Tropical Gold Standard refers to the definition of Bright Indirect Light, a lighting condition often found in tropical environments.
In the quest to create the perfect environment for tropical indoor plants and terrariums, understanding the right amount of light is crucial. Here's a guide on how to assess and measure bright, indirect light for these vibrant plant species.
Firstly, a light meter can be a valuable tool. These devices, which can be purchased for around $20 or measured using smartphone apps, help quantify light intensity in foot-candles (ft-c). Bright indirect light is typically defined as 400 to 800 ft-c, which equates to several hours of filtered sunlight without direct sun rays striking the plant[1].
Observation also plays a significant role. Crisp shadows indicate direct, intense light, while blurry shadows suggest diffused, indirect light. Knowing your window direction matters—east-facing windows offer gentle morning sun, south-facing provides the most sun but may need shading, while north-facing windows provide low, indirect light suitable for shade-tolerant plants[3].
Positioning your plants is equally important. Place them beyond the direct rays of sunlight, such as a few feet back from the window or behind a sheer curtain, so light remains bright but not direct. Bright indirect light is the area where the sun’s rays do not directly reach the leaves but still provide strong illumination[2].
For grow lights, a meter can help ensure that the light intensity mimics bright indirect light (400–800 ft-c) without burning plants, and measuring across the plant canopy ensures even distribution[1][5].
It's essential to remember that all plants need sunlight to survive, even low light terrarium plants need some degree of light for photosynthesis. East-facing windows are likely to be the next best thing, providing some direct sunlight in the early morning hours but generally softer light. South-facing windows usually aren't ideal for tropicals, as the Sun occupies this area of sky for the longest amount of time in the day, and plants are in full sunlight through the hottest part.
In the Southern Hemisphere, reverse this advice for north, east, west, and south-facing windows. North-facing windows are fantastic for terrariums, providing the most consistent indirect light throughout the day.
Whether light that's traveled through a window and a glass terrarium container is considered direct is up for debate. Regardless, it's crucial to gauge a plant's tolerance for light to ensure they receive the right amount of light, and be prepared to move your plants throughout the year to accommodate changing light conditions.
References:
[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/terrarium/terrarium-lighting-requirements.htm [2] https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/articles/terrarium-lighting/terrarium-lighting.html [3] https://www.thespruce.com/terrarium-lighting-requirements-1902409 [4] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/indoor-gardening/terrarium/terrarium-lighting/ [5] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/terrarium/terrarium-lighting.htm
Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find a light meter beneficial for assessing bright, indirect light for their tropical indoor plants and terrariums. Purchased for around $20 or measured using smartphone apps, these devices help quantify light intensity in foot-candles (ft-c), with bright indirect light typically defined as 400 to 800 ft-c, which equates to several hours of filtered sunlight without direct sun rays striking the plant.
