Tropical plants need sunlight more than anything – it’s the life source of their vital functions. That said, let’s find out why they need light, how much, and the kind of light they need to thrive.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Why Do Tropical Plants Need Sunlight?
How much sun do tropical plants need?
Every living thing needs water and food – the same goes for plants, but theirs is light. You must have heard of photosynthesis – plants use light for this vital process. This is how they get their food – chloroplasts capture the energy of light which sparks multiple metabolic reactions, one of which creates sugars for plants.
These sugars drive plant growth. Hence, the more sunlight a plant gets, the more energy it creates, which helps quicken its growth.
But, there are two characteristics of light you need to understand to know how your plant will behave in your space. These are the quality of light, which is the colour, and the quantity of light, its intensity.
Quality of Light affects plant growth
When we talk about quality, we’re referring to the type and colour of light. This energy comes in different wavelengths with each having a corresponding colour.
You should know that the colours you can see with your own eyes may not do anything for plants. This is because plants don’t ‘see’ light the same way we do.
Plants reflect green light and this gives them their green appearance – this means they actually benefit from green light. But, this thing is, plants need absorbable light, so they use the likes of violent, blue, red, orange, and yellow, coupled with some infrared light and invisible light like the sun’s UV light.
Quantity of Light needed for plants
Artificial Grow Lights using a the correct spectrum of colours
Now, about the quantity of light – this is based on the brightness or intensity of light that gets to your plant’s leaves. With more light photons hitting the leaves, the faster the plant’s growth and the more energy it captures.
Let’s take Oxalis or Begonias for instance – they have a fast-paced growth that depends on intense sunlight. Even more, tropical plants that produce fruits or flowers also depend on intense sunlight to thrive – so they can handle full sun.
These plants work with basic elements like nutrients, sugars, CO2, and water, which are chemically built to form complex molecules – flower pigments for instance. But, this is only possible if the right intensity of light is provided.
What Type of Light Do Tropical Plants Need?
When it comes to the type of light your tropical plant needs, you should know that even the darkest outdoor shade is still brighter than the sunniest window you have in your space. So, it goes without saying that most, if not all, tropical plants like full sun.
Indoor and Outdoor Light
Even in an outdoor shade, light bounces from every angle. But, when you place your plant indoors, light comes from only one source – could be your window – which massively reduces the angle light bounces off from, as well as the amount of vital photons and sunlight that your plant needs.
All of this points to the fact that, even with indoor plants, you should take them out to get light from all angles once in a while. This helps them thrive and grow healthier.
Full Sun or Bright Light
Ever heard the terms “low light” and “bright light” plants before? What do they mean?
Monstera deliciosa
Bright light, or full sun if you prefer, means there’s nothing – blinds or curtains, a tall building or tree that forms a shade – standing between the light source, which could be a sunny window, and the plant. It’s at this spot that your plant receives the most direct or brightest light when indoors.
Plants that are “sun worshippers” include Monstera, succulents, and ficus. So, if you have any of these plants, place them directly in or very close to a window – should be no more than 2-3 feet from the window. It’s better to put them in the brightest spot in your space.
Filtered sunlight or “medium light” is one where the light is diffused – could be sheer curtains – between the light source and the plant. It’s also referred to as dappled sunlight. Basically, it is created when you have something obstructing the path between the light source and your plant.
Aroid plants, like Philodendron and ZZ, and ferns are used to being shaded from direct sunlight since they have adapted to living on the forest floor. They prefer medium light since they have not evolved to handle intense rays from direct sunlight.
Lastly, we have low light where no direct sunlight reaches the plant. You probably have it a few feet from the light source but cannot directly see the sky – this is usually associated with less food and energy. Also, even though some plants can survive in this condition, they most likely won’t thrive.
Test It Out
If you want to figure out how much sunlight your plant is getting, then a shadow test is the way to go.
How’s this done?
Hold up a sheet of paper to the light source around midday when the sun is at its highest. Place your free hand about a foot above the piece of paper. If you see a sharp shadow, that means bright light. But, if you see a softer shadow, then that’s a medium.
What Tropical Plants Enjoy Full Sun?
Aeonium Schwarzkopff
A lot of tropical plants prefer fun sun to achieve their best performance and size. A good example is Elephant ears or Colocasia, which can thrive in an environment that receives full sun.
Another example of tropical plants that enjoy full sun is Canna lily with its bright colourful flowers and variegated or large green, paddle-shaped leaves. The hardy Musa basjoo or Japanese banana is another tropical plant that basks in full sun.
Other tropical plants that thrive in full sun include Hedychium coronarium and Aeonium Zwartkop, even though it likes growing under partially shaded areas.
Always remember that sunlight is food to your tropical plants. So, you need to properly understand how much sunlight they need and how much light your space allows before choosing a plant.
- READ MORE: Evergreen Shrubs for Shade
- READ MORE: Best Plants for UK shaded gardens
