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Prometheus · 10-20-2011, 09:55 AM

Hey all,

It's just about time for me to move my nanners into the basement. Hoping to keep them under lights this winter, but really don't want to pay too much for energy. I have oodles of plants - 3 ensetes (2 feet tall), 3 ice creams (2-3 feet), 3 truly tiny (1-2 feet), an unknown, and a 3 foot patio lime tree among others.

What's the minimum amount of light to keep these alive until Spring?

I'm not even looking for growth, just life. Lost too many last year - I don't have any place under 60/65 degrees in the house, and everything outside the house is too cold. They'll go in the basement with 2 small windows under a 2X4, 8 bulb T5 system - more if needed (trying to avoid breaking out the 600W metal halide). Hours a day? Any ideas? I was hoping to match the daylight hours with the hours of sunlight we have this winter, but would love to do less. Thanks in advance.

10-20-2011, 09:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Prometheus Prometheus's Photo Gallery Location: Ann Arbor, MI Find me on the map! Zone: 5-6 Name: Brad Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 58 BananaBucks : 16,333 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 24 Times Was Thanked 44 Times in 17 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Minimum Light Requirement? Hey all, It's just about time for me to move my nanners into the basement. Hoping to keep them under lights this winter, but really don't want to pay too much for energy. I have oodles of plants - 3 ensetes (2 feet tall), 3 ice creams (2-3 feet), 3 truly tiny (1-2 feet), an unknown, and a 3 foot patio lime tree among others. What's the minimum amount of light to keep these alive until Spring? I'm not even looking for growth, just life. Lost too many last year - I don't have any place under 60/65 degrees in the house, and everything outside the house is too cold. They'll go in the basement with 2 small windows under a 2X4, 8 bulb T5 system - more if needed (trying to avoid breaking out the 600W metal halide). Hours a day? Any ideas? I was hoping to match the daylight hours with the hours of sunlight we have this winter, but would love to do less. Thanks in advance.