AusBonsai

Heya.

I live in the southern highlands, where the temperature and climate can be quiet.. erratic. (Very hot sunny day one day, huge lightning storm and fog the next) I was wondering if window lighting plus a fluorescent light on for 14 hours (15 watts, 30cms distance) enough to keep a healthy PJ fig? So far with my serissa foetida has had some growth and is looking healthy, but its only been about 3 weeks. What do you guys think?

Stroudy, whats the most sunny spot you have at your place?

Your energy bill will be quite high

probably where it is now. I'm considering splurging some money on a LED grow light. what's the verdict on them?

*edit: Also, the light is on a lamp.

Outdoors is best. Find a spot that's as protected from the extremes the most. It'll be a delicate combination of ensuring enough sun as well.


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I agree with Isitangus, Natural light is your best bet.
Artificial light is ok but you would need to know what you are doing.

I have the same situation but I place my plants in 1 location next to the carport and they get a minimum of 8 hours sun from morning (part shade sun) and from 11am-6pm (gets a full sun).
They stay there even if its raining heavily

ah okay. I'm just a bit worried about the ficus dying because of the erratic temperature. You could compare the climate here to England I guess haha. If either of my plants start to look slightly ill, I'll try outdoors. I thought it was okay because the serissa hasn't lost any leaves, has grown, and seems to be greener. It's a bit confusing because apparently they loose their leaves quickly if they're unhappy/not enough light.

Hi stroudy plenty of people growing bonsai in the southern highlands-I'm pretty sure that's where leong from bonsai south has his growing farm and there is also another grower I've seen post who has great stock.
If you never bite the bullet and get your stock acclimatised your going to struggle and bonsai will never be enjoyable.
Some tips-buy stock locally-it's already been growing locally so acclimatisation won't be an issue. Or buy plants with similar climates-think
Victoria-not tropical QLD.
Look at what grows in the streets, parks and gardens around your area. That will give you a good idea for species to look out for your next purchase



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Isitangus wrote: Look at what grows in the streets, parks and gardens around your area...

And if you can carry it, dig it up.

I thought I would modify your post a little Isitangus, I hope you don't mind.

If you wish to keep plants inside under artificial lights then you really have to get serious to keep the trees healthy and growing well. To get sufficinet light on the trees, they have to be real close to them

Check out the setup used in the US for figs
viewtopic.php?f=133&t=9569&start=0

Ken

Well, I bit the bullet and moved my Ficus outside with my bottlebrush cutting. I'll see how it goes. Cheers guys