Quick question about lighting

[MountainExplorer]

In my greenhouse I have all ficus and a fukien tea now my question is for the winter can I keep my lights on for 12+hours a day over the winter or should I cut back the lights? And what is the differences?

They have been in the green house now for 3 weeks and they are back on veg new shoots everywhere but I just wanted to get some advice.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[GrimLore]

All the plants we have that come into the plant room for Winter receive 16 hours, 8 on 4 off, 8 on 4 off. That is what growers do and so far I find it works well. You cannot replicate the strength of the sun but length of day by light duration helps.

Grimmy

 

[DrBonsai]

I generally keep the lights on 16 hours and off for 8. Is there an advantage for 8 on, 4 off ?
That seems like an ab-normal/ un-natural pattern ?

 

[GrimLore]

I generally keep the lights on 16 hours and off for 8. Is there an advantage for 8 on, 4 off ?
That seems like an ab-normal/ un-natural pattern ?

That is just what many large greenhouse operations have been doing for ages. I can see it being of more value plant wise with higher intensity lighting close to plants giving them a breather and allowing for more transpiration cycles. Those are my "thoughts' on it, never researched it, just know it works here

Grimmy

 

[MountainExplorer]

Thanks guys!!! I just have them on T5's for around 15 hours or so with a timer set. I think if I start messing around I might stress them out but I will do some research on it.

 

[DrBonsai]

I also have them on T 5's for around 16 hours with a timer set.
I'll let you do the research and let us know, lol !

 

[Ironbeaver]

I'll have to skim around the net a bit on this, the weed people seem to discuss it a lot but the topic seems to thin out if you use "-cannabis" in the search. I may have to give it a try this winter. My trees are in a solarium and receive a fair bit of "supplemental" natural sunlight right now, but that will drop as the days get longer.

 

[MountainExplorer]

Nothing wrong with canna in this post

 

[MountainExplorer]