Planty 101 LIGHT Part 1 💡 Helloooo planty friends. 🌿 I ...
Planty 101 LIGHT Part 1 💡
Helloooo planty friends. 🌿 I am back with Planty 101.1 While my first post was important, it was mostly an, "argh it's not overwatering!" brain explosion. So let me begin at the real beginning today. While these are planned as a basic starting block series, I’m hoping that I have information that will be interesting for all.
🌿To grow and care for healthy happy plants, you do not need to be blessed with a green thumb. You can acquire it; through observation and making small adjustments, over time, with your plant care. The one thing that I wish to bash you over the head with, in a loving way, is that PLANT CARE SHOULD BE ADAPTIVE, which means you should tailor your care to your own unique conditions and requirements. There is NOT one right way to do anything. There are so many variables when it comes to plant care. Your next-door neighbor might have different care requirements than you do, because, for example, their windows might be larger or smaller, or more or less obstructed or energy eficient than yours. They could keep their home at a different temperature, and they might have different humidity than you do. The soil I use in my drizzly wet, cold climate would be HORRIBLE for someone living in a hot, dry climate, and vice versa. Do not follow ANYONE’s recommendations or recipes blindly, including my own! I always try to make my advice adaptive too, but always test things out and experiment for yourself, first.
You don’t need to dive into the deep end right away, I recommend starting with four basic principles.
☀️ Light is food.
🫚 Roots need structure.
💦Water with observation.
⚡️Fertilize when the first three basics are met, not instead of.
This post will be about light. Light is the most important factor, as light is what a plant eats, by mixing it with carbon dioxide and water. (fertilizer and products listed as “plant food” complicate things here because those things are NOT food. LIGHT is food.) However, there are many variables at play here, and you can’t just put any plant on your windowsill and expect the best. Outside; some plants like full sun, some like partial dappled light, some grow best in the shade. But this can change when you bring outside plants in. Our living places are considerably darker than outside, even though our eyes are telling us otherwise. (You know how when you’re outside in bright sunshine, and come inside and it looks really dark for a little bit? Then our eyes adjust and it seems “normal” again? Well, it’s still that dark to our plants, before our eyes adjusted for us.) Our eyes automatically adjust how we perceive inside lighting conditions, and tell us that since “this spot 10 feet from your window” has enough light for US to see, it should be fine for a plant. But to a plant? That spot means death. It may be a slow, graceful death, but it's still death. You will have to figure out the best kind of indoor light and conditions you can give your plants that will give them the best chance for happiness and growth. How do we do this? You can either guess: put your plant in a spot, watch it, and move it closer or farther away from the window based on your observations. OR, you can measure your light. I HIGHLY recommend getting a light meter, which will give you a numerical reading of light intensity wherever you chose to measure. (This is the one I recommend which is $30 and pretty comparable to the super fancy $600 ones! https://amzn.to/46pmUrV ) That way, you can look up your individual plants’ light requirements, and pick a spot in your place that is a better starting point. There are phone apps and things too, I just haven’t been able to test these because my phone is too old to be useful here.
How do you even measure light? What’s a foot candle?
I am going to be using “foot candles” (FC) for my measurements of light intensity, which is defined as, “a unit measuring light intensity on a surface, defined as one lumen of light falling on one square foot of area.” You will also see “lux” which is another unit for illuminance “measuring how much light falls on a surface, essentially brightness at a specific spot, calculated as one lumen per square meter.” I use foot candles strictly because I giggle every time I say foot candles. Both kinds of measurements use lumens in their definitions which is a “unit measuring the total amount of visible light.” So, for example, you can put something like the following into a search engine: “aloe vera foot candles light requirements,” and you will turn up that aloe vera needs 2,000-4,000 FC, but that it can survive in 1,000 FC.
For reference:
Bright direct light (that is, OUTDOOR, midday sun) average: 10,000 - 12,000 FC
Bright indirect light (outdoors, under a shade cloth) 2,000 - 5,000 FC
Overcast (grey cloudy day): around 1,000 FC
Full shade (under trees, etc): 200 - 300 FC
Deepest of deep shade (outdoors): 50 – 100 FC
Bright, Indirect LIES.
