How long will plants survive without proper lighting?

[George9]

This will never happen with me, but I just was curious how long it would take them to die with basic lighting.

 

[mudraker]

Depends on what type of plants.

Most won't last long, but some lowlight varieties can stay healthy for quite awhile.

I know this because I forgot java fern in a bowl under my tank for months, and it stayed alive. I have other examples.

 

[fort384]

Agreed with mudraker... some plants are hardy and can survive for weeks or even a couple months without proper lighting. More sensitive plants would start to show signs of deficiency in less than a week.

 

[amesdrew]

My plants are just starting to die, and I have had them in there for over 6 months now... Guess it is time to purchase that new T5HO setup!

 

[mudraker]

What kind of plants do you have? You may also need to fertilize or think about excel or co2.

 

[George9]

how long would it take for cabomba to die? I have T5HO lighting, i just want to know what would happen if I didn't

 

[fort384]

Cabomba would start to show signs of lighting deficiency after a couple weeks. It doesn't last long in low light.