I have energy efficient windows that do not allow 98 perc...
4
That is indirect light. The glass panes have a rating that will protect your plants from getting direct U/V light. Right now, with Winter on its way, my suggestion is to monitor how many hours of daylight you are getting through those windows and keep in mind that we get 25% light strength of what we normally get in Summer. Adding a grow light to your plant helps supplement its light and energy source. I always recommend one that is LED, white full spectrum and dimmable with a timer. Setting it on its lowest setting at first is best so you can adjust as needed.
@PreciseCorkelm Hello Judy!
A healthy plant that grows behind glass is the result of many different factors; such as type of plant, internal room temperature and humidity where the plant is located, and also the percentage of daylight coming through the glass at specific times of day. Let’s take a high-school refresher crash course on plant growth!
Solar radiant energy as visible light acts as a fuel source for green plants. Through photosynthesis, plants use visible light to change carbon dioxide and water into simplified sugars and starches which they use for nutrition. Though this light is important, a green plant does not use all light available for its growth. Although sunlight looks white, it’s really composed of separate wavelengths each with their own color, and plants will use some of the wavelengths more than others. Most of the important photochemical processes in a plant use the red and blue wavelengths of the spectrum for ideal growth. Red light, for example, stimulates leaf and stem growth while blue light regulates plant enzymes, the respiratory process, and encourages low, dark, thick green leaves. Giving your houseplants the right balance of red and blue light is important for successful growth. As we all know, some plants grow best in full or partial shade with no direct solar radiation while some prefer full sunlight. The hours of daylight, the window size, and degree or type of shading will determine the amount of light available for plant growth.
Taking all of this into account, it is actually best for plants to grow behind glazing that has a neutral daylight transmittance with no strong coloration. Most Low-E glass transmits 59% to 75% of visible light, as compared to the visible light coming through a (non low-E) double glazed clear insulated unit which is about 81%. Meaning, that going from clear to Low-E does not affect much of the daylight intake. Low-E glass also blocks Ultra Violet Radiation which can be harmful to plants in large amounts. The internal temperature is another important factor. A Low-E window that does not transmit as much solar heat will keep your plants warmer at night while at the same time protecting them from heat during the day.
So to answer the original question, no, Low-E glazed glass does not adversely affect houseplant growth, and with some species, it has actually been known to boost plant growth.
A healthy plant that grows behind glass is the result of many different factors; such as type of plant, internal room temperature and humidity where the plant is located, and also the percentage of daylight coming through the glass at specific times of day. Let’s take a high-school refresher crash course on plant growth!
Solar radiant energy as visible light acts as a fuel source for green plants. Through photosynthesis, plants use visible light to change carbon dioxide and water into simplified sugars and starches which they use for nutrition. Though this light is important, a green plant does not use all light available for its growth. Although sunlight looks white, it’s really composed of separate wavelengths each with their own color, and plants will use some of the wavelengths more than others. Most of the important photochemical processes in a plant use the red and blue wavelengths of the spectrum for ideal growth. Red light, for example, stimulates leaf and stem growth while blue light regulates plant enzymes, the respiratory process, and encourages low, dark, thick green leaves. Giving your houseplants the right balance of red and blue light is important for successful growth. As we all know, some plants grow best in full or partial shade with no direct solar radiation while some prefer full sunlight. The hours of daylight, the window size, and degree or type of shading will determine the amount of light available for plant growth.
Taking all of this into account, it is actually best for plants to grow behind glazing that has a neutral daylight transmittance with no strong coloration. Most Low-E glass transmits 59% to 75% of visible light, as compared to the visible light coming through a (non low-E) double glazed clear insulated unit which is about 81%. Meaning, that going from clear to Low-E does not affect much of the daylight intake. Low-E glass also blocks Ultra Violet Radiation which can be harmful to plants in large amounts. The internal temperature is another important factor. A Low-E window that does not transmit as much solar heat will keep your plants warmer at night while at the same time protecting them from heat during the day.
So to answer the original question, no, Low-E glazed glass does not adversely affect houseplant growth, and with some species, it has actually been known to boost plant growth.
I had this exact same problem. I didn't know how my solar screens affected my plants. So I've been putting that they get 0 direct sun... so does this make me a liar?? Do I need to go redo all my Greg plant info 🤔 😬 😅