I can’t STAND the phrase “bright, indirect light,” because it is so misleading to the average person with their houseplants. Many of my plants, that require “bright indirect light” outdoors, are in the sunshine inside my house. GASP. Because the very act of passing through my window makes that light indirect!! A little high school physics anyone? (However, not all windows are created equal. Measure sunshine spots in your place. Measure your light everywhere. My windows are a bit old, so they don’t cut down as much of the light. If you have newer, more energy efficient windows, they could cut down the light considerably.)
Do you know where the phrase, “bright, indirect light” came from? These instructions are written by growers FOR growers, not for people in their humble abodes with their houseplants. When a Californian/Floridian/Hawaiian grower (whose plants are outside, under shade cloth getting 2,000-5,000 FC) recommends “bright, indirect light,” THAT is what they are recommending. The plant company does *not* translate this to what it means for the indoor plant enthusiast. So what that has turned into, is people being scared to give their plants any indoor sunshine, and plants slowly starving to death. Just measure your light. If your plant needs “bright indirect light” but your spot has some sunshine, measuring 1500 FC, it *could* love it, as long as you gradually acclimate it to its spot, and you’ve measured your light at that spot throughout the day. 5000 FC in sunshine indoors still equals “bright, indirect light!”
What “low light” means.
You got a plant. 🪴 It says it thrives in low light. So you put it in a dark corner and it dies. Why? Low light to a plant is a heck of a lot brighter than low light to our eyes. To survive, and maybe grow a bit, if slowly, means putting your plant in at least 200-250 FC of light. Does your average grocery store or supermarket seem pretty bright to you? An average grocery store, is 50 foot candles. That means low light, to a plant, is 4 to 5 times brighter than your average grocery store.
Light is a big old topic, so that’s the end for part one. Please leave me a comment if this was helpful or interesting, and if the level of information was what you are looking for (or too much or too little).
Stay tuned for Light Part 2: 🪟 Why window direction and distance from said windows matters, light intensity, acclimating plants to light, and figuring out if there’s too much or not enough.
Links 🔗 to my other posts: It’s not overwatering: https://greg.app/post/2zr342/hello-planty-friends-i-want-to-post-today-to-touch-briefly-on-an-issue-that-i-see-all-over-greg-all
Light, part 2!: https://greg.app/post/2a81sf/planty-101-light-part-2-good-evening-all-my-planty-friends-i-am-back-with-science-and-light-part-2
#brunchataudreys #TheWateringHole #happyplants #hoya #Greggers #greggang #newgrowth #prayerplant #hoyahangout #TradescantiaNanouk #CalatheaCorner #AlocasiaAddicts #SucculentSquad #CactusClique #BegoniaBunch #DreamMachine #MonsteraMonday #Philodendron #tipsandtricks #EcoTherapy #crazyplantlady #PlantingOnABudget #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantTherapy #PlantAddict #plantfriendsarethebestfriends #adhdplantlovers #planty101
Helloooo planty friends. 🌿 I am back with Planty 101.1 While my first post was important, it was mostly an, "argh it's not overwatering!" brain explosion. So let me begin at the real beginning today. While these are planned as a basic starting block series, I’m hoping that I have information that will be interesting for all.
🌿To grow and care for healthy happy plants, you do not need to be blessed with a green thumb. You can acquire it; through observation and making small adjustments, over time, with your plant care. The one thing that I wish to bash you over the head with, in a loving way, is that PLANT CARE SHOULD BE ADAPTIVE, which means you should tailor your care to your own unique conditions and requirements. There is NOT one right way to do anything. There are so many variables when it comes to plant care. Your next-door neighbor might have different care requirements than you do, because, for example, their windows might be larger or smaller, or more or less obstructed or energy eficient than yours. They could keep their home at a different temperature, and they might have different humidity than you do. The soil I use in my drizzly wet, cold climate would be HORRIBLE for someone living in a hot, dry climate, and vice versa. Do not follow ANYONE’s recommendations or recipes blindly, including my own! I always try to make my advice adaptive too, but always test things out and experiment for yourself, first.
You don’t need to dive into the deep end right away, I recommend starting with four basic principles.
☀️ Light is food.
🫚 Roots need structure.
💦Water with observation.
⚡️Fertilize when the first three basics are met, not instead of.
