Question

Gro light   Allexperts,

I went to the K-Mart the other day and I stumbled on upon this grow light.   Would this grow light be enough for the Dewy Pine?  In terms of light out put.  I know have it under 120w light bulb.   Would this grow light be better for it?   Thank you for your time.


Sincerely,

Weylin Callery

Answer
Hi Weylin,

Ahh, I remember trying (stress the "trying") to use these lights to grow carnivorous plants when I first started trying to grow cp in the 70's with sketchy results at best.  The only plants these seem to be suitable for are low light houseplants, and then just for supplemental or decorative lighting.  Because the spectral output of these is too far in the red/orange range plants get long and spindly under them if they are the sole light source.  They are also too hot, and very energy inefficient.

If you want a light just for a Dewy Pine you're going to need something strong.  A large compact fluorescent, such as a 65 watt (actual wattage/300 watt incandescent equivalent), or small HID light such as a small Metal Halide.  There's a small self-ballasted light that is used for reptiles that could work well.  Here's an example:  http://www.orchidlight.com/wonderlight.html

Here's a great example of a CFL that would work well:  http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=large+compact+fluorescent+light+bulbs&o

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com