Maddie James
Candles are made from wax and a wick, and when lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax, which is then drawn up the wick and ignites, creating a flame. As the wax is consumed, the candle shortens, and the wick burns down. While candles do not physically grow, there are now growing candles available, which can be repurposed as planters once the wax has been consumed. Alternatively, you can make your own scented candles using herbs from your garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transforms into | Houseplants |
| Comes with | Seeds, activated charcoal, plant food |
| Scent | Basil |
| Container | Ceramic vessel |
| Other features | Environmentally thoughtful, can be used as a gift |
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What You'll Learn
'Growing' candles are a gift idea
"Growing candles" are a unique gift idea for any occasion. These candles are designed not only to be burned and enjoyed but also to be transformed into beautiful houseplants once they have burned down. This eco-friendly concept offers a delightful experience and makes for a thoughtful gift.
The growing candle concept is simple yet innovative. The candle is typically housed in an aesthetically pleasing ceramic vessel, which can be reused as a planter. Some companies, like Hyggelight, include a plant label made with seeds, allowing you to repurpose the candle container as a planter and grow flowers or herbs. This two-in-one product not only provides the ambiance of a candle but also the joy of growing your own plants.
Modern Sprout's "Glow and Grow" candle is another excellent example of a growing candle. This candle comes in a raised ceramic holder and includes activated charcoal and plant food. As the candle burns, it fills your space with a delightful aroma, such as the scent of basil. Once the candle has burned down, you can use the included seeds, along with the activated charcoal and plant food, to transform the holder into a miniature herb garden.
Growing candles are a wonderful gift idea for anyone who appreciates cozy ambiance, unique experiences, and eco-friendly products. They are perfect for housewarmings, graduations, or even as a thoughtful "just because" gift. Not only do they create a relaxing atmosphere with their scent and warm glow, but they also provide the recipient with an activity to nurture and grow their own plants.
The concept of growing candles combines the joy of candlelight with the satisfaction of growing something from scratch. It encourages sustainability by reusing the candle container and offers a fun project for those with a green thumb or those looking to venture into plant care. So, the next time you're looking for a gift that is both charming and functional, consider a growing candle.
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How to make scented candles with herbs
There are various ways to make scented candles with herbs. Firstly, you will need to choose a wax. Soy wax flakes are a popular option as they burn cleaner with little soot released and are non-toxic. Coconut and beeswax are also options. Next, you will need to select your herbs. Popular choices include lavender, rosemary, mint, chamomile, and eucalyptus. You can use dried herbs or steep chopped herbs in hot wax for a period of time to allow the fragrance to be incorporated into the wax. The wax is then strained before making the candle.
To make the candle, melt your chosen wax in a pot over low to medium heat. Stir the wax with a wooden spoon or chopstick. Once melted, add your chosen herbs and 60 to 100 drops of essential oil. The amount of essential oil depends on the type and potency of the oil. If you want a stronger scent, fragrance oils are a better option than essential oils. However, essential oils are the most natural option.
Next, anchor your wicks to the bottom of your chosen jars using a bit of wax. Tape the wicks upright to a horizontal chopstick or pen/pencil. Pour the wax into the jars and let the wax cool and solidify. This takes about 20 minutes but can take longer. Wrapping the jars in washcloths can help prevent the wax from cooling too quickly and shrinking or cracking. Once set, trim the top of the wicks to one inch. To preserve their fragrance longer, store your herbal candles in an airtight container.
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The chemical process of a burning candle
The liquid wax combines with oxygen in the air to form a flame, and this is known as combustion. The combustion process converts the hydrocarbons in the wax into carbon dioxide and water vapour. The hottest part of the flame is just above the blue part of the flame, where the temperature can reach 1400°C. This is where the hydrocarbon molecules break apart into hydrogen and carbon atoms. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water vapour, and some of the carbon burns to form carbon dioxide.
The dark orange/brown region of the flame has less oxygen, and this is where the carbon particles continue to break down and form hardened carbon particles. These particles, along with the water vapour and carbon dioxide, are heated to around 1000°C as they rise. At the bottom of the yellow zone of the flame, the formation of carbon soot particles increases. As they rise further, they heat up and ignite, emitting a full spectrum of visible light. The human eye perceives the flame as yellow because the yellow portion of the spectrum is the most dominant when the carbon ignites.
