Some landlords greatly limit your decorating options. One of the best ways to make a pleasant change without breaking any rules is by purchasing a few plants. A nice palm tree can add a lot of character to a living space. However, you will need to monitor the amount of light you give to your plant, or else what started as a beautiful thick bunch of leaves can quickly turn into a lonely, crinkled stick.

Plants and flowers crave light in order to grow, to form pigment and even in some cases to germinate. When light hits a plant, some is reflected back, some is absorbed, and some is transmitted through the leaves. All of these processes affect a plant's photosynthesis - the process in which plants convert sunlight into food energy.

In order to avoid any stick-y situations, you need to make sure your plant is getting an adequate amount of light. The experts at Luster Leaf Products, makers of Rapitest® light meters, advise that each plant has individual needs, and different types require different amounts of light. In order to find out just how much light your plant needs, Luster Leaf suggests you invest in a light intensity meter. These can be found at your local garden center and generally cost $30.00.

Light meters are designed specifically to measure the amount of light your plant is receiving. When you purchase your light meter, you should also receive a table of light requirements so you can determine if your plant is below the minimum, above the maximum or getting the right amount of light.

If your reading shows too little light, relocating the plant closer to a window is the best answer. If, however, you live in a home with few windows, you may choose to supplement natural lighting with artificial lighting. Cool white and warm white tube lights provide both infrared and ultraviolet light while throwing off little heat - an asset in a small space.

For too much light, you can move the plant further from the light source, or try to shield the plant by reducing the light source with a shade or curtain.

Don't depend on your eye and gut instinct when determining what your plants need. The light intensity meter will allow you to see exactly what your plant requires, and you'll be able to replace any naked tree stems with vibrant, rich leaves and flowers.

Luster Leaf Experts also provide the following tips:

• To inhibit the growth of algae, use a container that does not transmit light.
• Plants depend on light intensity and duration more so than temperature.
• As a general rule, plants with thick leaves can take low light and thin leaves need high light intensities
• When days are longest, plants do noticeably better.
• East-west windows are considered sunny whereas south windows may emit too much sun and should be curtained or screened.
• Day-length determines when certain plants bloom.
• Clean windows emit maximum light whereas screens reduce light intensities as much as 25%.
• Other factors limiting photosynthesis are carbon dioxide levels, temperature, water supply and the quantity of light.
• The lack of sufficient light affects both the external form of the plant and the rate of elongation.
• Plants grown in insufficient light have tall, spindly stems, leaves that fail to expand and both leaves and stems are pale yellow.
• The greatest response to light and shade is shown by the leaf.
• Moderate shading tends to reduce transpiration more than photosynthesis.
• Fluorescent lamps are cooler and do not burn plants, however incandescent lamps too close to foliage can also cause damage.
• Don't spray or mist plants in direct sunlight, water on leaves cause scorch marks.
• Trees and shrubs near windows reduce light intensity and a white house or driveway next door will increase light intensity due to reflection.

For more information on light intensity meters, write to Luster Leaf Products, Inc.; 2220 Techcourt; Woodstock, IL 60098.

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Published: October 6, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Kate Kemp only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.