Introduction

Pot plants are an excellent way to add some life to your home or office. These small plants can add some greenery to empty corners or brighten up any dull room. However, to thrive plants need sufficient lighting to grow and regain their moisture. In this article, we will explore how many lumens pot plants need to grow optimally.

What are lumens?

Lumens are the measure of light intensity or brightness of a light source. It describes how much light comes from a certain source, for instance, a light bulb or sunlight. Lumens are measured in lux or foot-candles. Therefore, lumens also indicate the quantity of light that falls on a surface like a pot plant to facilitate photosynthesis.

How much light do pot plants need?

The amount of light that a pot plant needs depends on the species of plant and the amount of natural light available. For instance, most indoor plants need 200-400 lumens per square foot to grow optimally. The amount of light available from artificial sources like lamps, fluorescent bulbs or LEDs also depends on the watts of the bulb.

Light requirements of common pot plants

Below are the light requirements of some common pot plants if they are grown indoors without sunlight.

Ivy and Pothos: These plants need low light, and they can grow with 100-200 lumens per square foot.

Snake Plant: They can grow effectively with 250-500 lumens per square foot.

Philodendron: The plants can grow with 200-400 lumens per square foot.

Burgundy Rubber: This plant is a low light type with growth in 200-400 lumens per square foot.

Peace Lily: These plants need 200-400 lumens per square foot to grow effectively.

How to measure light intensity for pot plants

A light meter is a tool you can use to measure the amount of light your pot plant receives. These tools are available in digital or analog displays, and they are reliable in determining the amount of light intensity. Simply use a light meter handheld device, which measures PPF or PAR, to measure the intensity of the light illuminating your pot plants.

Conclusion

Pot plants need adequate lighting to thrive, even if they do not receive natural sunlight. Using artificial sources like fluorescent bulbs or LED lights can help sustain plant life. It would be best to provide plants with the required amount of lumens per square foot for them to grow optimally. Understanding the light requirements of your pot plants can make a significant difference in their growth.