Do some succulents just lean regardless of how much light they get?
I keep my plants under CFL grow lights (3 bulbs each at 1600 lumens, 6500K color, 23W which is 100W incandescent equivalent) and they've been there for about 7 months. I also have reflective film on 5 sides (bottom, left, right, front, and back) of my setup to make sure as much light stays on the plants as possible When I put them in, they were all badly etiolated but they seem a lot better now. But I've noticed that even with the increased light, a few of my plants lean. Is that normal or are my plants in need of more light?
Here's a picture of my setup:
And here are a few of the plants that lean a bit:
I know the last one is pretty wrinkly, I took this before watering. It seems to need water more frequently lately than it has in the past, maybe because of all the new leaves that are coming in?
Anyway, I've tried rotating the plants but it doesn't seem to matter, they still lean. They don't change direction in their lean so is this just how they want to grow? The light hits the plants from all sides so it seems like they should be getting plenty of light but I wanted to double check with some more knowledgeable folks.
Comments (9)
gardenwombat (6b)
6 years agoLiz, I think you might be right. I picked off some dead leaves on the bottom and it does look tilted to the side just a bit.
Related Discussions
how much light do my succulents need...
Comments (2)In as few words, as much as possible. For those getting less, water less (if at all, assuming they're not dormant)....See MoreHow much light do I need in the greenhouse?
Comments (0)Nothing will take the place of sunlight but sometimes, due to the shorter days of winter or greenhouse placement you need supplemental lighting. Greenhouses should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you get less than that you should add lighting. Symptoms of low light are slow growth, elongated or spindly plants, and plants bending towards the light source. Plants use mostly the red and blue spectrums of visible light. Incandescent bulbs don't efficiently supply the needed light for plants. A good way to get full spectrum light is to use one 'cool white' and one 'daylight or warm white' fluorescent bulb or special grow light (full spectrum) bulbs. These bulbs can be used in an inexpensive 'shop light' or you can purchase specially made grow light fixtures. Remember that fluorescent bulbs must be within a 3-4 inches of the plant to be an effective source of light. They work best for seedlings or small plants for this reason. There are special 'High-Intensity Discharge Lamps' for the serious (and rich) greenhouse grower. These are expensive to buy and more expensive to use. They are beyond the scope of most hobbyists. Light is measured in foot-candles or lumens depending on how you're measuring. If you are looking at the light source itself it's measured in lumens, if you're looking at the measurement at the plant itself it's measure in foot-candles. Here are some average light requirements: Low light houseplants 100-200 foot-candles, Most seedlings and flowering bulbs 750 foot-candles, Orchids, roses, succulents 1,500 foot-candles, Leafy vegetables 2,800 foot-candles, Fruits and vegetables 5,000 foot candles, You can purchase light meters in greenhouse supply stores to help you determine if you are getting enough light for your environment. Remember, nothing beats sunlight so plan your greenhouse to get as much natural light as you can....See MoreMy Succulents are getting soft, wrinkled, and brown, what do I do?
Comments (15)I thank all of you for your help. This morning I took out the problem succulents and brushed off the dirt as best they would allow. Could you help me identify what is root rot, how do the roots look if they're healthy or if they are rotted? The smaller succulents at the bottom all have relatively shorter roots, and the soil around them was dry. The bigger succulent in the top photo had tightly compact soil around its roots that I found almost impossible to break off without tearing out all its roots with it! It was completely bone dry, I think that is what you all meant by hydrophobic; it was so tight and dry no water was getting through. In the photo you can see some water droplets, where I sprayed lightly with a spray bottle onto the dry soil. All the arrangements you see above are temporary, my main goal is to prepare them all for the nice, larger planter I am creating. I live outside of the US, so I am afraid any brand names or chain stores you mention won't be of any use to me, 'tis why I am trying to make with the best I have, or find similar products by other names. I do realize I have regular potting soil, I went out and got some grit, like small pebbles and clean sand, witch which I plan to mix it altogether like suggested....See Morehow much light does this succulent need? and name?
Comments (15)Do not pull them out to see if they rooted. If you really have to know, just tug cutting gently - just enough to feel if there is any resistance. If yes, that means roots started growing and are anchoring the plant. If I had some cuttings in water, I would take them out and set them on some paper towels to dry off. They could be gently wiped off too. I would then make sure stems are not too soft or discolored - that is likely sign of rot. If some parts are, they should be cut off or possible mold/rot could spread. After a day or so, I would stick them into mix. I prefer to let them callus first, since 'open wounds' are easy to get infections. I do not water rootless cuttings for a while, usually when the roots started to grow or some new growth is visible - that usually happens when some roots have grown. Without roots, there is no 'transportation' of water to rest of plant. I have at least 45-50 pots of cuttings right now (few have more than 1 cutting) and all look like they are rooting. Some I am sure of - they have been potted longer, some I just potted in past few days and it is too early to tell. I do not use any rooting hormones or fungicides; sometimes I dust lightly with cinnamon powder, but only on big cuts. This is how I do it and have to say that vast majority of cuttings root - leaves or stem cuttings. Maybe not 100%, but definitely over 90%. There are few plants that are more difficult to root, but pretty well all I can see in your photos should....See Moregardenwombat (6b)
6 years ago
Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
6 years ago
jaittasa
6 years agoThat's still not a lot of light IMO, only 4800 lumens thrown in every direction around the bulb, reflected light isn't as efficient as direct light. So the only direct light they're getting is from the tips of the bulbs. You'd do better if you replaced the CFLs with LEDs, that way all the light would go downwards. How does 20 watts and 2500~ lumens directly to the plants sound?
gardenwombat (6b)
6 years agoKara, I have no idea! I wish I knew, lol.
jaittasa, I am actually upgrading to a T5 HO light. I just ordered the Agrobrite 2 ft 4 lamp which is 8000 lumens. I think the current setup is pretty good but it could be better which is why I'm upgrading. That, and it will be nice to only have 1 cord to deal with, lol.
Some before and afters with my current setup:
Could it be better? Sure, that's why I'm upgrading but so far, I think my plants are pretty happy. They certainly weren't happy before sitting in a window hoping to soak up enough light. :(
Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA