Take care of Houseplants with Artificial Light

Guide to Growing with Artificial Lighting and Greenhouse

Caring for houseplants with artificial lighting requires understanding their specific needs and providing the right conditions to mimic natural sunlight. Here are some key points to remember:

Light Spectrum:

• Choose bulbs that emit a full spectrum of light similar to natural sunlight. Look for bulbs labeled "full spectrum," "grow light," or "plant light." They often emit a mix of blue, red, and white light wavelengths crucial for plant growth.
• Avoid incandescent bulbs: They emit mostly yellow and red light, insufficient for most plants' needs.
• Consider LED grow lights: They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and emit minimal heat, making them ideal for indoor use.

Light Intensity:

• Research the specific light requirements of your plants. Some need bright light (12-16 hours daily), while others tolerate lower intensities (8-10 hours).
• Adjust the distance between the light source and plants: Closer placement provides more intense light, further away offers less. Experiment to find the sweet spot for each plant.
• Use timers to control lighting duration: Ensure consistent light cycles mimicking natural day and night patterns. Most plants thrive with 12-18 hours of light and 6-12 hours of darkness.

Additional Considerations:

• Supplement natural light whenever possible: Even a few hours of indirect sunlight can benefit plants.
• Rotate plants regularly: Ensure all sides receive adequate light exposure and prevent leaning towards the light source.
• Monitor plant health: Watch for signs of insufficient light like leggy growth, pale leaves, or leaf drop. Adjust lighting intensity or duration as needed.
• Consider supplemental humidity: Plants under artificial light may dry out faster. Use a humidifier or group plants together to increase humidity levels.
• Fertilize appropriately: Plants under artificial light may require slightly less fertilizer than those in natural light, as their growth rate might be slower.

Here are some additional tips for specific plant types:

• Succulents and cacti: Generally need 12-16 hours of bright light daily.
• Foliage plants: Prefer medium to bright light (8-12 hours).
• Flowering plants: Often require intense light (14-16 hours) for optimal blooming.
• Low-light plants: Can tolerate lower light intensities (6-8 hours).

Remember, every plant is unique. Research their specific light needs and adjust your artificial lighting setup accordingly. With the right attention and care, you can create a thriving indoor garden even without natural sunlight.

House plants with artificial lighting and choice of pots in a Greenhouse:

When choosing pots for your greenhouse plants, and deciding on artificial lighting, it's important to consider factors like plant type, growth habits, drainage, and overall greenhouse environment. Here's a breakdown to help you make the best decisions:

Types of Pots:

• Clay pots: Good for moisture retention, but heavy and prone to cracking. Consider glazing for better water control.
• Plastic pots: Lightweight, affordable, and widely available. Opt for breathable models with drainage holes.
• Fabric pots: Allow for better air circulation and root development, but dry out faster.
• Wooden pots: Aesthetically pleasing but require good drainage and maintenance to prevent rot.
• Hanging baskets: Ideal for vining plants or maximizing space. Ensure proper drainage and support.

Choosing Pots Based on Plants:

• Root systems: Match pot size to root requirements. Deep-rooted plants need deeper pots, while shallow-rooted ones prefer wider containers.
• Moisture needs: Plants requiring good drainage (succulents, cacti) benefit from terracotta or plastic pots with ample drainage holes. Moisture-loving plants (ferns) might do well in glazed or fabric pots.
• Growth habits: Vining plants thrive in hanging baskets, while sprawling plants require wider pots.

Artificial Lighting in Greenhouses:

• Supplemental light: Often necessary to extend daylight hours, especially in winter or for specific light-loving plants.
• LED grow lights: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and emit minimal heat, making them ideal for greenhouses.
• Full-spectrum bulbs: Mimic natural sunlight and support healthy plant growth.
• Consider light intensity and duration: Tailor lighting based on plant needs (bright light for succulents, moderate for foliage plants). Use timers for consistent light cycles.

Additional Tips:

• Group plants with similar light and moisture needs together.
• Elevate pots on benches or tables for better airflow and drainage.
• Rotate pots regularly to ensure even light exposure for all sides.
• Monitor soil moisture and adjust watering based on pot material and plant needs.
• Clean and disinfect pots regularly to prevent disease and pest spread.

Remember, the best pot and lighting choices depend on your specific greenhouse setup, plant types, and individual needs. Research, experiment, and observe your plants to create the optimal environment for them to thrive!

Popular Greenhouse Flowering Plants:

Warm-loving:

• Roses: Choose varieties suited for greenhouse cultivation. Offer excellent fragrance and diverse colors.
• Lilies: Offer elegant blooms and come in various colors and sizes.
• Geraniums: Vibrant blooms and long flowering season. Easy to care for and propagate.
• Hibiscus: Large, exotic flowers in bright colors. Prefer warm, humid conditions.
• Bougainvillea: Stunning cascading vines with colorful bracts. Require warmth and bright light.
• Dahlias: Diverse sizes and colors, good for cut flowers. Tubers need storage during dormancy.
• Chrysanthemums: Fall-blooming varieties offer a range of colors and shapes.
• Zinnias: Easy to grow with vibrant, long-lasting blooms. Perfect for summer bouquets.

Cool-loving:

• Pansies: Early spring bloomers with cheerful colors. Good for hanging baskets or borders.
• Violets: Delicate flowers in various colors. Prefer cool temperatures and moist soil.
• Primulas: Early spring bloomers with colorful clusters of flowers. Require cool temperatures.
• Forget-me-nots: Delicate blue flowers with charming appearance. Self-seed readily.
• Cineraria: Showy blooms in bright colors. Can be temperamental but rewarding.
• Calendula: Easy to grow with edible and medicinal properties. Blooms all summer.
• Sweet peas: Fragrant climbing vines with colorful flowers. Require support and cool temperatures.
• Foxgloves: Tall, majestic plants with spires of colorful flowers. Biennials that self-seed readily.

Popular Greenhouse Orchids:

• Phalaenopsis: Moth orchids, popular for their ease of care and long-lasting blooms.
• Dendrobium: Diverse genus with various sizes and colors, require specific care depending on the species.
• Cattleya: Large, showy flowers with vibrant colors and strong fragrance. Need bright light and good ventilation.
• Cymbidium: Easy-to-grow with long-lasting blooms in white, pink, and yellow.
• Paphiopedilum: Slipper orchids, unique and fascinating flowers with interesting shapes. Some require specific care.
• Miltonia: Pansy orchids, fragrant and delicate flowers in various colors. Need cool temperatures and good humidity.
• Oncidium: Dancing lady orchids, small, vibrant blooms with unique shapes. Enjoy bright light and warm temperatures.
• Zygopetalum: Jewel orchids, long-lasting, star-shaped flowers with unique patterns. Can be more challenging to care for.

This is just a small selection of popular options. Many other exciting and diverse plants and orchids thrive in greenhouse environments. Consider your desired aesthetic, climate, and experience level when selecting varieties for your greenhouse.