How to Maximize Your Light Intake for Plants
Winter is here in the Great North, and in Montreal, that means sunsets at 4:30–5:00 PM. For us plant parents, it’s tough to give our green children the light they need during the darkest months of the year. While I can’t say I’ve mastered the art of winter plant care, I’ve figured out a few solid tricks (with a dash of DIY creativity) that can help your indoor garden survive and thrive. Let’s get into the details so you can keep your plants healthy all winter long.
How Much Light Do Your Plants Need in Winter?
In general, plants need 10–16 hours of light a day, but it depends on the type of plant, its size, and what stage it’s in (vegetative or flowering). Here’s the breakdown:
Succulents: Even indoors, succulents go dormant during winter for their health. They only need 4–6 hours of bright, indirect light during this time.
Tropical Plants: These also rest during winter, but they still need a bit more—about 8 hours of light is a good rule of thumb.
How to Make Up for the Lack of Natural Light
Let’s be real: in Montreal, it’s hard to get this kind of light from our window sills alone during winter. So, what can you do? Here are some budget-friendly, creative ways to boost light for your plants:
1. Swap Out Your Light Bulbs
Replace your regular apartment bulbs with full-spectrum LED lights. You can find these at most hardware stores. I switched out the lights near my window sills for grow bulbs, and the difference has been amazing. The best part? Full-spectrum LEDs are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, so while they might cost a bit more upfront, they save you money in the long run. Plus, you’re literally “growing green” while going green!
2. Use Actual Grow Lights
If you’re serious about your plants, invest in grow lights. These are specifically designed for plant growth and can be found online, in hardware stores, or even secondhand on Facebook Marketplace. If your house lighting is limited, these lights are a game-changer.
3. Make a DIY Reflector with Tinfoil
To maximize light and keep energy costs low, create a simple reflector using cardboard, aluminum foil, and tape. Secure the foil to the cardboard, then place it behind your plants to reflect light back onto them. If your plants are on a table, add reflectors to the sides as well for extra coverage. For window sills, just stick a reflector on each side, and you’re good to go.
4. Try Hanging Pots
If you have plants that love bright light, consider hanging them closer to your light sources. Just be careful not to place them too close—direct heat from bulbs can slowly scorch their leaves.
5. Invest in an Indoor Greenhouse
(Source: Amazon)
If you’re ready to go all out, an indoor greenhouse is a great option. These not only boost light exposure but also add warmth and humidity, which many plants love during winter. They’re easy to find online or at most hardware stores.
Final Thoughts
These are some easy, affordable ways to keep your plants happy during the dark, cold months of winter. With a little creativity and effort, you can make sure your indoor garden thrives until spring rolls around.
Happy gardening,
Issac
MTLGardening
