I think it is, but I'm not 100% sure. I had one under one of these. One problem I had with it is that I can't get it low enough to the violet, I had to prop the violet up with something to raise it up to the light level. The lowest the light can go is just not low enough. Secondly, it's best to use it on the permanent "summer" setting. It goes through the seasons, but I just don't feel like it gets light for long enough if it isn't on for at least 12 hrs a day. The "summer" setting is 13 hrs.

I've actually managed to grow basil under one of these, but right up against the bulb.

Mine is malfunctioning now, though. I tried to use it for Ness's Orange Pekoe, and it did bloom once under it, but then the wiring went funny. It won't stay on anymore.

I would say the only thing that makes it any better than using a desk lamp fitted with a CFL and a timer is that moisture sensor. But then you can get one of those too. Personally, for the $40 or so that it costs, I think it is better to get one of those gooseneck desk lamps, a CFL bulb, a simple timer, and a moisture sensor. I enjoyed mine while it lasted, but it's kind of annoying to have to track down the bulb when it dies, whereas a CFL can be found just about anywhere.

Kathy -

no, it is too weak. For $40 you can get a 2 ft fluorescent fixture, couple of tubes, chains, hooks and timer. You can attach this contraption to the ceiling above any horizontal surface and have 2X2ft area you can grow violets - 8 standards or 4 large or tons of minis. I would put them on wicks. mats and trays - because it solves the humidity problem.

In a club we tried CFL's - we actually measured the foot candles at the normal level of the plant - and my guess to get the right amount of light would be to by the one that's equivalent to 100wt or higher.

The pretty good use of the intelligent lamp would be if - you have a good amount of natural light at your desk and if you just supplement some more to make your violet bloom more often - it will work really nice.

It would be so nice to be able to look at them all the time..

Irina

Thanks for the thoughts. I think I'll use the $40.00 to buy more plants.
Kathy

HEAR, HEAR!!!