Cephalotus under Energy Saving Lights

[nickjamie]

nice ceph funkychips! how long have u had the ceph grown in that condition?


so r u gonna use the same light ?

[funkychips]

Hi nick!
I've been keeping it for only half a month, just got it recently so far nothing's changed but according to Delwin I may have to change the media soon as it is getting really mushy and soggy. I suppose I will still use the same lights temporarily, as I get planning on having a wider area for keeping all my CPs together under one central lighting system of lights.

Alvin

[Delwin]

Originally Posted by funkychips

Ok thanks Delwin. So, basically T5 bulbs come in 5/8 inch size? One thing I noticed about them is that they tend to dim over a short period of time (or by constant daily use of 14-16 hours), hence need to put multiple tubes using bigger deflectors I suppose?

I think my Ceph has four growing points. I have a big bag of perlite and vermiculite so I suppose I could use that. Since I have two pots of few growth points each I think I will try two to three on a different type of media and see how they acclimatise.

yes, 5/8 inches. Do try to look out for reflextor for each individual light tube. But a better brand one, those from China made will have the dimming effect. If you cant find that, then i suggest using PL light.
You can mix peat : perlite : vermiculite 1:1:1.

[funkychips]

Have repotted my Cephs. Bottom of pot filled with thin layer of lava rock, followed by mixture of 50:50 Peat:Perlite and lastly top dressing of about 1 inch of LFS. Hope that's ok.

[Delwin]

The idea of laying a layer of lava rock is not good, i suggest a layer of LFS would be more idea. And toping a layer around the crown may induce rot.

[funkychips]

Whew! Just done repotting according to your recommendation Delwin. Perlite as top dressing. Can't go far wrong can it? :D
Here's the pic. Terracotta pot from Ikea, thin layer of LFS as bottom, middle layer peat, perlite, vermiculite mix (1:1:1) and top off with 1/2 inch perlite. Container with some gravel and thin line of water to provide humidity.


Alvin

[Delwin]

Right, this is the way. If you are dare abit, do some leaves pulling. Your plants have alot of leaves. If you even more daring, do some off shoot seperating, there are alot of off shoot in each pot. In the end, some small off shoot will die.

[marvin1997]

It looks so nice.....

[nickjamie]

dude u have got green thumbs and i love the setting. it looks so neat and pleasing!

[funkychips]

Due to the momentary lack of light intensity and ventilation issues, I have shifted my Cephalotus plants outdoors. So hoping to upgrade to a new and bigger tank soon to get the conditions more ideal before experimenting with the plants under lights again.