Plants and Artificial Light

[MetalPants]

Is there any data out there that examines plants and artificial light? Such as do they respond better to incandescent or fluorescent? Also how many hours a day of continual light is best for optimal health and growth?

I have a houseplant that I am trying to nurse back to health and vibrancy, and need information.

 

[sojourner]

Quick search of "plants and indoor lights" on google turned up this:
http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/articles/lighting.html

 

[Jadzia]

A windowsill may be the best place. If you're concerned about cold air coming off the glass at night, you could always move the plant away from the window on an evening, returning it in the morning.

Plants need all different amounts of light, depending on variety. Some need a couple of hours of direct sun each day, while some are happiest living constantly in the shade. Direct sun can harm some plants.

Some need humid air or they'll turn brown and leathery. Some are thirsty and need a cup of water every day, or they'll go limp and flimsy. Some need very little water and need good drainage or they'll turn to mush.

 

[farmkid]

You can buy lights designed for growing plants. I don't really know what makes them right for plants, but I suppose that they put out light primarily in the portions of the visible spectrum that plants need. Go to your local Home Depot to find such lights.

BTW, can we really discuss this here? Is your "houseplant" legal? Yes, yes, I'm sure it's for "medicinal" use.

 

[Jadzia]

In terms of wavelengths, plants make use of red and blue light for photosynthesis. Green light is not used, and is reflected back, which is why plants look green.

IR light may help evaporation of moisture from the leaves, which in turn allows water (with soluble minerals) to circulate up through the plant from the roots.

UV light is good for the soil, preventing it from going green/furry. It may help the microorganisms that live in symbiosis with the plant, but I don't really know.

 

[MetalPants]

You can buy lights designed for growing plants. I don't really know what makes them right for plants, but I suppose that they put out light primarily in the portions of the visible spectrum that plants need. Go to your local Home Depot to find such lights.

BTW, can we really discuss this here? Is your "houseplant" legal? Yes, yes, I'm sure it's for "medicinal" use.

It ain't the wacky tabaccy. It was a housewarming gift and I don't remember what type of plant it is. I just know it hasn't been getting enough light where I have had it and was hoping to do something to help it recover.