This post will be about light. Light is the most important factor, as light is what a plant eats, by mixing it with carbon dioxide and water. (fertilizer and products listed as “plant food” complicate things here because those things are NOT food. LIGHT is food.) However, there are many variables at play here, and you can’t just put any plant on your windowsill and expect the best. Outside; some plants like full sun, some like partial dappled light, some grow best in the shade. But this can change when you bring outside plants in. Our living places are considerably darker than outside, even though our eyes are telling us otherwise. (You know how when you’re outside in bright sunshine, and come inside and it looks really dark for a little bit? Then our eyes adjust and it seems “normal” again? Well, it’s still that dark to our plants, before our eyes adjusted for us.) Our eyes automatically adjust how we perceive inside lighting conditions, and tell us that since “this spot 10 feet from your window” has enough light for US to see, it should be fine for a plant. But to a plant? That spot means death. It may be a slow, graceful death, but it's still death. You will have to figure out the best kind of indoor light and conditions you can give your plants that will give them the best chance for happiness and growth. How do we do this? You can either guess: put your plant in a spot, watch it, and move it closer or farther away from the window based on your observations. OR, you can measure your light. I HIGHLY recommend getting a light meter, which will give you a numerical reading of light intensity wherever you chose to measure. (This is the one I recommend which is $30 and pretty comparable to the super fancy $600 ones! https://amzn.to/46pmUrV ) That way, you can look up your individual plants’ light requirements, and pick a spot in your place that is a better starting point. There are phone apps and things too, I just haven’t been able to test these because my phone is too old to be useful here.
How do you even measure light? What’s a foot candle?
I am going to be using “foot candles” (FC) for my measurements of light intensity, which is defined as, “a unit measuring light intensity on a surface, defined as one lumen of light falling on one square foot of area.” You will also see “lux” which is another unit for illuminance “measuring how much light falls on a surface, essentially brightness at a specific spot, calculated as one lumen per square meter.” I use foot candles strictly because I giggle every time I say foot candles. Both kinds of measurements use lumens in their definitions which is a “unit measuring the total amount of visible light.” So, for example, you can put something like the following into a search engine: “aloe vera foot candles light requirements,” and you will turn up that aloe vera needs 2,000-4,000 FC, but that it can survive in 1,000 FC.
For reference:
Bright direct light (that is, OUTDOOR, midday sun) average: 10,000 - 12,000 FC
Bright indirect light (outdoors, under a shade cloth) 2,000 - 5,000 FC
Overcast (grey cloudy day): around 1,000 FC
Full shade (under trees, etc): 200 - 300 FC
Deepest of deep shade (outdoors): 50 – 100 FC
Bright, Indirect LIES.
I can’t STAND the phrase “bright, indirect light,” because it is so misleading to the average person with their houseplants. Many of my plants, that require “bright indirect light” outdoors, are in the sunshine inside my house. GASP. Because the very act of passing through my window makes that light indirect!! A little high school physics anyone? (However, not all windows are created equal. Measure sunshine spots in your place. Measure your light everywhere. My windows are a bit old, so they don’t cut down as much of the light. If you have newer, more energy efficient windows, they could cut down the light considerably.)
Do you know where the phrase, “bright, indirect light” came from? These instructions are written by growers FOR growers, not for people in their humble abodes with their houseplants. When a Californian/Floridian/Hawaiian grower (whose plants are outside, under shade cloth getting 2,000-5,000 FC) recommends “bright, indirect light,” THAT is what they are recommending. The plant company does *not* translate this to what it means for the indoor plant enthusiast. So what that has turned into, is people being scared to give their plants any indoor sunshine, and plants slowly starving to death. Just measure your light. If your plant needs “bright indirect light” but your spot has some sunshine, measuring 1500 FC, it *could* love it, as long as you gradually acclimate it to its spot, and you’ve measured your light at that spot throughout the day. 5000 FC in sunshine indoors still equals “bright, indirect light!”
What “low light” means.
You got a plant. 🪴 It says it thrives in low light. So you put it in a dark corner and it dies. Why? Low light to a plant is a heck of a lot brighter than low light to our eyes. To survive, and maybe grow a bit, if slowly, means putting your plant in at least 200-250 FC of light. Does your average grocery store or supermarket seem pretty bright to you? An average grocery store, is 50 foot candles. That means low light, to a plant, is 4 to 5 times brighter than your average grocery store.
Light is a big old topic, so that’s the end for part one. Please leave me a comment if this was helpful or interesting, and if the level of information was what you are looking for (or too much or too little).
