Tropical Hibiscus light requirement

[adrouin]

I got a nice hibiscus in the beginning of summer and would love to put in it my new 24x24x48 cage. I know they require A LOT of sunlight to thrive. With that being said, do you think 4, 24watt, 22in, H.O T5 fluorescents will be enough light? Boy that's a mouthful

If need be I can add more lights, but I think I might just get a ficus if it doesn't work out...

 

[carol5208]

That might be too much light for your chameleon and might end up bothering its eyes. You do not want the cage too bright. He should be able to hang out at the top of the cage and have some areas that are not lit up. I would just get a 6500K grow light and try that. You can get them at home depot.

 

[adrouin]

It actually isn't as bright as I though it was. Here's a pic. Don't worry I'm still getting his cage together and he will be moved away from the air conditioner although being Michigan, it has only come on once this summer!

 

[jamjam]

my hibiscis is doing okay with just the one plant bulb hasnt grown like crazy but still flowers up. they might stick around maybe 5 days drop than can go up to a week before more show up but constantly budding

 

[MelissaB]

I have a quad T5 light setup, with 3 6500K bulbs and 1 reptisun bulb and have a tropical hibiscus in one of my cages. It's been in there for a few months and is doing pretty well. It's even flowered a few times.

 

[NHenn]

I agree with Melissa, a quad fixture like that would be perfect for it. I currently have only a double fixture with (1) 6.5k and (1) Arcadia bulb over my cage with a Hibiscus and it is growing but not flowering so I would recommend going with a quad fixture.

As for being too bright. As long as your cage is over 36" tall and there is foliage that he could go hind in and get out of the light I wouldn't worry at all about being too bright with a quad fixture. It is nothing in comparison to the sun.

 

[repdog]

Melissa B and NHenn is correct with the plants. I have a quad as well and they are growing fast and do flower.

 

[adrouin]

Thank you guys so much! I was worried because I thought it would be brighter than it is.

Here is a picture of my panthers set up almost compleated. Enough light?