Fiddle leaf figs are beautiful plants that can add an element of greenery to any room. However, like all plants, they need proper care and attention to thrive. One of the most important factors in caring for fiddle leaf figs is providing them with adequate light. While natural light is ideal, not all homes have the necessary lighting conditions. In such cases, artificial light can be used to supplement or replace natural light.
Light Requirements for Fiddle Leaf Figs
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The Fiddle Leaf Fig has broad, glossy leaves that resemble violins. The health and development of this plant depend on proper lighting. The Fiddle Leaf Fig needs the following kinds of light:
Fiddle Leaf Figs require strong, indirect light in order to flourish. You should place it close to a window that receives filtered or indirect light because direct sunlight might scorch its leaves.
Windows that face north or east offer the ideal lighting conditions for fiddle leaf figs. Your plant might receive too much direct sunlight, which could harm its leaves if it is positioned next to a south or west-facing window.
Fiddle Leaf Fig grows towards the light source naturally; therefore, rotating the plant every few weeks is necessary to make sure that all sides get an equal amount of light.
You can use artificial grow lights to meet your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s light needs if you don’t have a suitable window or if your home has poor lighting conditions. Given that they generate the entire spectrum of light that plants require, LED grow lights are a wise choice.
Finding the ideal lighting ratio for your fiddle leaf fig is crucial overall. While too much light can result in leaf burn and stunted growth, too little light can cause slow growth and dropped leaves.
Types of Artificial Light for Fiddle Leaf Fig
Several types of artificial light can be used for fiddle leaf figs. Each type of led grow light has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the right type of light for your plant’s needs.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
When you are short of natural light, fluorescent light is one of the most commonly used types of artificial light for fiddle leaf figs. It is affordable and widely available, making it a popular choice for indoor gardeners. Fluorescent light is also energy-efficient and can be used for long periods without consuming a lot of electricity. Two types of fluorescent light are commonly used as lights for fiddle leaves and plants:
a) Cool White Fluorescent Light
This type of fluorescent light is best for plants that need bright light for photosynthesis. It emits a blue-white light that mimics natural daylight. This spectrum light is ideal for growing fiddle leaf figs.
b) Warm White Fluorescent Light
This type of fluorescent light bulb emits a more yellowish light and is best for plants that require lower light levels. It is not ideal for fiddle leaf figs, which need bright light to thrive.
Advantages:
Energy-efficient: Fluorescent lights use less energy and produce less heat than other types of artificial lights.
Affordable: Fluorescent lights are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain.
Easy to use: Fluorescent lights are easy to install and use, and they come in a variety of sizes and spectrums.
Disadvantages:
Limited intensity: Fluorescent lights are not as powerful as other types of artificial lights, which can make them less effective for plants that require a lot of light.
Limited spectrum: Fluorescent lights typically have a limited light spectrum, which can limit their effectiveness for plant growth.
Limited lifespan: Fluorescent lights have a limited lifespan and must be replaced every 6-12 months.
LED Light
LED light is another popular type of artificial light that can be used for fiddle leaf figs. It is energy-efficient and can be customized to emit specific wavelengths of light, making it ideal for using indoor lights and gardening. LED light is also long-lasting and does not emit as much heat as other types of artificial light. Two types of LED light are commonly used for plants:
a) Full Spectrum LED Light
This type of LED light emits a wide range of wavelengths that mimic full spectrum light natural sunlight. It is ideal for plants that require a lot of light for photosynthesis, such as fiddle leaf figs.
b) Red and Blue LED Light
This type of LED light emits red and blue wavelengths enough light, which is the most important for plant growth. It is ideal for plants that require lower light levels. It is also used for supplementing natural light.
Advantages
Energy-efficient: LED lights are highly energy-efficient and produce less heat than other types of artificial lights.
Customizable spectrum: LED lights can be customized to emit specific spectrums of light, which can be tailored to the specific needs of your plant.
Long lifespan: LED lights have a long lifespan and can last up to 10 years.
Disadvantages:
Expensive: LED lights are more expensive to purchase than other types of artificial lights.
Complex: LED lights can be complex to install and use. They require a certain amount of technical knowledge to operate effectively.
