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Post by sarah on Jun 12, 2016 18:38:21 GMT -5
I'd like to start growing some pings but I'm a little overwhelmed by all the variety. There are so many different kinds that grow in so many different climates, I'm not sure where to start. I'd love to get some suggestions on what species to look for based on some of the following criteria: 1. EASY to grow. I'm very much a newbie to CPs, and pretty new to horticulture in general. So the most important factor right now is a very forgiving plant that will tolerate my screw-ups. And hopefully wont require too much specialized equipment. 2. Tolerates or better yet, thrives in low light conditions. I live in an apartment with windows facing northeast, and a balcony facing southeast. Windows only get a couple hours of direct sunlight in the early morning, and the balcony gets sun from sunrise to just before noon. I guess I can get a light but I don't have a lot of space. If there are varieties that could do without supplemental lighting that'd be preferable. 3. Doesn't require winter dormancy or very easy to winter. I don't have a yard to bury stuff in, or a garage, or a cellar. It's outside on the balcony at -25 or inside at +25 (no individual thermostats, they keep the whole building very warm). I hear the fridge is also an option but it's full of people food, and it sounds like a risky way to do it. 4. Pretty. This is least important. I like plump, symmetrical shapes like rosettes, and I like the ones that have a pink edge or are just flat out pink or red. Again, not very important, I'd take easy to grow over pretty in a heartbeat. So with that in mind, what should I look for? And who sells them? Thanks in advance
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Post by lloyd on Jun 12, 2016 19:34:38 GMT -5
Pinguicula primuliflora.
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Post by WillyCKH on Jun 12, 2016 20:56:15 GMT -5
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Post by sarah on Jun 12, 2016 21:39:59 GMT -5
So how intensive is intensive? Would the south east facing balcony provide enough light to give it some color in the summer time perhaps? Or would I be better off just getting some sort of light set up?
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Post by karin on Jun 12, 2016 21:49:03 GMT -5
And if they are under lights, how much of a seasonal change would be required? Duration, or intensity?
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Post by WillyCKH on Jun 13, 2016 0:55:07 GMT -5
Not much seasonal change is required if you are keeping them under lights year around. Some people would shorten the time for the light from 16 hours/day to 12 hours/day during winter time, but it's not needed. Mexican pings will go to succulent modes without help whenever they want to or feel like, so don't worry By intensive I mean adapting to full direct sun. For indoors setups, you can put the artificial lights (CFL, T5 T8, LEDs, etc) very close to your plants (without burning them), but sometimes it's not even enough. A bright South east facing balcony should be enough for some pings to get some colors on during summer. Don't take my words though, I'm only growing my pings under LEDs. Hope that helps! Willy
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Post by karin on Jun 13, 2016 8:04:30 GMT -5
thanks. i suppose i will move some of mine to the window to see if it makes a difference. for now they're all pale green.
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Post by sarah on Jun 13, 2016 8:25:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Willy. It's looking more and more likely that I will be getting some sort of lighting to supplement. Are there any big differences between using LED and fluorescent? Which one would give me better bang for buck?
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Post by WillyCKH on Jun 13, 2016 8:40:58 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Willy. It's looking more and more likely that I will be getting some sort of lighting to supplement. Are there any big differences between using LED and fluorescent? Which one would give me better bang for buck? You're welcome! Base on what I know: LEDs are more energy efficient, much longer life expectancy (average 5-10 years), less heat generated per amount of light generated, but the initial cost is usually way more than fluorescents. There's also a big learning curve to LEDs if you decide to make your own (not very recommended unless you're a DIY and techy person); and if you are not making your own, you will need to watch out for some LEDs on the market. Most products on the market are overrated in terms of the power output to get more sales, I have seen a 3 watts LED bulb marketed as 10 watts.
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Post by hal on Jun 13, 2016 8:54:58 GMT -5
The standard lighting used for CP's is flourescent tubes. Some people go for the high output versions, T5HO, but they are about triple the price of standard fluorescents. I've always used 4 x 4' standard T8s per shelf and my plants do OK. I used to use 2 of the cheapest 2-bulb fixtures from Home Depot, but found that the cheap contacts for the bulbs bent irreparably after 3 or 4 bulb changes. Now I get a 4-bulb unit that they sell for about $70 and buy tubes in boxes of 10. www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.4-ft-t8-4l-32w-grid-shop-light.1000729573.html
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Post by chamelea on Sept 18, 2016 21:53:31 GMT -5
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Post by WillyCKH on Sept 19, 2016 8:59:01 GMT -5
Luckily, that's a commonly available ping!
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Post by chamelea on Sept 21, 2016 13:50:55 GMT -5
Awesome!
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Post by chamelea on Sept 21, 2016 14:07:48 GMT -5
And you do mean that double-flowered variety, right? lol
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