Streptocarpus Dimetris

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8iKdM62qyE
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*T8 4' tube, 32W, 5000K Ecolux w/Starcoat, GE (F32T8 SPP50 (Hg)(E)

T5 4' tube T5HO 6400K by Sunblaster

I bought my T8 bulbs in GE store. I looked at their spectrum and it is very similar to many other T8 bulbs.

I bought T5 grow bulbs in hydroponic store. These bulbs have broad spectrum, very similar to sun light.

Both tubes have reflectors, However, reflector that comes with T5 bulb supposedly is more efficient.

*5000K is not relevant for photosynthetic activity, but reflects human eye perception of color. Different 5000K bulbs can have very different spectrums.

We mounted four tubes over 18" wide shelf.

We stated experiment in the middle of January. Recording was made on March 15th

About 10 different hybrids were put on two T5 shelf and two T8 shelf

Majority of plants were dis-budded in January. By the March 15th some hybrids have already stopped blooming.

Result:

It looks like that T5 produce slightly more blooms. However, statistically it was not significant. We have to have more experiments in order to have conclusive result.