Saintpaulia species (wild African violets) flourished in deep shadow in nature. Today’s hybrids can withstand stronger light, but they prefer to grow on a windowsill in natural light. Violets that receive enough light will grow more compactly and bloom more frequently.
When natural light is insufficient or unavailable, an alternate lighting system can be used to replace or supplement it. It’s not easy to pick a lighting system. Modern options differ in terms of energy efficiency, heat output, and how the spectrum of light is exhibited. The products available are always changing and improving.
To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of light systems used by a number of well-known farmers in various parts of the United States.
Best Grow Lights For African Violets
Conclusion
To verify if African violets are receiving the proper illumination temps from window lighting or grow lights, invest in a light meter. Between 900 and 1100 foot candles is the ideal lighting intensity for African violets. This corresponds to a brightness of 10,000 to 20,000 lux. As your violets become closer to or further away from your source, the intensity of the lighting will rise or decrease, which is why violets sunburn in a southern-facing window in the summer and violets too close to bright grow lights will also sunburn. Grow lights for regular African violets should be mounted 18 to 20 inches from the plants’ crowns.
