Hearing mat for indoor root stimulation

[KennedyMarx]

Is anyone using heat mats for their plants indoors? Last year I had my plants near a furnace vent that kept them warm and it seemed like they grew more. I did keep a humidifier nearby to keep the humidity up though. This year after moving into a new house I have my plant shelving in my basement due to space restrictions and I think it's a little chillier down there. I was thinking that I could get a heating mat, maybe something like you would use for sprouting seeds, to put underneath the pots. Has anyone done this? It seems like it could be a decent alternative to building a big grow box. I do like Ryan's PVC enclosures though.

 

[Poink88]

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?13034-Heating-Elements-for-Propogating-Cuttings

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?5236-Heating-Mats-and-Cables

 

[thams]

I use heat mats for my ficus and they do seem to thrive more with them. In addition to keeping the roots warm (thus stimulating growth), they also help to dry out the soil more evenly. There are some reasonably priced mats on Amazon. At local nurseries I found the mats here 1/3 more in price...

I wouldn't say they help with humidity though. It's definitely better than nothing - especially if the surrounding environment is on the chilly side.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

recommendations for cheap matting? I assume it has to be waterproof.

 

[thams]

This is what I use and it comes in different sizes.

http://www.amazon.com/Growers-Suppl...d=1390062651&sr=8-10&keywords=propagation+mat

 

[Poink88]

recommendations for cheap matting? I assume it has to be waterproof.

The links I provided have several.

 

[JudyB]

I use them for my ficus, olive and BRT. They put out tremendous growth in the winter for me, I even have to prune them to keep them in check. I don't do any fancy lighting, just a southern window, and fluorescents. For inside I just use the cheapo hydrofarm seedling heat mats, that raise the temp a few degrees above room. Seems to be enough.