Help with indoor Bonsai rack with grow lights

[declay]

Hello everyone!

I’m looking for recommendations on the best grow light for my indoor plant rack, where I’ll be placing my bonsai. Currently, I have a ficus and a Buddhist pine. (hope to get more in the future hehehe). I’ve attached a picture of my rack for reference. The shelf heights are adjustable, so I’m flexible with positioning. I’d appreciate any suggestions or advice you might have.

Thank you in advance!

 

[SeanS]

Is this setup for winter or for always?

 

[declay]

Is this setup for winter or for always?

For always.

I live in an apartment in Singapore, where I only get indirect sunlight in the mornings.

 

[Kodama]

I am using one of these on a timer. Works great. Amazon link

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

We use Spider farmer SF2000 which has a variable control for light intensity. However there are quite a number of highly rated grow lights of different sizes out in the “sea of lighting products” that will do just as well. The number of products has soared in the past four years.

Would suggest searching for a recent review of best medium priced grow lights.

Good luck!

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[RoadManDenDron]

I also use SF2000, I am very impressed by how healthy my plants are under it and its economy of use

It can be run as a 'daisy chain' so if/ when you get too many trees for one shelf you can link it to another on the other shelf.

In case you hadn't considered, you will also need a timer plug and a small fan (like a USB desktop fan)

 

[declay]

Awesome! Thank you everyone for the suggestions!

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

To hijack a thread, does anyone have a suggestion for an ultra low budget light to get my Portulacaria through the winter? I'm talking $100 or less to fit a tiny space in a tiny house.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

To hijack a thread, does anyone have a suggestion for an ultra low budget light to get my Portulacaria through the winter? I'm talking $100 or less to fit a tiny space in a tiny house.

I have both Spider farmer SF1000 & SF2000, both nice lights. I see good growth during the winter and even have to trim new growth. This SF1000 is $70. I also have a couple different sets of these that you can get for $21 bucks. They do the trick, but not as well as the Spider farmers. So it really depends on your need. In your climate and short winter you can probably go with the cheaper ones. They work well and you get growth instead of just surviving.

 

[penumbra]

I am using several Spider Farmers, both the SF1000 and the SF2000. They are very light, and come with cable style hangers. The have a very nice eye and plant friendly spectrum and have become my go to for many of my growing solutions.
I also have the T5 Vivosun suggested, both in the 4 bulb 2 foot and 4 bulb 4 foot units with 6500 K. I have been using these for about 8 years now with no problems and get great plant growth all winter long. These are larger and heavier and require bulb replacements about once a year. It is a simple matter and not expensive bought in bulk from Amazon.
One thing I have noticed is that cuttings take faster under the T5 lights than under the LED lights. It may not make a big difference, but it is there. All of my lights go about 14 hours a day. The Vivosun T5 are used all year long. Most of my Spider Lights are used from October through April, but some of them go all year.

 

[RoadManDenDron]

One thing I have noticed is that cuttings take faster under the T5 lights than under the LED lights.

This is very interesting, I wonder do you know the K colour of the LEDs?

Also wondering if its perhaps the extra warm (as in temperature not light colour) from the T5s?

 

[penumbra]

This is very interesting, I wonder do you know the K colour of the LEDs?

Also wondering if its perhaps the extra warm (as in temperature not light colour) from the T5s?

The LED lights are closer to 5000K, the T5 are 6500K.
Heat is not a factor.

 

[Paradox]

The LED lights are closer to 5000K, the T5 are 6500K.
Heat is not a factor.

6500K is closer to the desired spectrum for plants which is probably why your cuttings take faster under that light

 

[fir_chan]

Has anyone used the Sansi Growlights? Particularly the SANSI 36W FULL SPECTRUM E27, i am currently using them and its been only 1 month since i got it started using them so not sure if there is anyone who had a longer observation period and experience with this?

Trees foliage are 30-40cm from the lights and i have got rotating fans gently blowing onto the trees. Watering needs seems to be lesser than what is required in the open skies.

 

[declay]

I'm currently using this grow light on my rack since last December, (2 of them) and it's been working really well for me so far. The best part... You can daisy chain them together!!

AGLEX K1000 LED Grow Light, 2024 Upgraded Grow Light with Daisy Chain & Dimmable, Full Spectrum Plant Grow Lights for Hydroponic Indoor Plants Seeding : Amazon.sg: Garden

AGLEX K1000 LED Grow Light, 2024 Upgraded Grow Light with Daisy Chain & Dimmable, Full Spectrum Plant Grow Lights for Hydroponic Indoor Plants Seeding : Amazon.sg: Garden

www.amazon.sg

 

[Hoops]

I've used Vivosun T5 fluorescents successfully for several years overwintering my tropicals, but the last few times I've bought replacement bulbs half the bulbs were bad. Switching to dimmable LEDs this year to see how they do.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

I like the LED lights for aquariums/ reefs. They have a lot of power and the form factor is durable over my hydroponic wicking ficus grow tank.

Something like this, though I’m sure you could finds better watts per dollar.

Amazon link

 

[Port Farmer]

I've been using VIPARSPECTRA XS1500 Pros and like them. Good even light spread, dimmable, daisy chainable. For narrower shelves I've been using Barrina TX36 lights and they put out good PPFD up close.