Maximizing heat and light in palm grow rooms

[Stethoscope]

Hello everyone,

I have an East facing living room with most of my palms close to he balcony doors. Direct sun exposure is limited to about 5-6 hours of light per day. I wanted to know if there were ways I could increase the amount of light reaching my palms by reflecting it off the walls using objects such as mirrors, mylar etc. What do you guys think? Any real experience with said materials? I presume heat will also increase using this method, which of course, is always welcome. 

When I google the topic most of the info pertains to marijuana grow-ops that focus on reflecting artificial lamp light.

Thank you.

 

[User00]

Hello,

i don't have any experience with indoor lighting because im living in tropics. reflecting light with mirrors is good idea.if you growing tropical palms 5-6 light hours are low. it very good for them but when heat increase make sure palms have some humidity but not too much fungus may develop

hope it help little

[sashaeffer]

Saw a post on PT about a guy growing a cocoanut palm outdoors in a marginal climate with limited sun for where it was planted and the owner had some mirrors propped up to direct more light onto the palm itself (it was about 4ft tall as I remember) Guess it was working for him, but I wondered if at any time the focus of the light might be too much and actually damage the palm.

[PalmatierMeg]

Even 5-6 hours of reflected winter sunlight sounds like too little for a palm that craves heat and sun. Consider adding special grow lights to your mix. They will add light and needed heat as most northern homes are too dark & cold for tropical palms. Also, prepare to up the humidity level significantly through use of a humidifier. Setting the pot on a tray of wet rocks isn't enough.