Optimizing Grow Light Height and Duration for Cavendish Bananas: Advice Needed
 

Hello everyone,:2738:

I've been using a grow light (https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B09...?ie=UTF8&psc=1) for my Cavendish bananas (photos included, with a Musa Basjoo among them) and I'm seeking your expert advice on its effectiveness. Specifically, I'm wondering if this grow light is suitable for Cavendish bananas and, importantly, what the ideal height should be for optimal growth. Currently, the light is positioned 70cm above the plants, and I'm contemplating lowering it to accelerate their growth. Additionally, these plants are located in front of a southwest-facing window in Italy, and I keep the grow light on for 16 hours a day.



Another point of concern is the smallest Cavendish, which currently has 11 leaves. I've noticed the lower leaves tend to wilt significantly.






Based on this setup, do you think the grow light's current height and duration are appropriate? Would lowering the light or adjusting its duration benefit the plants, especially considering the wilting of the lower leaves on the smallest plant?

Thank you in advance for your insights and recommendations.

I also have another question, I have yellow spots on my Musa sikkimensis 'Red Tiger', do you know why?

Re: Optimizing Grow Light Height and Duration for Cavendish Bananas: Advice Needed
 

16 hours a day is fine for those plants.

The grow light is adequate for overwintering plants in a small area .

The current height of the light is more like a cloudy day, lowering the light will increase intensity which could help accelerate the growth of all your plants.

Re: Optimizing Grow Light Height and Duration for Cavendish Bananas: Advice Needed
 

Thank you so much cincinnana! I really appreciate the guidance on the usage of the grow light for my plants. I understand that a 16-hour day is fine for them and that the light's current intensity mimics a cloudy day. By lowering the light, I can increase the intensity, which might help accelerate the growth of all my plants. However, my goal isn't just to overwinter the plants but to actively encourage their growth indoors. Could you please advise me on how close I should position the grow light? I'm concerned about possibly burning the leaves if it's too close. What would be the ideal distance to both promote growth and avoid any damage?

Re: Optimizing Grow Light Height and Duration for Cavendish Bananas: Advice Needed
 

As you lower the light it will give a much smaller light footprint and so you will not be giving light to as many plants or as strong light to the ones at the outer edges. I burned the white part of my AeAe banana leaf at about 35 cm. It was not burned badly just small spots. I noticed that the leaf felt warm. Feeling the leaf to see if it is too warm after the light has been on for a while might be a good way to check for a safe distance. My 1500 watt light, set to 75% output is now about 42 to 60cm from my bananas (different height bananas) and they are growing fast with no burning.

Re: Optimizing Grow Light Height and Duration for Cavendish Bananas: Advice Needed
 

Thank you for your valuable advice!