Stay tuned for Light Part 2: 🪟 Why window direction and distance from said windows matters, light intensity, acclimating plants to light, and figuring out if there’s too much or not enough.
Links 🔗 to my other posts: It’s not overwatering: https://greg.app/post/2zr342/hello-planty-friends-i-want-to-post-today-to-touch-briefly-on-an-issue-that-i-see-all-over-greg-all
Light, part 2!: https://greg.app/post/2a81sf/planty-101-light-part-2-good-evening-all-my-planty-friends-i-am-back-with-science-and-light-part-2
#brunchataudreys #TheWateringHole #happyplants #hoya #Greggers #greggang #newgrowth #prayerplant #hoyahangout #TradescantiaNanouk #CalatheaCorner #AlocasiaAddicts #SucculentSquad #CactusClique #BegoniaBunch #DreamMachine #MonsteraMonday #Philodendron #tipsandtricks #EcoTherapy #crazyplantlady #PlantingOnABudget #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantTherapy #PlantAddict #plantfriendsarethebestfriends #adhdplantlovers #planty101
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Please let me know if you would like to be added to my planty 101 tags ☺️
Please let me know if you would like to be added to my planty 101 tags ☺️
Sources and extra information:
Greg is not letting me post links right now, arg! So I recommend the two books pictured. “The Houseplant Warrior” is probably the BEST beginner basic plant care book I’ve ever read. I only take issue with some of his soil recommendations.
“The New Plant Parent” book (pictured) is really great in that it gives recommendations for light for indivual plants in FC! I only disagree with his soils, and jamming chopsticks into the soil for aeration.
On YouTube: search for video called “Learn about light!” By the channel “Oh Happy Plants!” In this video she walks around her “bright” room with a light meter.
Greg is not letting me post links right now, arg! So I recommend the two books pictured. “The Houseplant Warrior” is probably the BEST beginner basic plant care book I’ve ever read. I only take issue with some of his soil recommendations.
“The New Plant Parent” book (pictured) is really great in that it gives recommendations for light for indivual plants in FC! I only disagree with his soils, and jamming chopsticks into the soil for aeration.
On YouTube: search for video called “Learn about light!” By the channel “Oh Happy Plants!” In this video she walks around her “bright” room with a light meter.
@Charli3Plant yes! There’s always that memes and posts floating around like in this picture and the reason is that there’s so much more of everything outside! Even in a sidewalk crack.
@DreamMachine perfect timing for your class!! I got a light meter for Christmas. 🙂. I’ve been using the meter in the Picture This app. I will say it’s pretty close if anyone else has used it I’m curious to know their experience. It’s interesting too that a spot in a window in your house at one time of the year is not consistent throughout the year. So that’s another thing to consider. 🤓
@Dawgfreak woohoo!! 🥳 Light meters are so incredibly useful! And yes that is a great point, Sonya! re light changing in your house! I’m including that in part 2!
@DreamMachine wow! Nadia, you put so much time and effort into this, and it’s great information! Thanks so much for sharing 🥰🥰
@Idplantthat Thank you sweetheart! I’m so glad you think it’s great 🥰 much love to you and happy new year!! 🎆 🫶🏼
@DreamMachine I've been putting off buying a light meter. I did download an app a year or so ago but was confused how and where to hold it, then I wasn't sure if it was even correct and I didn't have a real light meter to compare it to and if I did i wouldn't have a need for the app. 🤷♀️ Basically, I got discouraged. I've moved since then and have NW facing windows. 😩 Now reading this I have found a need for one again. Thank you for explaining. I can't wait for part 2!! 😁👍
@princesspitstop yay!! Let’s see if Greg will let me post a link now: https://youtu.be/S4EVoFYULJE?si=VUi_SOsiFtAAhbjS this is Veronica Oh Happy walking around her home with a light meter, so it’s really helpful to actually see her using it!
