Culper Woodhull

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I purchased a 12 year old Fukien tea bonsai a few days ago. I was doing so well with my Jade "afra" that I thought I'd take on another bonsai. I did not do my research before going to a local bonsai distributor, just sort of made an impulsive decision to swing by and check out their stock. I like the way it looks and that it will be capable of blooming. With that being said after I did the research, I now know how difficult this might be to keep alive.
I currently have a humidity tray, despite the controversy surrounding it, can't hurt anyway. I have decided to place it in the same room as my Jade since its a full window and South facing. I am aware these two are completely different. The Jade likes to be dried up and in full sunlight. The Fukien on the other hand I am getting a lot of contradiction in my research on the internet, but for the most part I understand it too likes full sun and of course a humid environment. I will mist it twice a day and water every 3-4 days and see how that works. if anyone has more advice to give me on care for the Fukien I'd appreciate it.
With that being said, I'd like to get a grow lamp for the Fukien. During the winter months where I live tends to be mostly overcast and I worry about it not getting enough sunlight. Also having it sitting next to the window I worry about the cold radiating onto the tree and killing it. I have a lamp in mind and would ask for your input on the matter. If you have another suggestion, keep in mind I need it to be a desk lamp for the location where I have my tree. Thanks for any and all advice about a grow lamp and any light you could shed on Fukien Tea Bonsai care.Fukien Bonsai1.jpg Fukien Bonsai2.jpg Screenshot (141).png Screenshot (142).png
 

GrimLore

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I have a lamp in mind and would ask for your input on the matter. If you have another suggestion, keep in mind I need it to be a desk lamp for the location where I have my tree.

I am pretty certain you will get far better results using a full spectrum CFL like this one. https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/36858/FC23-S65.html You can put it most any desk type fixture or reflector. They work nicely for a single plant and use very little power.
While your at it get one of these and save yourself some bother http://www.homedepot.com/p/24-Hour-Plug-In-Basic-Timer-15119/100685881. Many people set timers for 16 hours on and 8 off. I recommend 8 on 4 off, 8 on 4 off every twenty four hours. You still get 16 hours total but that method is used widely by growers for a few reasons and works good.

Grimmy
 
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Culper Woodhull

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Many people set timers for 16 hours on and 8 off. I recommend 8 on 4 off, 8 on 4 off every twenty four hours. You still get 16 hours total but that method is used widely by growers for a few reasons and works good.

Grimmy

Would this eliminate the need for placing it next to a window? I just moved and am not sure how the windows will hold back the cold our first winter here. I'll definitely look at your links. Thanks.
 

GrimLore

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Culper Woodhull

Yamadori
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Westeros, USDA Zone - 6B
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14819327855291095838731.jpg
Just got the light and stand set up. A few adjustment will be made but I've got the light! I'll post progress as its made. Thanks!
 

just.wing.it

Deadwood Head
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Why? Aesthetics?

I think you can hang a couple 2ft fluorescents and make it look nicer.
Sorce

That's what I did...
Two 24" fluorescents (2 tubes each) separated with threaded rod between them, to form a square.
Then attached equal lengths of white chain, also from depot, to a central mounting point.
Hanging from one WallDog in the ceiling.
Ended up as OK as I had hoped....

1481972863867915941186.jpg IMAG2663.jpg IMAG2664.jpg
 

Anthony

Imperial Masterpiece
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Fukien tea has hard leaves, read up on leaves and transpiration. With regards to misting.

Pot is too large and too deep, so watch your watering.

Fukien tea also rests on our side from Christmas until February. Perhaps no fertiliser until late spring.

Look up Jack Wikle and his work.
Good Luck.
Merry Xmas.
Anthony
 

Culper Woodhull

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Why? Aesthetics?

I think you can hang a couple 2ft fluorescents and make it look nicer.

Sorce

I was hoping to place the Fukien Tea on my desk where I work at home. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to since there wont be any light from a window, since said place is in a low light area of the house. So I decided to keep them in our bedroom. As for the 2 ft fluorescence, long story short, my wife would kill me after chopping my bonsai to pieces if I did that in our bedroom. I could do it in the basement, but I just wouldn't want to keep them down there. That big window happens to be 1 of 3 that are South facing. Window 2 of 3 is blocked by our couch and again the wife wont have it any other way. Window 3 of 3 has a dishwasher right beneath it that gets very hot. I have a huge North facing window that that would have been perfect, as I could place it in our dinning room but it seems to be cast in shadow the entire day. The other windows are impossible to utilize. Aesthetics to keep my wife pleased, tough I do enjoy the way it looks. I plan to get a low "aquarium stand" type platform to run across the bottom of the window. Also, my wife isn't as bad as I'm painting her but this is her "dream" house. I just wish in her dream she had more windows.
 
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Culper Woodhull

Yamadori
Messages
78
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61
Location
Westeros, USDA Zone - 6B
USDA Zone
6B
Fukien tea has hard leaves, read up on leaves and transpiration. With regards to misting.

Pot is too large and too deep, so watch your watering.

Fukien tea also rests on our side from Christmas until February. Perhaps no fertiliser until late spring.

Look up Jack Wikle and his work.
Good Luck.
Merry Xmas.
Anthony
Thanks for he info. I will look into Jack's work.
 
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