Grow lights and their use in propogation

[raewynk]

I am a newbie 1 year into the bonsai addiction.

Only had a couple of successes so far. (I didn't count the seeds to get to a couple.)

I have only started with seed propogation, only by accident, (I liked the wrong tree, Styrax formosoma,) never realised what a challenge this would been.

I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with red & blue LED grow light for the propogation of cuttings and seeds for bonsai's, and the other purpose that I can forsee is to save off the occasional frosts that one may get if one was to live in the southern states.

If you are impatient like me and can't wait for the correct seasons to sow and what to enhance growth quickly.

I hope I am not offending anyone here. Those that have been growing bonsai's by nature for years.

[kcpoole]

I leave all my propagation trays and pots outside and they get natural light year round.
Unless you were in a cold country or region with snow / ice / frost to protect from, I could not this of a reason to keep them anywhere else.
Using bottom heat will be advantageous in the cooler months tho.

Ken

[raewynk]

Thanks kcpoole. Nature is always the best.

I live in a unit with limited sun exposure for the plants and limited space.

Hence my query about the grow light.

Trying all kinds of different positions for all the babies (bonsai's).

[kcpoole]

Thanks kcpoole.
I live in a unit with limited sun exposure for the plants and limited space.

Ah OK then I see not reason why it will not work.

[Bougy Fan]

I don't bother with anything special for propagation although a bottom heat mat would help with the success rate. I only grow seed that I collect like Swampies so they don't need any special treatment. I would just look to maximise the space with some shelving or something.

[raewynk]

Heat mat a good alternative.
I've had some seeds next to the hot water cylinder just to warm the pots overnight and put them out during the day.

I do have shelving in the yard.
I guess the other problem is that we haven't had a decent summer in Brisbane this year mostly cloudy and showery for the last 5 weeks on and off. Today is the best that we have had for quite awhile.

Thanks for the suggestion for the heat mat.

Cheers
Rae

[raewynk]

I thought I would try the bottom heat treatment. So I pulled out the old hot water bottle wrapped in towel. Put both trays on for about 20 mins or so until the mix felt warm not hot. Thought I would try this before I bought a heat pad.
Same procedure but with what I had on hand.

Regards
Rae

[Bougy Fan]

I know it's not polite to ask a lady how old she is but seed is a very slow method unless you are 18 I would suggest in conjunction with this you try some nursery stock or large cuttings or layers. Growing from seed can be very rewarding and can give you greater control but it is very slow. And join a club too - there are 2 in brissy - Bonsai Society on the Southside and Bimer on the Northside

[raewynk]

Ha ha Bougy Fan, no its not polite and I am impatient. I am 56 yrs old and lack the patience factor, but this has been my second attempt at growing the seeds from Styrax. I have a few others that I have managed to get to seedling stage. A long drawn out process, that I do appreciate.
I have bought a few seedlings which are fun, but I love the achievement to grow the seeds from start and see the germination, process and then the first juvinelle leaf and then the second, and then you have this dream of which it will look like when it gets to 5 - 10 years old. Wow factor.

Its good to get the perspective of grow lights versus heat pads. As I am sure others may have wondered about the benefits of both.

Regards
Rae

I always take on advice, but still will not stop asking the questions. Thank you for all the replies.

[raewynk]

This is the shelving that I have on hand and the space is dwindling to say the least. The lack space and heat for seed termination.

Sent from my GT-S5300 using Tapatalk 2

[Bougy Fan]

My first thought is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . you don't need grass

[raewynk]

Its artificial Tony helps when you walk around bare footed.

I am going to change the lay out soonish, I am going to break down the black shelves and have 2 tiers right around the yard as soon as some of the stock grow a bit. But I don't get a great deal of sun in and I guess not the best year to start bonsai in Brisbane because of the lack of a decent summer. Next few days look promising so I will lay the seed trays on the grass (artificial) to get the heat through the soil mix.

I can every one's point about natural stratification/propogation of seeds.