EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON INDOOR PLANTS Victoria Woffenden HORT 2234

PLANT REQUIREMENTS  Water  Nutrients  Soil/medium  SUNLIGHT

WHY IS LIGHT IMPORTANT?  Light is a very important aspect of photosynthesis which is essential for plant growth and health.  The intensity and duration of light can affect the amount of photosynthesis that can occur.  Without proper lighting a plant will suffer and ultimately die 

NORTH, SOUTH, EAST & WEST  The direction in which your home receives sun, or the direction your window is facing is very important when it comes to placement of indoor plants with respect to their particular light needs. N E S W

NORTH FACING WINDOW  Windows that face to the North receive the least amount of sunlight with the least intensity and no direct sunlight.  Plants suited to low light conditions will survive but watering needs to be monitored.  Snake plant, Peace lily, Cast iron plant, Pothos, and Chinese Evergreen are all good low light plants.

EAST & WEST FACING WINDOW  East and West facing windows receive more intense light than North due to the location of the sun.  Plants that require medium or indirect light will do well in this setting.  Dracaena, Dieffenbachia, Polka dot plant

SOUTH FACING WINDOW  South facing windows receive the greatest intensity of sunlight and the longest amount of light.  Some plants require direct sun and would require a South facing setting.  Succulants, Croton, Norfolk Island Pine, Amaryllis,

ISSUES WITH SOUTH FACING INTENSITY  Because the south facing window setting recieves the greatest amount and intensity of light, plants that have a lower light saturation point will suffer in conditions with too much light.  The leaves can become scorched and the tips of the leaves turn brown.

WATER NEEDS RELATIVE TO LIGHT REQUIREMENTS  Plants in higher light settings might require more water than a plant that requires less light. The greater amount of sunlight, the more photosynthesis happens which requires more water.  Plants in low light settings do not photosynthesize as much and will not need as much water.

EFFECTS OF NOT ENOUGH LIGHT  Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis)  Wilting  Stunted or no growth

EFFECTS OF TOO MUCH LIGHT  Burning, scorching of leaves, turn brown or black.  Yellowing of leaves

TYPE & COLOR OF POT  A clay pot will use up water faster if its in a south facing window.  Plastic pots will hold water longer especially in a north facing window.  If the pot is black, it will trap and hold more heat when exposed ti direct sunlight such as a south facing window.

INCREASING HUMIDITY LEVELS  Along with light, humidity is important for good growth.  Misting plants with a spray bottle regurarly  Placing a tray with pebbles with a small amount of water under the plant.  Grouping plants together to reduce air flow  The greater the light intensity, the greater the humidity.

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING  Fluorescent- ideal for low-medium light plants  LED (Light emitting diode)- combination of red and blue rays, perfect for plants  Incandescent- 10 % energy, 90% heat, not ideal for plants

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING  Using LED or fluorescent lighting is very beneficial for tropical plants or high light plants that cannot receive enough natural light.  Could be an only source of light for indoor plants if your apartment has only north facing windows, such as mine.