Grow Light for Eucharis: Light for the Amazon Lily Indoors
A grow light for eucharis gives the Amazon lily the bright shade it likes in a room with weak windows. NC State Extension now lists the plant as Urceolina amazonica, a tropical evergreen bulb with hosta like leaves plus fragrant flowers.
The short answer
NC State notes the Amazon lily prefers 50 percent dappled or bright shade. That fits medium light, which University of Maryland Extension puts at 100 to 500 footcandles. Set plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the lamp per Missouri. Cap the lamp at 16 hours a day.
How much light does the Amazon lily need?
NC State notes dappled or bright shade suits it. Missouri gives 500 to 1,000 footcandles from artificial light for medium light plants. Maryland notes too little light makes plants leggy.
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 50 percent dappled or bright shade | NC State |
| Medium band | 100 to 500 fc | Maryland |
| Lamp distance | 6 to 12 inches from tips | Missouri |
| Cold limit | Injury below 68 degrees F | NC State |
| Bulbs per pot | 4 to 5 in a 6 inch pot | NC State |
Source: NC State Extension, University of Maryland Extension plus University of Missouri Extension.
How warm should it stay under a lamp?
NC State notes the plant is frost tender plus can be injured below 68 degrees F.
How should eucharis be potted?
NC State advises setting the tip of the neck above the soil, 4 to 5 bulbs per 6 inch pot, in well drained, evenly moist soil. They flower well when pot bound plus dislike disturbance, it notes. UF/IFAS describes a bulb as a short stem wrapped in fleshy scales that store food.
How to: step by step
- Plant 4 to 5 bulbs in a 6 inch pot.
- Set the neck tips above the soil.
- Place the lamp 6 to 12 inches from the tips.
- Run it no more than 16 hours a day.
- Hold the room over 68 degrees F.
- Repot only when needed.
Troubleshooting
Leggy leaves: too little light. Maryland notes low light makes plants leggy.
Damaged leaves in a cool room: cold. NC State notes injury below 68 degrees F.
Few blooms after repotting: disturbance. NC State notes bulbs dislike it.
For lighting see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Urceolina amazonica (Amazon lily), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
- Other geophytes, UF IFAS Plant Propagation
FAQ
What light does the Amazon lily like?
NC State Extension notes it prefers 50 percent dappled or bright shade. University of Maryland Extension puts medium light at 100 to 500 footcandles, a band a lamp can supply.
How far should a lamp sit from eucharis?
University of Missouri Extension advises plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the light source. It notes light drops quickly as the distance from the lamp grows.
How many hours should the lamp run?
University of Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours of light a day, since most plants need a dark period. A timer sets the same schedule daily.
What temperature suits eucharis?
NC State Extension notes the Amazon lily is frost tender plus can be injured below 68 degrees F. Set the pot away from cold windows in winter.
Should eucharis be repotted often?
NC State Extension notes the bulbs flower well when pot bound plus dislike disturbance. It advises repotting only when necessary, with 4 to 5 bulbs per 6 inch pot.
