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jessiac_3

Lighting for Lemon Tree

jessiac_3
17 years ago

Hello,

I have a Eureka lemon tree in my north/east facing apartment. I currently have it in a small greenhouse with two compact fluorescents giving it some more light (the only natural light it gets is morning sun). It has been doing fairly well, and was even happy enough to put out a lemon, the only problem is that since they are the compact fluorescents, I have to keep them relatively close to the tree's leaves, and it is now starting to grow on just one side.

So, my question is this: is there another (cheaper) lighting alternative, or should I shell out the $300-$600 for a "grow light" from my local garden store? Any help will be great!

Comments (8)

  • jessiac_3
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    I have been moving the lights to follow the growth on the tree. I don't want to move them to the center, above the tree, since then the leaves won't get enough light. The leaves have gotten bigger, which they do when they are in low light levels, but other than that the tree is healthy, and happy enough to put out a lemon.

  • shrubs_n_bulbs
    17 years ago

    How powerful are the compact fluorescents?

  • jessiac_3
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    They are just two "plant" or "sunlight" bulbs that I bought at Walmart. They fit into regular desk lamps (60 watt, I believe).

  • bid2win
    17 years ago

    Lights of America makes a 65 watt CFL bulb that is normally used for an outdoor security light. You can modify it to be used as an indoor plant grow light. I use a couple of these above some of the plants I grow indoors.

  • shrubs_n_bulbs
    17 years ago

    They are just two "plant" or "sunlight" bulbs that I bought at Walmart. They fit into regular desk lamps (60 watt, I believe).

    I suspect they are "60W equivalent", so probably 13W fluorescents. If that really is what they are then you can do a lot better before moving to a $500 grow light. The box stores have move powerful CFLs like bid2win mentions. They are very easy to find up to about 42W and they will just go into an ordinary lamp so long as it doesn't have a cramped fitting or shade. Then they are mostly sold as outdoor lighting, I've seen up to 105W as a security light. Two of those would be enough for any single plant indoors. Watch out you don't fry it!

    If they actually are two 60W fluorescents then the next move upwards is quire a big step since you already have 120W putting out maybe 8000 lumens. You can get really powerful compact fluorescents, up to 250W, but they are by no means something you can just plug into a lamp socket. You can get an array of fluorescent tubes, maybe 3 or 4 2x40W shoplights, or 4x54W T5. Beyond that, HID lamps are the best way to get 400W-1000W of light from a simple package.

  • hottina44
    8 years ago

    I just got 120 watt CFL bulb & Im waiting for. The reflector to come by tomorrow but only problem is what to hang 2 hangers from( in my small bedroom)I need to know how close to keep the 120 bulb to my 2 ft.tree? Lost all flowers a bunch of yellow leaves & one lemon 2 1/2mo. Ago w I got tree.. I need it to do more than survive. That's what it's doing.Cant wait for reflector, but how close? I need it to grow. It's everbearing but you'd never know it. How close?

  • TheDerek
    8 years ago

    You can judge where to hang it by the back of your hand. slightly warm is good, too warm is bad. Similar to what you feel outside when the sun is shining. Id say closest leaves should be where you can feel some heat, but not a lot from the light.

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