Can air plants survive in low-light environments?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Air plants have a remarkable capacity for acclimating to low-light conditions. Still, they may require a little different care. They can survive and tolerate less sunlight than many houseplants; however, they will not survive in complete darkness or low light conditions. Too little light will cause the leaves to be pale and slow growth. You are strategizing the placement of your low-light space with supplemental light to achieve success.
Artificial Lighting Setup
- Position full-spectrum bulbs 6-12 inches above plants
- Provide 12 hours daily illumination using timers
- Use LED or fluorescent grow lights for energy efficiency
- Rotate plants weekly for even exposure
Care Routine Adjustments
- Reduce watering frequency to every 12-14 days
- Decrease fertilizer use by 50% in low-light conditions
- Extend drying time to 6 hours post-watering
- Monitor for slowed growth as natural adaptation
Placement Optimization
- Utilize reflective surfaces near plants
- Choose brightest available spots like north windows
- Avoid dark corners beyond 8 feet from light sources
- Group plants to concentrate available light
Utilize artificial lighting in poorly lit spaces. Full-spectrum bulbs are the closest match to sunlight. Place the lights closer to the plants than you would in bright spaces. You will need to find the right balance so you do not burn the leaves. Always set automatic timers to ensure a consistent daily cycle. I grew plants in my basement for years using this lighting setup and had no issues whatsoever.
Adjust plant watering routines for reduced light conditions. Without bright light for photosynthesis, plants will use less water. Make intervals between soakings longer to avoid rotten roots. Always check the soil's moisture level before watering the plant. You will also be able to mist the plants less often, as evaporation will be slower in a dark area.
Recognize the insufficient light symptoms that indicate the plants require help in this scenario. Pale, silvery-green leaves are a sign of experiencing light starvation. Erect growth that is long and thin is a sign that the plant is growing long to reach light. The slow development of pup(s) is another indicator that the plant has depleted its energy store. Any of these signs means to move the plants closer to the light source.
Manage long-term health through seasonal adjustments. Lengthen artificial light dosage in the winter months. Change the orientation of plants more frequently in fixed, low-light areas to maximize their growth. Add movement of plants into indirect light periodically. These tactics keep plants healthy throughout the year!
Read the full article: How to Care for Air Plants: Expert Guide