The heat from the flame travels in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction carries heat down the wick to melt more wax, and convection draws hot wax vapours out from the wick and pulls oxygen from the air into the base of the flame. The flame also gives off heat in all directions through radiation. The cycle of upward-moving air around the flame, created by the cooler air replacing the heated air, is called a convection current, and it gives the flame its teardrop shape.
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The history of candles
The use of candles as a source of light and in celebrations dates back more than 5,000 years, with the Ancient Egyptians being credited with the earliest use of candles. They made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, these did not have wicks and thus were quite different from the modern candles we know today.
The Romans were the first to make wicked candles by wrapping papyrus around twine and dipping it into tallow, a form of beef or mutton fat. This type of candle was longer-lasting and of better quality than the previous rushlights. Other ancient civilizations also invented wicked candles, using waxes derived from local plants. For example, the Chinese used rice paper wicks, while Indian tribes used wax made from the fruit of the cinnamon tree, and tribes in Alaska and Canada used dried eulachon fish, which are naturally oily, as candles.
In the Middle Ages, beginning around 500 AD, candles improved with the introduction of beeswax candles in Europe. Beeswax burned cleaner, with a pleasant smell, and without the smoky flame produced by animal-based tallow. Beeswax candles were expensive and were primarily used in churches and the houses of the wealthy.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the growth of the whaling industry brought about another significant change in candlemaking. Spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil, became available in large quantities. Spermaceti burned brighter and did not have an unpleasant odour like tallow. It was also harder than tallow or beeswax, making it more durable in warmer weather.
In the 19th century, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax, which was hard, durable, and burned cleanly. This discovery, along with the invention of a molded candle production machine, revolutionized candlemaking and allowed for the mass production of candles.
While the advent of electric lighting reduced the reliance on candles, they remain popular today as decorative items, mood-setters, and gifts, with new types of candle waxes and fragrances being developed to meet consumer demands.
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Can plants grow from candlelight?
While candles themselves do not grow, certain companies have introduced "growing" candles, which can be repurposed as planters after they have burned down. However, the question remains: Can plants grow from candlelight?
The answer is yes, but with some nuances. Plants require light for growth, and candlelight can serve as an artificial light source. In the past, candles were used in farming methods to force-grow certain crops, such as rhubarb, by providing the necessary light for their development. This technique, known as "Forced Rhubarb – Growing by Candlelight," involves covering the plants with large terracotta pots to block out external light, creating a unique atmosphere in the farming sheds.
However, the effectiveness of candlelight in promoting plant growth depends on the light absorption capabilities of the plant. Chlorophyll, the primary chemical used by plants to generate energy, has the highest light absorption in the blue/purple and red ranges of the visible spectrum. Candlelight tends to produce light closer to the red and infrared ranges, with the hottest part of the flame reaching approximately 1,400 °C (2,550 °F). Therefore, while candlelight can provide some energy for plant growth, it may not be as effective as sunlight, which covers a broader range of the visible spectrum.
To ensure sufficient energy absorption by the plant, a significant number of candles would be required to illuminate the space, akin to the brightness of sunlight. Additionally, the blue/purple range of light may be necessary for specific plant reactions, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive light spectrum.
In conclusion, while plants can grow from candlelight, the number of candles and their collective luminosity would need to be carefully considered to provide the optimal light conditions for plant growth and development.
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Frequently asked questions
No, candles do not grow. However, there are "growing" candles that can be repurposed as planters once they have burned down.
"Growing" candles are candles that can be transformed into houseplants. The candle's container can be reused as a planter, using the plant label that comes with the candle, which is embedded with seeds.
The exact mechanism of how "growing" candles work is unclear. However, it involves burning the candle, then repurposing the container as a planter using the provided plant label and seeds.
"Growing" candles are offered by companies such as Hyggelight and Modern Sprout. You can likely find similar products from other companies as well.