@DreamMachine Thank you 🙏 This whole time I've been listening to her podcast and have never checked YouTube!! What the heck is wrong with me??? 😂
@DreamMachine Hi Nadia! I totally agree with the chopsticks aeration! I use it on a regular basis and it works wonders for me! It has never let me down! It’s all a part of it, like you said what works for some people may not work for others. That works for me regularly! 😂 I have used a light meter for about 2 years and it does make a world of difference! Every plant parent should own one! Be safe and have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!🪴🥳
@DreamMachine thanks Nadia. A lot of interesting information. Not sure if I absorbed it all. I can tell you that I will read it again and asked questions to better understand. Thanks again for making me a better plant mom
@FitBrowallia absolutely! Grow lights are basically just artificial sunlight, so they also help plants make their own food with the photosynthesizing process. You can still measure the light coming from the grow lights with a light meter to make sure your plants are getting enough light (or if it’s too much). 🌿 💡
This is great! I haven’t bought a light meter yet because I get a lot of joy out of moving everyone around and observing how they do. I’m lucky to live in sunny Colorado and have tons of south and west windows, so plants get moved around a lot to get their moment in the sun, so to speak. 😉I find it interesting that at different times of the year, the sun angle changes and what was a perfect spot for a plant now sunburns it, or how a plant that was sort of languishing starts thriving. It’s fascinating! I attached one of my favorite “golden hour” photos.
@MamaLinne ahh to have so much sun ☀️ 😂 I was telling Heidi @princesspitstop that we just had three really beautiful days of sun…in the middle of our 5-6 month season aptly named “The long dark wet.” I moved everybody around to get some ☀️ and now we’re back to a week of straight rain 🌧️ I know I have a human light therapy light around here somewhere…🧐
That philo is loving life right there. I will never not love seeing that one 🥰
That philo is loving life right there. I will never not love seeing that one 🥰
@DreamMachine Thank you for this very interesting post. I will be checking into a light meter even though there are about 20 some odd grow lights throughout my living area. Since I noticed that my cacti need more light than my foliage plants. …
Thanks you for ALL your hard work. 🙏I purchased the same light meter. And I love it. It’s a game changer. It’s so important to have a light meter if you use grow lights, to avoid burning the plant’s leaves. It’s also important to write down what the FC numbers mean. As you can see I wrote it on the box. Thanks Nadia❕
@DreamMachine Good Morning/ Happy New Year🎊 thanks much for the great information! Please tag my name to the list! 🙌😍
@Ada3 yay! And absolutely agree 💯 ✋🏼 I totally burned a leaf a couple months ago 😔 my plant (was being a plant and) stretched closer to the light. Luckily I noticed before it was bad, but they were the smaller sansi bulbs, that I didn’t measure right away, because I really didn’t think they would be that powerful! Lesson learned. 🫣 Measure everything!
@Sassylimey It sure is! I would even go so far as to say 95% of what people call “overwatering,” is actually a plain ol’ case of “under-lighting.” Our eyes just don’t see light like plants do! You are gladly added ☺️
@DreamMachine fantastic info on light! So well written and explained beautifully! I used a light meter a lot but it was my daughter’s. Time to invest in my own! 😊🙂. Looking forward to part 2!!!
@DreamMachine I feel like I should post a picture of her every day, just to give her the attention and honor she deserves. 🙂↕️
@MamaLinne I for one, would not be mad in the slightest! You don’t move her much, if at all , do you? It would be fun to see old ones too to see how she’s grown into that spot, if she hasn’t moved much!
💡Light! Rotate those plants so every side is getting light at some point!
Unless you have ideal lighting or all low light plants, most plants grown indoors can benefit from #GrowLights .
I cringe when I see plants on top of a dark cabinet or shelf somewhere or a vining plant hanging from the ceiling not getting any light and the stem pinned to the wall also getting no light wondering why it's dying. 🙄
Also cringe-worthy, people that NEED grow lights but don't because they feel the lights aren't aesthetic...🙄
When people ask me for plants, I ask if they want plants for aesthetics or because they want to take care of them. If just for aesthetics, buy a faux plant and you can stick that in a dark corner somewhere without judgement from me. 🤐
I grow my plants indoors year round only using grow lights. I learned quickly, not all lights are created equally.
My favorite:
GE
Barrina
Harbor Freight (grow light sold there).
I use Command velcro strips and hooks to attach my lights to ceilings and walls.
@FitBrowallia @Forbes57 @princesspitstop
Unless you have ideal lighting or all low light plants, most plants grown indoors can benefit from #GrowLights .
