Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone know what type of lighting plants require? Will a heating bulb with UVA do it, or do they need the UVB as the lizards do? (Specifically, I'm trying to keep a hibiscus alive.)

Hibiscus like a lot of light (or at least mine seem to like it... they're from Florida). Try a full-spectrum light, it tends to have more of the sun's wavelengths than either a UVA or UVB bulb. The one that I have as back-up to the one in the cham cage sits under a regular light, but gets quite a bit of ambient out-side light & is doing ok. The one in the cage gets UVA, UVB & filtered outside light & seems to be doing better than the other one. You can get a 24" "full-spectrum" flourescent tube light at your local HD for as little as $6 (tho the 18" is nearly $10, guess it's a more popular size). Or you can try a "plant grow light" which is pretty much the same thing (not to be mistaken for a "plant light" which is only a slightly bluer bulb than a regular light, for showing off the green of the plant). Also water it thoroughly (shower it for 10-15 mins) only about 1x/week, and make sure it has proper drainage. I almost killed mine when it wasn't draining properly. And good luck!
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1.0 Crazy dog... or duck, sheep, snake, cat & grumpy old man combo... (Gizmo)
0.2 Vacationing Kitties (Puddy, PeeWee)
1.0 Veiled Chameleons (Charlie)
0.1 Amazing Fiance =o)

So the plant in your cham enclosure is getting its light from the standard lizard lighting setup without an additional full spectrum bulb? But the full spectrum bulb might be better if I'm just growing the plant?

(Just trying to make sure I understand correctly.)

Thanks a bunch!

n/p
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1.0 Crazy dog... or duck, sheep, snake, cat & grumpy old man combo... (Gizmo)
0.2 Vacationing Kitties (Puddy, PeeWee)
1.0 Veiled Chameleons (Charlie)
0.1 Amazing Fiance =o)

Go to home depot/lowe's, etc., buy phillip's (or other) brand plant/aquarium lights. The 4' are only about $6 and they come in shoirter length's, too. I keep indoor plants all winter (NH) and use nothing but those set up in cheap shop light (home depot $7)

The one thing to consider with fluorescent lights is to get the longest you can accommodate. There is much less light near the ends so even with a 4' you are really only getting about 3' of strong, steady light. Hope this helps!

lele

btw, I rotate my two hibiscus in and out of Luna's cage so I can get them to bloom - they need good light to bloom. You can cut back your hibiscus considerably if it get leggy and it will branch out and flower profusely.
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.5 Mad. Hissers
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (no name yet)
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha