If you want healthy houseplants that look good and flower and fruit, proper lighting is a necessity. This video covers the type of light you can expect from windows and how it isn’t always enough for your houseplants. You’ll also learn about the various types of full-spectrum lighting and how to use it for a vibrant indoor garden.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHousePlants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you can see in the description below.
Today, I’m going to talk about proper lighting for your houseplants. Of all the things you do for your houseplants, proper lighting is critical. While improper lighting may not necessarily kill your plants, it can lead to poor growth, unhealthy appearance, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, and can prevent flowering or fruiting in some plants.
Signs of inadequate light include stretching and reaching for light, which results in long distances between leaf sets. You might also notice lower foliage loss, where the plant starts to lose leaves on the bottom. Overall loss of vitality, such as pale leaves, non-existent flowers, and exacerbated pest or disease problems, indicates insufficient lighting.
Bright windows are ideal for most plants. Eastern windows provide gentle morning light, which is beneficial for many houseplants. Western exposures, however, give off very harsh sunlight in the evening, which can be too intense for most plants. Plants in these windows should be positioned back from the window and may need shades. Signs of too much light include burned marks on the leaves, which appear as little brown spots, and yellowing of the leaves.
Northern windows provide a nice light but are generally quite dim. This is not suitable for plants that require bright light. Southern windows change with the seasons; they may be perfect for bright-light plants at certain times of the year but less suitable during other times.
For flowering plants, most need a lot of light, although there are exceptions. Peace lilies prefer medium to low light, and African violets do well in northern exposures. However, many flowering and fruiting plants, such as avocado trees, strawberries, and orchids, require bright light. In indoor settings without skylights, artificial lighting is usually necessary.
When using artificial lighting, look for full-spectrum lights, which mimic natural daylight. Some products labeled as grow lights are not full-spectrum, so check the specifications. Full-spectrum lights can be used in regular sockets and fixtures, and there are clamp lights available for direct illumination. For flowering and fruiting plants, use full-spectrum lights with more red light, as red light is crucial for these plants. Position the light within a few inches of the plant, and adjust the height based on the size of the plant. Larger plants can have lights positioned further away, while smaller plants should have lights closer.
Other products like AeroGarden and Gardner Supply offer built-in full-spectrum lighting systems. These can be beneficial for providing adequate light to plants. If a plant receives too much light, you can adjust by moving the light away or turning it off temporarily.
Lighting is crucial for plant health, and choosing the right type of light is essential. Thank you for watching today’s video. Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see, and remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
FAQ: Proper Lighting for Houseplants
Why is proper lighting critical for houseplants?
Proper lighting is critical for houseplants as it affects their growth, appearance, and overall health. While improper lighting may not necessarily kill your plants, it can lead to poor growth, an unhealthy appearance, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, and can prevent flowering or fruiting in some plants.
What are the signs of inadequate light for houseplants?
Signs of inadequate light include stretching and reaching for light, which results in long distances between leaf sets. Other signs are lower foliage loss, where the plant starts to lose leaves on the bottom, and overall loss of vitality such as pale leaves, non-existent flowers, and exacerbated pest or disease problems.
Which window exposures are best for houseplants?
Bright windows are ideal for most plants. Eastern windows provide gentle morning light, which is beneficial for many houseplants. Western exposures give off very harsh sunlight in the evening, which can be too intense for most plants. Plants in these windows should be positioned back from the window and may need shades. Northern windows provide a nice light but are generally quite dim and not suitable for plants that require bright light. Southern windows vary with the seasons and may be perfect for bright-light plants at certain times of the year but less suitable during other times.
How can I tell if my houseplants are getting too much light?
Signs of too much light include burned marks on the leaves, which appear as little brown spots, and yellowing of the leaves.
What type of artificial lighting is recommended for houseplants?
Look for full-spectrum lights, which mimic natural daylight. Full-spectrum lights can be used in regular sockets and fixtures. For flowering and fruiting plants, use full-spectrum lights with more red light. Position the light within a few inches of the plant, adjusting the height based on plant size. Larger plants can have lights positioned further away, while smaller plants should have lights closer.
What are some products for providing artificial lighting to houseplants?
Products like AeroGarden and Gardner Supply offer built-in full-spectrum lighting systems. Clamp lights and fixtures for regular sockets are also effective for providing necessary light to houseplants.
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