How Much Light Do You Have?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light into food. Degree of light is the main factor in the process of photosynthesis of plants and horticulturalists often measure the best amount of light for plants in foot-candles. A foot-candle can be described as the amount of illumination that actually falls on a surface from the measurement of one foot away. A foot-candle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
Louisburg Gardens often times uses a light meter to measure the intensity of light in an interior. We use the following guidelines to determine which plants are able to tolerate the existing conditions in your environment.
Low Light: 50 to 150 foot-candles; florescent light only
Medium Light: 150 to 250 foot candles; florescent plus some natural light
High Light: 250 plus foot-candles; florescent plus a great deal of natural light
Keep in mind that low light plants do not “require” 50 to 150 foot- candles- they tolerate it. For the most part, with the exception of some low light plants which may burn, plants are happiest given excellent lighting. Adequate light in the home or office is critical to the overall health and appearance of tropical plants. An indication of a plant which is in inadequate light is defoliation and general deterioration.
In summary, plants are happiest in their natural tropical surroundings but we can still maintain healthy, lush plants in interior environments by carefully selecting the appropriate plants and keeping them foliage clean so that photosynthesis effectively takes place.