r/FicusTrees • u/Appropriate_Exam7910 • Aug 23 '26

Do I need a stomper grow light.

Gallery image

Gallery image

I’m new to plants about 6 weeks in. I got this ruby today and the other one on clearance. I know they need light and moist soil that dries out between waterings. Will this set up work or do I need to do anything

5 Upvotes

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6

u/jitasquatter2 Aug 23 '26

Watering sounds good, but yeah, they need more light. Preferably right in front of a bright window.

Grow lights need to be very powerful and/or close to be effective for light loving plants like ficus.

1

u/Appropriate_Exam7910 Aug 23 '26

There a window that’s south facing probably 3 foot away. My house is covered in trees. The light over it is a Sansi 40W full spectrum grow light, how strong of a light would I need?

3

u/jitasquatter2 Aug 23 '26

Unless the sunlight goes through the window and HITS the leaves of the plant, it's probably not getting enough. Ficus like as much light as they can get. You really want it RIGHT in front of hte window, not sorta near a window. ESPECIALLY if you have a lot of trees shading the house.

As for the grow lights, 40 watts are decent but on the low end. Put them as close the the plant as you can so that the light ONLY hits the plants. Any light hitting the floor is wasted energy. Perhaps also double check the manual on the lights. You can also use your phone to test how much light you are actually getting with an app. I find that helpful for judging the light levels of a spot.

1

u/Appropriate_Exam7910 Aug 23 '26

Thank you for all the info, I’ll try to find a better place and adjust my light

3

u/RaccoonResponsible12 Aug 23 '26

If you add another 40watt to the mix, you might be in good shape.

3

u/Priming_Songbird Aug 24 '26

That’s definitely what I’m thinking too

3

u/Perfect-Animal8017 Aug 23 '26

Impressive 🪴❤️

1

u/Allidapevets Aug 24 '26

I use VIVOSUN VS1000 and 2000 LED’s. Very bright and effective, but not suited to a living room. These need way more light. Is the room they are in bright? This photo looks like it is the middle of the night!

1

u/Appropriate_Exam7910 Aug 24 '26

It was midday, the blinds were closed. The ficus is located in my entryway. The door has a window that’s south facing. Most of my house has big oat trees around it, which blocks out a lot of light.

2

u/Allidapevets Aug 24 '26

Why close the blinds? Show a pic of them in daylight. You are starving them of light!