Miracle berry plants grown indoors as source for miraculin

[Anonymous Modernist 6817]

I have heard that Nathan Myhrvold grows miracle berry (synsepalum dulcificum) plants indoors as a source for miraculin, which is a protein that turns sour tastes into sweet tastes. The result can be a lemon slice that tastes like lemonade or stout beer that tastes like a chocolate milkshake. Because the berries have a shelf life of only one to two days, the only way to obtain them fresh is to grow them yourself.

Has anybody else successfully grown miracle berries indoors? If so, how are you supplying light to the plans and how are you regulating the humidity in the air?

Right now, I am trying to grow my first miracle berry plan under a single high output 54w T-5 florescent bulb that is hung approximately three feet above the plant. The room has no other light source. Also, I have the plant growing in a five gallon paint bucket, which is covered with plastic wrap (with a slight opening on the side) to keep the humidity high. In addition, I have been feeding the plant with chlorine free water adjusted to a PH of 5.0 and using Pure Blend Pro Grow 3-2-4 vegetative formula as the nutrient solution. The soil medium is a mixture of peat and perlite.

Right now, the experiment is not going well and the leaves of the plant are turning yellow/falling off. What am I doing wrong?

[Anonymous Modernist 7382]

I would contact Logee's in CT. They are experts on exotics and extrmemly helpful. They sell miracle berry plants that they grow up here in CT. The place is amazing!http://www.logees.com/