I cringe when I see plants on top of a dark cabinet or shelf somewhere or a vining plant hanging from the ceiling not getting any light and the stem pinned to the wall also getting no light wondering why it's dying. 🙄
Also cringe-worthy, people that NEED grow lights but don't because they feel the lights aren't aesthetic...🙄
When people ask me for plants, I ask if they want plants for aesthetics or because they want to take care of them. If just for aesthetics, buy a faux plant and you can stick that in a dark corner somewhere without judgement from me. 🤐
I grow my plants indoors year round only using grow lights. I learned quickly, not all lights are created equally.
My favorite:
GE
Barrina
Harbor Freight (grow light sold there).
I use Command velcro strips and hooks to attach my lights to ceilings and walls.
@FitBrowallia @Forbes57 @princesspitstop
@AwesomePlants Yes!!! I didn't know that Harbor Freight sold grow lights!! I have a cubby built-in to the wall of my apartment that I have all of my new Hoya cuttings growing in the prop box and the newly planted ones. Does that GE grow light look familiar?? 😁 I absolutely LOVE it!!! 🥰❤️
@DreamMachine this is awesome plus informative. Bright indirect light kills me, too. A big thank you for breaking that down. Enjoyed reading your post and recommendations. Looking forward to seeing more! 👏
@StableKale82 I know 🙄“bright indirect light,” thats just like…your opinion, man. But seriously! It’s all subjective. I need numbers. 🧮 😂 So glad you found it helpful!
@DreamMachine when it comes to grow lights I have a fear - I am afraid it will harm my toddler or me if and because we spend a lot of time in that room. I have led grow lights two rows, one for each shelf. Because we are gone for the most part of the day I leave them on. I am hesitant on the weekends. Should I be? Because I wanna get more lights for my more plants and this will be going in the living room. But just feeling iffy. Not sure why even to be honest.
@StableKale82 ooh good question! If you had to pick, are you worried about the lights causing a fire? Or is it the actual light coming out that could hurt your eyes? Or toddler playing with cords/tripping over them?
LED lights these days are great (in general) and energy efficient, so I have mine on a timer every day, even when gone from the house. But you can always just turn them on when you’re home too. If you plug them into smart plugs you can turn them off and on whenever you like!
I would only reccomend brands that are reputable. None of those weird companies with unpronounceable names or just nonsensical letters. Sansi and Barrina are the two that I buy and recommend thoroughly, plus the bulb kinds are replaceable. They also give off a less harsh light and I use them as my regular home lighting. Like @AwesomePlants said, I would trust GE too.
If you’d like I can show you my setup to keep cords (mainly) out of the way.
LED lights these days are great (in general) and energy efficient, so I have mine on a timer every day, even when gone from the house. But you can always just turn them on when you’re home too. If you plug them into smart plugs you can turn them off and on whenever you like!
I would only reccomend brands that are reputable. None of those weird companies with unpronounceable names or just nonsensical letters. Sansi and Barrina are the two that I buy and recommend thoroughly, plus the bulb kinds are replaceable. They also give off a less harsh light and I use them as my regular home lighting. Like @AwesomePlants said, I would trust GE too.
If you’d like I can show you my setup to keep cords (mainly) out of the way.
@StableKale82 I’ve basically just replaced the bulbs of all of my regular lamps with sansi grow lights. The first pic is just a 10W sansi bulb. My big hanging wicker lamp has my heavy duty sansi bulb, I think it’s a 30W 🤔 Then I have barinna T5 strip lights underneath shelves and plant tables. I use zip ties and nano tape to get the cords out of the way. Although I’m totally stealing @AwesomePlants command Velcro strips idea! (sorry it’s kind of a chaotic cluster mess right now, it was very dark and grey today so I had to move everyone closer to the lights. Except for that ctenanthe in the 2nd pic, LOL, he’s just chilling in the dark AND constantly putting out 4 new leaves at a time, I freaking love him 😂🥰) I am highly sensitive to certain kinds of light, and these lights do not bug me at all. They do NOT stutter or flick in irritating ways, NOR make high pitched sounds that only I can hear. Can’t recommend enough!
I got these from Amazon BBOUNDER 4 Pack 2ft LED Grow... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNZY3FL8ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share 80w, sunlike full spectrum lights. This is also in my toddlers play room. These lights don’t have dimmers. They don’t seem to bother me but then again I don’t know what I don’t know. Hence asking.
@AwesomePlants thanks I do have grow lights for 90% of my plants. I was trying to figure out if you could use them to help with the lack of sun. @DreamMachine
@StableKale82 I’m not familiar with that brand, but reviews seem to be generally good and they have a 2 year warranty? One reviewer said that they tested the customer service line and that they were helpful and responsive.
