Grow Light for Exacum: Persian Violet Blooming Indoors
A grow light for exacum helps Persian violet bloom on a sill or shelf indoors. NC State Extension notes the plant grows in partial shade plus does not tolerate direct sun, while University of Missouri Extension explains how electric light fills the gap in a dim room.
The short answer
A grow light for exacum works well as a full spectrum LED hung 6 to 12 inches above the tips. NC State notes Persian violet grows in partial shade plus does not tolerate direct sun, so bright but gentle light suits it. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours of light in total each day.
How much light does Persian violet need indoors?
NC State notes Persian violet does well in partial shade plus does not tolerate direct sun. It is more often grown in pots of moist, well drained potting soil. University of Minnesota Extension notes flowering plants given too little light may fail to form buds.
| Factor | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lamp height | 6 to 12 inches above tips | Flowering plants, per Missouri |
| Hours with no window light | 16 to 18 | Missouri |
| Hours with some window light | 12 to 14 | Missouri |
| Upper limit | 16 hours | Maryland |
| Lamp type | LED | Red plus blue light plants need, per Missouri |
Source: Missouri, Maryland plus University of Minnesota Extension.
Where should a grow light sit for Persian violet?
Missouri plus Minnesota advise placing flowering plants 6 to 12 inches from the light. Hang the fixture on a chain or stand so it can rise with the plant.
How many hours should the light run?
Missouri notes plants with no outdoor light need 16 to 18 hours a day, while 12 to 14 hours may do if some window light reaches them. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours in total.
How to: step by step
- Pot Persian violet in moist, well drained potting soil.
- Place it in your sunniest window or a bright room.
- Add a full spectrum LED above the plant.
- Hang the light 6 to 12 inches above the tips.
- Put the light on a timer for up to 16 hours.
- Water when the surface starts to dry so the soil remains moist.
Troubleshooting
Long, weak stems: too little light. Lower the lamp or add hours.
Pale or scorched leaves: Maryland notes too much light can turn leaves pale plus brown. Lift the lamp.
Scorched leaf edges: too much light. Raise the lamp, since NC State notes it dislikes direct sun.
For lamp setup see grow lights for cannabis, led light distance cannabis plus grow light timers. Browse cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Exacum affine (Persian violet), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Can Persian violet grow under a regular LED bulb?
A household LED gives some light, but a full spectrum grow light is brighter plus easier to aim. Missouri notes LED plant lights can emit the red plus blue light plants need. Hang the lamp 6 to 12 inches above the tips of Persian violet for useful light.
Should the light run all night?
No. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours of light in total each day plus notes too much light can turn leaves pale plus brown. Missouri notes 16 to 18 hours suits plants with no window light. A plug in timer gives Persian violet a steady day length.
How long does Persian violet bloom?
NC State notes Persian violet flowers for an extended period but is very difficult to grow on after flowering. Cuttings can be taken plus replanted to start new plants. Give a blooming plant bright, gentle light under a grow light to stretch the display as long as you can.
Do plants need a dark period?
Yes. University of Maryland Extension notes most plants require a period of darkness to develop properly. It advises lighting them for no more than 16 hours each day in total, especially when artificial light adds to window light. Set a timer so the lamp switches off at the same time each night.
Does Persian violet need direct sun?
No. NC State notes Persian violet does well in partial shade plus does not tolerate direct sun. Indoors, set it near a bright window out of direct rays, or under a grow light at 12 to 14 hours. Raise the lamp if leaves pale or scorch at the edges.
