When it comes to growing plants, a variety of different types of light can be used. One of the most popular choices is bright indirect light. This light is perfect for several different types of plants, and it can help ensure that they get the light they need to thrive.
Most household plants will do just fine in bright indirect light. This includes ferns, African violets, and even some cacti.
If you have a plant that is struggling to thrive in your home, then it might be worth trying to move it to an area where it will receive more indirect light.
What Does Bright Indirect Light Mean?
In general, bright indirect light means that the light is coming from a source that is not directly in line with the plant.
This could be sunlight that has bounced off something else and then went to the plant or light from an artificial source that is not pointed directly at the plant.
This light is perfect for plants that need a lot of light but cannot tolerate direct sunlight. This includes many tropical plants, as well as some succulents and cacti. This type of light can also be a good choice for plants susceptible to sunburn.
This could be from a window that is off to the side, or it could be from a skylight. The important thing is that the light is not shining directly on the plant, as this can be too harsh.
Instead, it is indirect, which means it will provide the plant with the light it needs without being too intense.
What is the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Light?
Direct light is when the light source is shining directly on the plant. This can be from the sun, or an artificial light pointed right at the plant.
This type of light can be intense, and it can cause sunburn on some plants. It is essential to ensure that plants that cannot tolerate direct sunlight are not in an area where this type of light will shine on them directly.
Indirect light is when the light source is not shining directly on the plant. This could be from a window that is off to the side, or it could be from a skylight.
The important thing is that the light is not shining directly on the plant, as this can be too harsh. Instead, it is indirect, which means it will provide the plant with the light it needs without being too intense.
What does Indirect Sunlight Mean?
Indirect sunlight refers to sunlight that is not shining directly on an object or surface, but is instead filtered or reflected by another object.
This can include sunlight that is filtered through clouds, trees, or other objects that partially block the sun’s rays, or sunlight that is reflected off of surfaces like walls, pavement, or water.
Indirect sunlight is typically less intense than direct sunlight, and can often create a softer, more diffuse light that is less likely to cause harsh shadows or glare. Indirect sunlight is often preferred for photography, as it can create a more natural and even lighting effect.
In contrast, direct sunlight refers to sunlight that is shining directly on an object or surface, without any interference or filtering.
Direct sunlight can be much more intense and can cause strong shadows and highlights, making it more challenging to capture certain types of images or achieve a specific lighting effect.
What Are The Benefits of Bright Indirect light?
Several benefits come with using indirect light for plants. This type of light is perfect for many different kinds of plants and can help ensure that they get the light they need to thrive.
Some of the benefits include:
- It is perfect for plants that need a lot of light but cannot tolerate direct sunlight. This includes many tropical plants, as well as some succulents and cacti.
- It can also be a good choice for plants susceptible to sunburn.
- It can help to ensure that plants get the light they need without being too intense.
What Are The Best Sources?
Many different sources of indirect light can be used for plants. This includes indirect sunlight that has bounced off something else and then came to the plant, or it could be light from an artificial source that is not pointed directly at the plant.
Some of the best sources of bright indirect light include:
- Windows that are off to the side- east facing windows are ideal
- Skylights
- Artificial lights that are not pointed directly at the plant
Do You Need Special Equipment?
In general, no special equipment is needed for indirect light. This type of light can be provided by natural sources, such as windows and skylights, or artificial lights can give it.
However, it is crucial to ensure the plant is not in an area where the light is too intense, as this can cause sunburn.
If you are using artificial lights, it is a good idea to use a timer so that the light is not on for more than 12 hours. This will help ensure the plant gets the light it needs without being exposed to too much light.
Led Grow Lights
LED grow lights are a type of lighting system that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide artificial light to plants for growth and development. LED grow lights have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their efficiency, versatility, and relatively low heat output.
Unlike traditional grow lights such as high-pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (MH) lamps, which emit light across a broad range of wavelengths, LED grow lights can be customized to emit specific wavelengths of light that are most beneficial for plant growth.
This means that LED grow lights can be tailored to the specific needs of different types of plants and growth stages.
LED grow lights also tend to be more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional grow lights, as they consume less power and produce less heat. This can result in lower electricity bills and reduced cooling costs.
There are many different types and models of LED grow lights available, with varying power outputs, spectrums, and features.
When choosing an LED grow light, it’s important to consider factors such as the size of your growing space, the types of plants you are growing, and your budget.
What Are The Disadvantages?
A few disadvantages come with using bright light for plants. This includes the fact that providing this type of light can be more challenging if the plant is in a shady area. It can also be more expensive to use artificial lights to provide this type of light.
Some of the disadvantages of using bright indirect light include:
- Providing this type of light can be more challenging if the plant is in a shady area.
- It can be more expensive to use artificial lights to provide bright indirect light.
What Plants Thrive in Indirect Sunlight?
Several different plants thrive in bright indirect light. This includes many tropical plants, as well as some succulents and cacti.
Some of the best plants for this type of light include:
- Tropical plants: Calathea, Philodendron, Pothos, and Snake Plant
- Succulents and cacti: Aloe Vera, Echeveria, and Sedum
- Herbs: Basil, Mint, and Rosemary
What Plants Should Avoid Bright Light?
