Let’s look at the following for answers to commonly asked questions about window films and plants.
Don’t my plants need the UV rays that window film blocks?
According to landscape horticulturist Dr. Robert E. Moon of the Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University, the lack of UV rays does not in any way affect the natural growth of either desert or tropical plants. The only light rays that plants require for natural growth are far reds, red and blue; and these colors are not part of the UV color spectrum. Blue and Red light which plants absorb, have the greatest effect on plant growth. Blue light is responsible primarily for vegetative (leaf) growth. Thus, red light when combined with blue light encourages flowering. Plants look green to us because they reflect the green light rather than absorb it.
Don’t my plants require full natural sunlight and heat?
Most plants require far less light and heat than they now receive. Proper selection of film will provide adequate light and heat allowing your plants to grow naturally, without drying or burning leaves.
How can I tell which plants need more light than others?
Variegated plants, or light green plants require more light than darker green plants. Dark green plants have more chlorophyll and can take better advantage of available light for photosynthesis.
How much heat and light should I block without harming my plants?
Most plants will do just fine with films that have a visible light transmission of 25% or more. In the case of certain plants that require higher levels of visible light, maintain 50% light transmission or higher. As for heat, most plants will do just fine with as much as 70% heat block.
I had film installed and now some of my plants are wilting and losing color, did I go to dark or block too much heat?
It is not unusual for plants to show signs of stress (wilting or losing color) when their environment has been changed. Similar to re-potting your plant, it will take a little time to adjust to the new environment. This should correct itself within a few days if the plants are healthy to begin with. If however after a week they are not improving I would strongly recommend that they be placed in area with more sunlight or consider using a plant bulb for these particular plants.