Questions on Heat Mat

[LFC25]

Just got a new heat mat without a thermostat controller. Hope that it can help to grow new roots on my plants with serious root problem.

How long do you turn on the heat mat every day and what is the range of temperature should I target at?

[MrHappyRotter]

It would help to know what you're growing and what ambient temperatures are in the growing area as well as other environmental conditions. The answers you receive are guesswork otherwise.

[LFC25]

I place three phals and one dendrobium on the heat mat. Room temperature 27-30 degrees and humidity 65% to 78%.

[Ray]

With that room temperature, you don't need a heat mat.

[LFC25]

Originally Posted by Ray

With that room temperature, you don't need a heat mat.

Ray, I thought it will induce new roots if the medium is hotter than the ambient temperature?

[Ray]

While that may very well be true, I think there's a limit. Warmth increases metabolic rate - but only up to a point. Where is that point? I doubt anyone knows for sure. There's probably some phytochemical process analysis that can be done, but not by me!

Plus, there is a need for somewhat cooler temperatures for some processes to occur, while others take warmer.

On the assumption they your plants are all in range, all of the heat mats I have ever used boost the root zone by 6°- to 10°C over ambient.

[dounoharm]

I just use my heat mat for my seedlings, garden seeds that is.....it has no thermostat either....if you need to know exact temps, lay a thermometer on it....I haven't found any particular value for orchids....