Poor Lighting Indoors

007

I really love growing bonsai and have been into it for a while now. I am really itching to get very involved with this hobby but there is a major road block in my way. I live in an apartment.

What makes matters worse . . . beyond the obvious lack of space, is the lack of direct sunlight that my apartment gets. This is a two fold problem as well.

1. my apartment faces north . . . hence no sunshine in any of the windows.
2. My balcony is covered . . . again, not a single ray of sunshine.

I want to really grow out some big tree's but the lack of sun really limits the species that I can successfully grow well. Grrrrr . . . >

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samukai

That does suck. However there are ways around it. First, look for tree and shrubs that prefer full shade conditions. Also look into indoor bonsai. I have also heard of others that work out a deal with the apartment managers to have access to the roof so they can utilize space up there (assuming you have a flat roofed building). Camelias love partial to full shade; I have one growing happily in the ground in my full shade, north-facing, poorly drained entry way. Pick up books from the library on shade loving plants and go from there, you'd be amazed how many are out there. Once you move to a sunnier and roomier home you can keep your shade lovers and add sun lovers to your collection. I hope this helps!

bonsaial1

In Japan, where property is sold by the square inch, bonsai are grown on the roof. ... just maybe....

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weeijk

Hi 007,


If you do want sunloving spiecies, there's something to be done. It'll cost you, but it's possible. You can use lighting for spiecies that desperately need sunlight.
Otherwise maybe you can attach a shelf to the fench of your balcony?

Hope this helps you in the right direction,

Wessel

jzak

Hi!


Hydro Farm, among other manufacturers, makes various sizes of metal halide setups. I have a 1000 watt ballast protected by glass on one side that i've turned around to shine horizontally from a metal stand, instead of hanging it from the ceiling to shine down on plants. the unit is in a standard sized bedroom with 20 specimen trees to include:

a half-dozen varieties of ficus, brazilian raintree, calliandra, fukien, bougainvilla --just name a few. the lights stay on about 5-7 hours a day during the winter time and the D.E.A. still hasn't come busting my door down (the lights are VERY VERY bright)

1000 watts is probably overkill for a person who wants to have a few small trees to enjoy. not failing to mention add about $35/month to your power bill. but there are smaller and more affordable sizes ---800, 600, 400 and 250 watt out there which might work for you. very important is to keep the humidity up there -- all my trees are on plastic trays which, when the water overflows, allows for the moisture to evaporate. and also make sure that you have a circulating fan all the time. the fukien all got ravaged by aphids, but i was able to get them all ----something which might have been prevented by good air circulationi. good luck! john

pootsie

Or just your average shoplight. Lotsa folks get good mileage out of those.

pootsie

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Jay

Just remember, all trees are outdoor. Some...are capable of living inside with the proper care. No tree will do better indoors than out. (OK...I'm not saying a Ficus will do better outside in the north during winter...you all know what I mean.)

Most homes are extremely dry, you will need to think about raising the moisture level in the area of the trees. But remember, just because something is difficult does not mean it is impossible.

Jay

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weeijk

Found this tread in the "articles": How to build an indoor greenhouse.

http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthread.php?t=3326

This is probably what you need, when growing trees indoors.

You can also use trees who like a lot of shade.
Therefore I recommend this tread:
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...t=chamaecyparis


hope to be helpfull again.

regards Wessel

PicTatler

There 's quite a few species that tolerate indoor conditions. Other than proper watering, light and humidity seem to be the two most important factors. There's tons of lighting options. Most people can get away with using flourescent lighting. A care free, natural mist humidifier should solve any humidity problems. Here's a few pictures of my living room, I use simple compact floros, a natural mist humidifier and keep my ceiling fan on high all the time and my tropicals seem to do well indoors, they do love thier summer time outdoor vactions.

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