Grow Light for Veltheimia: Winter Growth plus Summer Dormancy
A grow light for veltheimia fills in during winter, when this bulb grows actively plus windows are dim. Veltheimia bracteata, the forest lily, blooms in late winter to early spring.
The short answer
NC State Extension advises a bright location without direct sunlight. 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. Run the lamp no more than 16 hours a day.
When does veltheimia need the most light?
NC State notes it grows through winter plus blooms in late winter to early spring. After bloom it dies back plus rests for a time. New leaves appear in late summer into fall, so the lamp matters most from fall to spring.
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, no direct sun | NC State |
| Medium band | 100 to 500 fc | Maryland |
| Lamp distance | 6 to 12 inches from tips | Missouri |
| Active growth | Through winter | NC State |
| New leaves | Late summer into fall | NC State |
Source: NC State Extension, University of Maryland Extension plus University of Missouri Extension.
What happens after it blooms?
NC State notes dieback begins after bloom plus the plant is dormant for a period. UF/IFAS notes geophytes store food underground to wait out dry seasons. The lamp can go off during dormancy.
What pot suits veltheimia?
NC State advises a pot that allows a few years of growth. Buds point up, then arch, then nod as they open, it notes.
How to: step by step
- Pick a pot with room for a few years of growth.
- Set the lamp 6 to 12 inches from the tips.
- Run it no more than 16 hours a day.
- Light it from fall through spring.
- Let leaves die back after bloom.
- Restart the lamp when new leaves show.
Troubleshooting
Leggy leaves: too little light. Maryland notes low light makes plants leggy.
Leaves dying in spring: normal dormancy. NC State notes dieback follows bloom.
Eaten buds: caterpillars. NC State notes they may eat buds.
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
- Veltheimia bracteata (forest 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 veltheimia like?
NC State Extension advises a bright location without direct sunlight. A lamp set 6 to 12 inches from the tips, as University of Missouri Extension advises, can supply it.
When does veltheimia grow?
NC State Extension notes it grows through winter, blooms in late winter to early spring, then dies back plus goes dormant. New leaves appear in late summer into fall.
Should the lamp run during dormancy?
NC State Extension notes the plant is dormant for a period after bloom. With no leaves to light, the lamp can wait until new leaves appear in late summer.
How many hours of light does it need?
University of Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours of light a day, since most plants need a dark period.
What pot size suits veltheimia?
NC State Extension advises choosing a pot that will allow a few years of growth. It grows as a houseplant or a container plant away from freezing temperatures.
