If I have a big plant, can I throw in CFLs right into the bush?

GrowingMadness

Active Member
Let's say that I will hopefully grow a big healthy plant.

Is it ok if I throw in couple of CFLs into the bush itself, like inside?

So that the leaves on the inside would get more light.

CFLs aren't hot so it shouldn't hurt, right? Just more light
 

NeoAnarchist

Well-Known Member
u could...but u would need a fan blowing directly on the lite along with a plastic cover over the lite to keep from touching the leaves.
 

MostlyCrazy

New Member
Keep it at 26 watt or less and they generate about enough heat to warm you hands. You can hold onto them all day so no problem with the heat on the leaves.
 

MR GOODSTUFF45

Well-Known Member
Keep it at 26 watt or less and they generate about enough heat to warm you hands. You can hold onto them all day so no problem with the heat on the leaves.
My 26watters burn leaves pretty good. you could put them below the canopy, or use LEDs. training it would probably be easier.
 

ryeguy

Well-Known Member
yea 26's burn leaves..usally burn the top of my plant if light gets to close..you can put them near the bottom about 2-3 inches away from all leafs..should do the trick..but dont just shove a light in a bushy plant
 

GrowingMadness

Active Member
What about really dim ones, like 6-watters?

I have couple of 6-14 watters, none of them are nearly warm enough to burn anything - not even leave a mark on a leaf
 

ryeguy

Well-Known Member
ummm i dont really see the reaso for it..yes it wud bring more light but if ur plant is already big nd bushy then i dont relli think theres a need for a light near the bottom..maybe if the bottom leaves are dying or somethin.
 

darookie2000

Well-Known Member
Really dim is probably going to be a waste of electricity - not efficient enough at producing light to be worthwhile. I tried putting a 25 W CFL over my plant today and she showed signs of heat stress shortly thereafter (in a room with an open window!). Just because they are florescent doesn't mean they don't get hot!
 

darookie2000

Well-Known Member
The only bulb I'd be really comfortable getting that close (and I actually do have one that close) is a T5 tube. I can leave that thing on all day and night and put my hand on it. Of course, I am new and conservative about this, having already browned a few leaves with badly placed CFLs.
 

ryeguy

Well-Known Member
lmao thats funny..cause as we speak i currently have a 20 watt cfl in a closet with door closed in a 2 foot tall 3 feet deep space..and its been growing for 3 weeks and is currently healthy as it can get...moving it outside tommorow tho.,.25w aint enuf to flower any good buds
 

darookie2000

Well-Known Member
You know what? I think my bulb might be getting old. I just realized that the bulb I was having issues with has been around for a long time, so I may be getting it too close because of that. I was vegging under it with no problem but I got overeager waiting for my cabinet to ship and went out and bought more lights :-D I wish I could plant outside. I have the space for the pots, but not the privacy.
 

potsomker420

Well-Known Member
im not sure if the leafs are ment to recive light from the underside, but you never know try it out expermenting is always fun i'd use a 10-13w bulb
see if it makes a difference, keep changing veriables and it will never get boring
 

baller24

Well-Known Member
I have a question. My main cola of my plant is growing and maturing faster, Is it ok to just cut down the main cola when its ready, and then just work on the rest as usual, or would the tree die?
 
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