Universal Rules For Lighting Your Houseplant Collection For Maximum Growth

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Ashley

Ashley is a soil scientist who has had a passion for plants since she was a small child. In the long summers as a child, she would garden alongside her grandmother and it was then that she realized her love for greenery. With years of great studying, Ashley had begun her post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan. After years of working in agriculture R&D she has decided to take on teaching gardeners using science.

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The addition of houseplants to your home is a wonderful way to add a touch of nature, and they may be very beneficial to your health and happiness. However, it’s crucial to comprehend the ideal lighting selections for your plants in order to keep them healthy and prospering. This post will discuss the many lighting options and how to pick the best one for your plants.

If you are new to this blog my name is Ashley and I am a soil scientist. I am located in a Canadian Zone 3 and a USDA Zone 4. I write articles, make YouTube videos, Instagram & Facebook posts all designed for Canadians and Cold Climate gardeners using science-based methods. If you are looking for anything specific be sure to let me know in the comments down below.

Light Intensity

The intensity of the light is among the most crucial factors to take into account when selecting lighting for your plants. Depending on their species and stage of development, plants require varied amounts of light. For instance, low-light plants like snake plants and pothos may endure in lower light levels, whereas high-light plants like succulents and cacti require more intense lighting to flourish.

Houseplants can be lit in a variety of ways, including naturally occurring light, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, and LED bulbs.

For the majority of plants, natural light is the best option since it offers the entire spectrum of light that plants require for photosynthesis. You can put your plants close to a window in a room with lots of natural light. You may need to shift certain plants to a location with filtered light or use sheer curtains to soften the sunshine because direct sunlight can be too harsh for some plants.

Incandescent Bulbs For Houseplants

Although they are a popular alternative for interior illumination, incandescent bulbs are not the ideal choice for plants. They are not particularly useful for promoting plant growth since they emit a lot of heat and only a very tiny amount of light that plants require.

Fluorescent Bulbs For Houseplants

Because they emit less heat than incandescent bulbs and offer a more even spectrum of light, fluorescent lights are preferable for use with plants. Long tubes and compact fluorescents are just a couple of the different sizes and shapes that they come in. Despite being more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, they will eventually become less effective.

LED Lights For Houseplants

For indoor gardening, LED lamps are a more recent choice that is gaining popularity. They can provide a wide spectrum of light that can resemble natural daylight and are even more energy-efficient than fluorescent bulbs. Some LED bulbs may produce a brighter light than other types of bulbs and are specially made for plant development.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to take into account the light’s intensity and spectrum when selecting lighting alternatives for your plants. The ideal option is always natural light, but if your home doesn’t get enough of it, fluorescent or LED bulbs can be an excellent substitute. You can maintain growing indoor plants all year long with the proper illumination.