Do these lights have a usb block or like a full on corded outlet plug? I trust lights more when it’s a real deal plug. And the other thing I would consider is, is there any spot in your toddlers play room where they are stationary for a period of time, and where, from their level, the lights are shining directly at them ? I hope that makes sense, like, is the toddler ever in a cot or crib for quiet time, or what have you, where the lights are fully visible, from your toddlers perspective? If not, and it’s a corded plug, I don’t see any major red flags here, as long as they’re not accessible to little hands.
Do these lights have a usb block or like a full on corded outlet plug? I trust lights more when it’s a real deal plug. And the other thing I would consider is, is there any spot in your toddlers play room where they are stationary for a period of time, and where, from their level, the lights are shining directly at them ? I hope that makes sense, like, is the toddler ever in a cot or crib for quiet time, or what have you, where the lights are fully visible, from your toddlers perspective? If not, and it’s a corded plug, I don’t see any major red flags here, as long as they’re not accessible to little hands.
@FitBrowallia abso-freaking-lutely! My grow lights are 💯 necessary for my plants, in the dark drizzly PNW wintertime. But I also use them year round! Grow lights give your plants the light (like they would get from the sun) for photosynthesis and making their own food. You can grow happy healthy plants with only grow lights, if need be 👍🏼
@AwesomePlants I also love that you make sure people want to take care of the plants you would potentially give them. Nothing stings quite like your props or babies dying in someone else’s care due to them not giving AF 😭
@FitBrowallia absolutely! You can use them instead of sunlight as well, but growth may be slower, which I don't mind.
@princesspitstop Your cuttings and prop cubby looks so good! And I love how tall that lucky bamboo is 😂🥰
@DreamMachine girl, I'm like pet foster home inspector when it comes to plants. I need to inspect the space. I need to know the fate of their last plants, etc lol.
Then, and only THEN, can I determine what type of plants they are ready for. 🤣
Then, and only THEN, can I determine what type of plants they are ready for. 🤣
@DreamMachine
Hello dearest Nadia! 😊
Wowzers... It's almost 2 am and I can't get back to sleep 💤😴 so, naturally I turn to Greg and here you are, with another AMAZING 101 class.
Thanks soooo much. Your phrase of "Plants eat light" went straight to my brain which noted: "Ah ha... that's a huge reason why our plants are getting so huge"!
I've mentioned before that my apartment has literally no light, except for 1.5 small windows in the living room, which face North and the only place they'll fit.
So... it's only possible to raise them with grow lights. There are 3 big ones that have automatic timers.
It's awesome to go into the living room in the morning when those lights come on! It's so bright 😎 and all of The Tribe are stretching their roots and leaves...sort of plant yoga ...lol 😂.
Well missy, you amaze me with taking so much time and research to help us all!
I have a light meter, the $30.00 one you mentioned, but have never used it. I've just been moving some plants around when they seem to need adjusting...either directly under the grow lights or further away.
The kids are pretty much in their permanent places but I'm sad about my beautiful Croton. Because this place is so tiny and he's so big, there was nowhere to move him except a spot which is about 5 feet from the nearest grow light. He was directly under one until about 3 weeks ago, with huge leaves putting out the most amazing specks of colors- orange, yellow, and other muted shades. Now, he's still putting out huge leaves but they are green with no color because he's not getting enough light. 😨😟
Well...having said all of that, the most likely solution would be a 4th grow light!
I have 2 large Chirpy stands and 1 Sansi, which contains 4 lights.
Well, my dear, this is getting pretty long so I'll see about getting more shut-eye.
Sending loads of love and appreciation 💕🌻❤️👏😍
Hello dearest Nadia! 😊
Wowzers... It's almost 2 am and I can't get back to sleep 💤😴 so, naturally I turn to Greg and here you are, with another AMAZING 101 class.
Thanks soooo much. Your phrase of "Plants eat light" went straight to my brain which noted: "Ah ha... that's a huge reason why our plants are getting so huge"!
I've mentioned before that my apartment has literally no light, except for 1.5 small windows in the living room, which face North and the only place they'll fit.
So... it's only possible to raise them with grow lights. There are 3 big ones that have automatic timers.
