Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Friday - May 04, 2012

From: Vernon, CT
Region: Northeast
Topic: General Botany, Non-Natives, Seeds and Seeding
Title: Beans growing under artificial light from Vernon CT
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What bean plant will grow the best under a flourescent,spot gro light,green transparent light,or Natural light and why.What caused it to grow like it did?

ANSWER:

We assume this is another Science Fair Project. Please read this previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer. In the previous case, it was lettuce, in this case beans, none of which are native to North America, which puts it out of our area of expertise. Plus, we are centered on native plants for gardens, outside, and not on artificial lights. Afraid you're going to have to do the experiment. The previous article also gives you links to artificial light information.

 

More Non-Natives Questions

Failure to bloom of non-native Althea in Oklahoma
August 17, 2008 - I have 2 Althea bushes that will not bloom. For the past 2 years, they become covered in buds, which eventually yellow, but never open. The buds are fully developed. This year the branches have starte...
view the full question and answer

Trimming non-native plants
November 21, 2009 - What time of year is best to trim my Alamanda cathartica, and also my Plumbago auriculata? Thanks
view the full question and answer

Transplanting non-native sago palms in Gonzales, TX
January 24, 2011 - How to harvest Sago palm pups. I have 2 very old sago palms and they have loads of new starts (pups) coming off of the plant. I want to cut some pups and start some new plants without harming the pare...
view the full question and answer

Esperanza failing to bud out in Georgetown TX
March 28, 2010 - I planted esperanza shrubs last summer and they did well. I did not prune them back in the winter. They are not showing any signs of life (No greenery) Will the plants start to form leaves and flow...
view the full question and answer

Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
March 27, 2014 - https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827 This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.