Ok i have a couple bonsai trees and some other assorted potted plants and i wanted to know if i put plastic sheets on the windows to keep the cold from affecting the plants if that would affect how much light the plants will get. And if it does affect it, by how much? Thx for any help i can get
Yes plastic will decrease the amount of light that penetrates the window. Most clear plastics are rated for how much light they let penetrate when new and as the plastic ages, it will let in less light. You may be able to find this information online if you know the type of plastic you are going to use. Try looking up light ratings or opacity for the plastic you have or ask where you plan to buy it. I can't remember the exact numbers, but clear to slightly opaque plastics usually decrease light by about 10-30%. Ten to fifteen percent should be okay for most sunny windows.
No as long as you see the light going through this only affects pets the need to bask in the sun and get UVA/B rays from the sun for Vitamin D because plastic and glass filters out the rays not the light.