It's awesome to go into the living room in the morning when those lights come on! It's so bright 😎 and all of The Tribe are stretching their roots and leaves...sort of plant yoga ...lol 😂.
Well missy, you amaze me with taking so much time and research to help us all!
I have a light meter, the $30.00 one you mentioned, but have never used it. I've just been moving some plants around when they seem to need adjusting...either directly under the grow lights or further away.
The kids are pretty much in their permanent places but I'm sad about my beautiful Croton. Because this place is so tiny and he's so big, there was nowhere to move him except a spot which is about 5 feet from the nearest grow light. He was directly under one until about 3 weeks ago, with huge leaves putting out the most amazing specks of colors- orange, yellow, and other muted shades. Now, he's still putting out huge leaves but they are green with no color because he's not getting enough light. 😨😟
Well...having said all of that, the most likely solution would be a 4th grow light!
I have 2 large Chirpy stands and 1 Sansi, which contains 4 lights.
Well, my dear, this is getting pretty long so I'll see about getting more shut-eye.
Sending loads of love and appreciation 💕🌻❤️👏😍
@DreamMachine sounds like I am safe! It has the actual cord that plugs into the timer. And the timer is set to turn off when we get home. My toddler’s toys are on the other side of the room so there no direct light on her, plus she doesn’t sit still and walks around. Glad to read the lights are not danger. I will be testing GE lights for my next plant station. Here is a sneak peak 😉 this spot gets morning sunlight from big window. So not rushing into grow lights here. I wanna test out #Monstera , #AphelandraSquarrosa here and see how they do. With smaller humidifier on the shelf too. Eeek too excited 😊
@CutePolypremum Oh wonderful Joanie! I’m so glad it was useful to you. 🥰 There’s another book I recommend called “Light Eaters,” and it’s fascinating, and relatable (the author is someone who used to do something else and then quit her job because she got obsessed with plants and the book follows around her research)
And I also love when my grow lights come on in the morning 🥰 🧘🏼♀️ I have quite a few already but still I could use a couple more with this dark wet winter we’re having. I hope you’re able to get your croton back under one, and I hope you were able to also get some good sleep! 🥰✨🌿🩶
And I also love when my grow lights come on in the morning 🥰 🧘🏼♀️ I have quite a few already but still I could use a couple more with this dark wet winter we’re having. I hope you’re able to get your croton back under one, and I hope you were able to also get some good sleep! 🥰✨🌿🩶
@DreamMachine
Yup...was finally able to fall asleep 😴 and yup...it looks like I'll be getting a new CHIRPY led. The new grow light will also be able to help an additional 2 to 3 of my existing plants.
It's expensive, but we'll worth it.
Thanks for the heads-up about the book "Eaters".
Muchas smooches 😘 ♥️
Yup...was finally able to fall asleep 😴 and yup...it looks like I'll be getting a new CHIRPY led. The new grow light will also be able to help an additional 2 to 3 of my existing plants.
It's expensive, but we'll worth it.
Thanks for the heads-up about the book "Eaters".
Muchas smooches 😘 ♥️
Wow! Fantastic information! I'm here for this class for sure!!! 👍 Thank you so much for putting together such a detailed and informative article! I am now investing in a light meter! I have all the other gadgets, but never thought to bout a light meter! 🤦🏻♀️ I am looking forward to all of your wonderful posts! They are always so informative and helpful! Again, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with all of us! 🪴✌️🩷
@ZappyLilac84 it is my pleasure 🥰 The more people with healthy happy plants, the better, I say! 🌿🩶
#TheWateringHole @DreamMachine Well, after reading your post I too have jumped on the light meter bandwagon! Now I have to study the manual and familiarize myself with the instructions. In the meantime I discovered that the Philodendron Tortum is working on a new leaf! And the little flowers of the Mammillaria Bocasana was ready for her close up! And the Crown of thorns seems to be enjoying her grow light! So that’s it from my oasis! Tomorrow I‘ll check out the light meter and then I can make a determination if I need more grow lights.
@Ms.Persnickety oooh!! I love new tortum leaves 🥹 I took a pic every single day this last tortum unfurling and I highly recommend 😁 Beautiful mammillaria flower!!
@Nikkia excellent!! 🙌🏼 It can be most surprising once you realize how much light you actually have. But it also makes things easier and takes away some guesswork 🩶🌿