to try my hand at some seeds. I was thinking 10 since they are expensive and this will be my first time. My question is, when I take them off the heat mat and put them under light(s), do I put them under the same lights as my other plants? Should I get a second fixture for seedlings? If so, should it be 2ft, 4ft, 1, 2, or more bulbs? Maybe, a small led light for them? (I think a led might be out of my price range)

Sorry for so many questions. I'm new.

Manda

Featured Answer

bragu_DSM 5

9 years ago

WELCOME to the forum!!

I overwinter my older plants indoors. They either go to a spare bedroom, or are in the bathroom where I can make sure they are sparingly watered after leaf drop. They appreciate the dormancy.

Rather than watering my older plants (which are planted in a gritty mix (fast draining medium) over the winter, I just wet my hands and hydrate the trunks, so that they are not overwatered, because rot can easily set in if you overwater.

I start my seeds in little tupperware containers, using cactus mix or MG potting soil with a healthy amount of perlite mixed in. Then, water until moist, plant the seeds and place the container in a zipped, zip bag. Place atop your water heater, no lights needed, and check in 3-4 days. When sprouts emerge, bring the container into good light, open the zip bag and let the plants acclimate to fresh air. When they are accustom to the fresh air, 2-3 days, remove the container from the zip gag. When the seedlings start getting their second set of leaves, you can pot them in little solo, or dixie cups (with holes in the cups for drainage) and place them under your light source. I have a simple inexpensive shop light on the top shelf of the pantry. Watch your mix so it doesn't get too moist.

That's what I do. Others may have different suggestions.

Enable your garden web email under your profile, so others can contact you.

I have some seeds I can share if you like.

Again, welcome to the wonderful (and addictive) world of adenium, and the adenium forum!

dave

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Comments (15)

Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you so much....How do I enable my garden web email? Lol
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Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
I think I enabled it.
Dain (Zone 5a, high NM Desert)
9 years ago
My advice would be to forego the fluorescents and get an LED set up. How much were you looking at spending on the fixture and bulbs?
Manda thanked Dain (Zone 5a, high NM Desert)
Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
Around $75-100 for the adult plants. Hoping more like $75. For the seedlings I was hoping to stay under $50.
charles kraft (SoCal 9B)
9 years ago
Are you looking for something specific from the seeds, or just to start learning? Check eBay for Mr. KO seeds, many times the bid will go for a dollar. His seeds are very good.
Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
Just wanting some practice. This being my first time and all growing seeds. Thank you for telling me about Mr. KO seeds. I'll look him up.

katiedolittle as been very kind and is going to send me some. I'm very excited, lol.
charles kraft (SoCal 9B)
9 years ago
I was just looking on eBay, Mr. Ko seems not to have anything right now. There are several offers that look good, some look too good to be true. The blue Adenium, for example. If I were just learning, and I am, I would not go for any of the offers of two or three seeds, get at least 10. I see some offers of 30. The plants will most likely not come true to the pictures, but you have a chance to learn, and there is a chance you might get something spectacular. People win the lottery sometimes, or so I hear.
Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
Lol, I'm not a lucky person. I have never heard of a blue adenium, not that I know much about them. I think I'm going to stay away from blues and purples. I know there are so light purples but must images online have been photoshopped.
LaurieH (7a South Jersey USA)
9 years ago
Hi Manda, welcome to the wonderful world of adeniums. I saw you needed a recommendation for lighting your plants and seedlings-to-be during the winter months. I've used the following setup with great success - the Purple Reign T 5 tabletop unit. It doesn't take up much space, is adjustable, economical and provides plenty of light to keep your plants healthy when they can't be outside. I've also used an LED, and found it less effective (sometimes burned leaves, sometimes didn't give enough light to the whole plant). There are several vendors online for the Purple Reign, so you can shop around for the best price. Have fun and good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Light-Hanger-Improved-Internal/dp/B0098R0600/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_bs_lp_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5G1KV4Z04BBFEYVQFR8T
Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you and thank you for the recommendation. Is the link supposed to sending me to rope hangers for grow light?
Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
9 years ago
Blue adenium do not exist. Stay away from any sellers posting photo-shopped photos of blue adenium.
LaurieH (7a South Jersey USA)
9 years ago
Manda, hope this link works - it's for the 2 T5 bulb setup:

https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-Purple-Reign-Growing/dp/B01A6A69
Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks LatinLady. Now looking at other people's post I know there are purple ones and some may have blue in their name but they are not the color blue.
Manda
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank Laurie. The link did work for me but I went to Amazon and typed in "Apollo Horticulture Purple Reign Growing" and found some. Looking into it now, thanks.