A few plants should not be kept in bright indirect light. This includes plants that are susceptible to sunburn and those that do not need a lot of light. These are considered low light plants are are great for rooms with less than ideal sunlight or windows.
Some of these include:
- Ferns: Boston Fern and Maidenhair Fern
- Orchids: Cattleya and Phalaenopsis
- Bromeliads: Aechmea and Billbergia
Does the Type of Light Affect its Watering Routine?
Yes, it is important to water plants in bright sunlight more often. This is because they lose water through their leaves more often and need to be replenished.
It is a good idea to water plants in about once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. Always check the plants needs first to see what it requires.
What Are The Most Common Problems with Lighting?
One of the most common problems that plants in the bright indirect light face are sunburn. This is because the light can still be too intense for some plants, and it can cause their leaves to turn brown or yellow. If this happens, moving the plant to an area with less light is essential.
Other common problems that plants in such light include:
- Drying out
- Leaves turning brown or yellow from sunburn
Best Tips for Growing Plants in Bright Indirect Light?
Some of the best tips for growing plants in light that is not direct include:
- Ensure that the plant is not in an area where the light is too intense, as this can cause sunburn.
- Water plants in this type of light once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize plants in bright indirect light every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Do not put plants in direct sunlight if they are not used to it, as this can shock them.
- Start with plants already acclimated to bright indirect light, such as those native to tropical regions.
How to Measure Light
There are several different ways to measure light for plants, including:
- Foot-candles: Foot-candles is a measure of the amount of light that reaches a surface, with one foot-candle equal to the amount of light that falls on a one-square-foot area that is one foot away from a single candle.
- Lux: Lux is a unit of measurement that is used to quantify the intensity of light, particularly in the metric system. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.
- PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation): PAR is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is used by plants for photosynthesis. PAR meters measure the intensity of light within this range to give an indication of the amount of usable light available to plants.
- PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux): PPF is a measure of the total amount of light that is emitted by a light source that is within the PAR range. This measurement is often used to compare the total output of different types of grow lights.
- DLI (Daily Light Integral): DLI measures the total amount of PAR light that a plant receives in a day, and is calculated by multiplying the PPF value by the number of seconds in a day.
Each of these measurements can provide valuable information about the amount and quality of light that is available to plants, and can help growers to optimize their lighting setups to meet the specific needs of their plants.
How can you Check Light levels with Foot Candles
To check light levels with foot candles, you will need a device called a foot-candle meter or a light meter that is capable of measuring foot candles.
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Place the foot-candle meter at the point where you want to measure the light level.
- Ensure that the sensor of the meter is facing upwards and is not obstructed by any object.
- Turn on the meter and wait for it to stabilize. This may take a few seconds.
- Read the foot-candle value displayed on the meter. This will give you an indication of the light level at that specific location.
Note that foot candles measure the amount of visible light that falls on a surface, with one foot candle equal to the amount of light that falls on a one-square-foot area that is one foot away from a single candle.
In general, the more foot candles there are in a given area, the brighter that area will be. The specific foot candle values you might aim for will depend on the specific lighting needs of your situation or task.
How To measure Light Using Lux
To measure light with Lux, you will need a device called a Lux meter or a light meter that is capable of measuring Lux.
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Turn on the Lux meter and ensure that the sensor of the meter is facing upwards and is not obstructed by any object.
- Place the Lux meter at the point where you want to measure the light level.
- Wait for the Lux meter to stabilize. This may take a few seconds.
- Read the Lux value displayed on the meter. This will give you an indication of the light level at that specific location.
Lux is a unit of measurement that is used to quantify the intensity of light, particularly in the metric system. One Lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.
In general, the more Lux there are in a given area, the brighter that area will be. However, the specific Lux values you might aim for will depend on the specific lighting needs of your situation or task, such as the type of plants you are growing and the stage of growth they are in.
Some plants may require higher Lux levels than others, and Lux levels may need to be adjusted based on the time of day and other factors that can affect the quality and intensity of light.
What Are The Differences Between Bright Indirect Light and Low Light?
There are a few differences between bright indirect light and low light. One difference is that plants in bright light need to be watered more often than those in low light.
Another difference is that plants in bright light may require more fertilization than those in low light. Finally, these plants may be more susceptible to sunburn than those in low light.
What if You Don’t Have Indirect Lights – Can you Make it?
If you don’t have indirect lights, you can try to create them by hanging a sheer curtain in front of a window. This will diffract the light and make it less intense.
You can also try using a grow light, but be sure to position it, so it does not shine directly on the plant. Finally, you can try putting the plant in an east- or west-facing window, as this will provide indirect light for most of the day.
Conclusion
Bright indirect light is a type of light that is bright but not direct. This type of light is suitable for plants because it can help them grow without being exposed to too much light. However, it is vital to ensure the plant is not in an area where the light is too intense, as this can cause sunburn.
Plants in this type of light should be watered once a week and fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Do not put plants in direct sunlight if they are not used to it, as this can shock them. Start with plants already acclimated to bright indirect light, such as those native to tropical regions.
If you are looking for a type of light that will be perfect for your plants, bright indirect light is a great option to consider. This light is ideal for several different types of plants, and it can help ensure that they get the light they need to thrive.
