How much light is too much light?

Panamaniac

So... I have an enclosed sunroom (at my GF's house) which I am converting into a Tropical growing area for those tropical trees I currently have residing in the garden (which has quickly turned from Hot DC summer into not-so-hot almost winter).

The trees in question will be Ficus Retusa, Ficus "Too Little", "Weeping" Ficus, Serissa (multiple varieties), Bucida Spinosa (sun worshipper), Bougainvilleas, Okinawan Holly, Texas Ebony, Fukien Tea and possibly adding some more tropicals like a Jacaranda, a Brazilian Rain tree, a Tabebuia, etc...

I am considering three options in terms of lighting, and wanted to know which would be best (or if there were any reasons not to go with option 1.)

Option 1. Mini Sun 250W MH (22,000 lumens) HID Metal Halide lamp (http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/lights2.shtml). $ 150

Option 2. A regular home depot 4 ft T8 shoplight (estimated 5000 lumens). (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...dgmk.0&MID=9876). $40 (including bulbs)

Option 3. One of those new 125W compact fluorescent setups (10000 lumens). http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/lights.shtml
$160.

So - is the MH too much light/heat for a small area (say a 2 tier plant stand that is 3 feet long x 3-4 feet high? Would the regular home depot shoplight be sufficient?

I would like these trees to thrive, not survive. I would like to do what is in their best interest (other than move them back to Panama... which isn't an option since I'm here.)

Looking forward to the feedback.

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

I have used a setup with two Home Depot shop lamps (4 "noonday sun" bulbs/ 18 hours a day) for plants similar to yours, with success. That should be enough lumens, particularly since you will receive supplemental natural light in the sunroom.

I am intrigued with the compact flourescent approach, and will investigate it further before I buy new bulbs for the shop lamps.

I think you shou get up close and personal with the HD lights before spending the money. Many feel that the heat and noise disqualify them for use in rooms where people live.

Panamaniac

How hot and how bright are we talking about? As in "you can't go in there right now... or you'll get a sunburn" bright?

Re: the compact flourescent... at $75 a bulb... that's a pretty big expense every 2 years... (10,000 hours / 16 hours a day).

Lastly, would a Metal Halide lamp be too much for the trees (as in, would they cook?) Or would the trees actually respond positively to the additional light?

Bart Thomas(deceased)

Probably not.



That, and the fact that my existing rig was quite satisfactory, will probably keep me with what I have now.



If the lights are too close, they will cook. I do not know what the response to the additional light will be. I'm pretty sure that without substantial humidity, it would be a waste of money.

thejimmyrigger

I've tried the compact flourescents, they are great if you have A tree that needs more light, if you have a shelf of plants go with the tubes. My compacts are now salt and pepper on the big bulbs, if a plant isn't getting enough lower growth, I'll put a small bulb pointing at its side, rotating the plant every few days. Or I'll boost a houseplant that's getting leggy looking.

I think Jerry Meislek uses the high output lights in his grow room, as I remember they're a few feet from the trees, check his website. You could try using a humidifier as you have a specialized area too.


jim

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Jimmyrigging is much like jerryrigging, just go a bit lighter on the duct tape and wire coat hangers, and hit said broken item more. Remember: if it isn't broke don't kick it.