Limited intensity: LED lights are not as powerful as other types of artificial lights, which can make them less effective for plants that require a lot of light.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Light
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) light is a powerful type of artificial light that is commonly used in commercial indoor gardening. It emits a lot of heat and light, making it ideal for growing plants that require a lot of light. Two types of HID light are commonly used for indoor plants:
a) Metal Halide (MH) Light
This type of light source of HID light emits a blue-white light that is similar to natural daylight. It is ideal for plants that require a lot of light for photosynthesis and is often used as grow light during the vegetative stage of plant growth.
b) High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Light
This type of HID light emits a yellow-orange light ideal for plants during the flowering stage. It is less efficient than MH light but is more effective at promoting flowering and fruiting in large plants.
Advantages
Powerful: HID lights are the most powerful type of artificial light, which makes them ideal for plants that require a lot of light.
Effective spectrum: HID lights emit a spectrum of light that is similar to natural sunlight, which makes them effective for plant growth.
Long lifespan: HID lights have a long lifespan and can last up to 2 years.
Disadvantages
Expensive: HID lights are the most expensive type of artificial light to purchase and operate.
Heat output: HID lights produce a lot of heat, which can harm plants if not managed properly.
Complex: HID lights are complex to install and use. They require a certain amount of technical knowledge to operate effectively.
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)
Small indoor plants benefit significantly from compact fluorescent lighting. You can simply pick one appropriate for your plant’s needs because they are available in a range of wattages.
Advantages
Energy-efficient: Compact fluorescent lighting is energy-efficient and produces less heat than other types of artificial lights.
Affordable: Compact fluorescent lighting is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain.
Easy to use: Compact fluorescent lighting is easy to install and use. It comes in various sizes and spectrums.
Disadvantages
Limited intensity: Compact fluorescent lighting is not as powerful as other types of artificial lights, which can make them less effective for plants that require a lot of light.
Limited spectrum: Compact fluorescent lighting typically has a limited light spectrum, which can limit its effectiveness for plant growth.
Limited lifespan: Compact fluorescent lighting has a limited lifespan and needs to be replaced every 6-12 months.
Metal Halide (MH) Lights
Since metal halides can cover a large surface area and have a maximum power of 1000 watts, they are typically used for larger plants. You won’t require these lamps for the typical needs of indoor plants. You can get small halides if you wish to use them but lack a greenhouse or larger space.
Advantages
Powerful: Metal halide lights are very powerful and emit a spectrum of light ideal for plants during the vegetative stage of growth.
Effective spectrum: Metal halide lights emit a spectrum of light that is similar to natural sunlight, which makes them effective for plant growth.
Long lifespan: Metal halide lights have a long lifespan and can last up to 2 years.
Disadvantages
Expensive: Metal halide lights are more expensive to purchase and operate than fluorescent lights but less expensive than HID lights.
Heat output: MH lights produce a lot of heat, which can be harmful to plants if not managed properly.
Limited lifespan: MH lights have a limited lifespan and must be replaced every 6-12 months.
Tips for Using Artificial Light for Fiddle Leaf Figs
The following are the tips for using artificial light for fiddle leaf figs:
Determine Your Plant’s Lighting Needs
Before choosing an artificial light for your own fiddle leaf fig tree, it is important to determine your plant’s lighting needs. Fiddle leaf figs require bright, indirect light, so choose a light that emits a similar intensity and spectrum of light as natural sunlight.
Choose the Right Type of Light
Choose the type of artificial light that best suits your indoor plant’s needs and budget. Fluorescent and LED lights are good choices for indoor gardeners on a budget, while HID lights are more suitable for commercial indoor gardening.
Position the Light Correctly
Position the light so that it is approximately 6-12 inches above the top of your fiddle leaf fig. This will ensure that your fiddle leaf fig plant receives adequate light without burning its leaves. You can also use reflectors to direct light toward your plant.
Set a Schedule
Set a schedule for your artificial light to ensure that your fiddle leaf fig receives consistent light. Aim for 12-16 hours of light per day, and adjust the schedule of grow lights as necessary based on your plant’s response to the light.
Monitor Your Plant’s Health
Monitor your fiddle leaf fig plant’s health regularly to ensure that it receives the right amount of direct sunlight and quality of light. If you notice any signs of stress or damage, adjust the light intensity or schedule accordingly.
Conclusion
When there is not enough natural light, artificial light can be a useful tool for indoor gardeners who want to grow fiddle leaf figs. There are several types of artificial light to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to choose the right type of light for your plant’s needs and to use it effectively by positioning it correctly, setting a schedule, and monitoring your plant’s health regularly. With the right care and attention, your own fiddle leaf fig plants can thrive even in low-light conditions.