Succulents are sun-loving plants. Growing them indoors may not supply them with adequate sunshine. Particularly around the winter months when the days are shorter. Grow lights come into action at this point. There is a large variety of grow lights to choose from.
Can Succulents Grow in Fluorescent Light?
Yes, succulent plants can successfully be grown under the right Fluorescent Lights at a safe distance. During the winter, grow lights can be used to replace direct sunlight.
Fluorescent Grow Lights for Succulents
Fluorescent lighting
has been used for many years. T5, T8, and T12 are the three most common varieties used among growers.
Because of its superior performance, the T5 fluorescent growth lamp is the best of the three.
Small Bulbs for Small Amlunt of Succulents on your Desk
If you don’t have enough room for the long tube, you can opt for the CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) option. It comes in a set of several tiny bulbs that fit into a single round flat bottom base.
When you have a small number of succulents on your desk at home or work, this is an excellent choice of grow light.
Fluorescent Lighting Is Popular
Growers like fluorescent lighting because it frequently provides a ‘complete spectrum’ of light, extending from red to ultraviolet. These lights are also known as ‘white/blue,’ ‘cool,’ or ‘daylight.’
Not Too Close to the Plants
Keep in mind that CFL bulbs can produce a lot of heat due to their high output. When using them, keep them farther away from your plant than a regular fluorescent tube.
If too close the heat can damage your plants. The lights are pleasing to the eye and give enough light for succulents to thrive during the winter months.
During The Winter – Not Enough Sunlight
Indoor succulents, in general, do not require a grow light. If your window receives direct sunlight throughout the day, your succulents will be able to thrive even in the winter without the use of grow lights.
During the winter, however, succulents typically do not receive enough sunlight, resulting in etiolation and loss of color. These problems can be avoided by investing in an appropriate grow light.
What are Grow Lights?
Grow light is neither a technical word nor a one-of-a-kind piece of technology. Because plants are not particular about where they get their light, any light can be used as a ‘grow light.’
The spectrum of light that grow lights emit when powered, distinguishes them from conventional lights. The light from a standard bulb is ‘soft’ and/or ‘warm.’
Temperatures
Lights’ ‘temperature’ is measured in Kelvin (K) rather than Fahrenheit, which is why 2700K lamps are used. Warm lights are yellowish in appearance and have a low lumen (light power) rating.
Full Spectrum Lights
‘Full-spectrum lights are commonly used in grow lights although not always. That is why they contain the entire visible spectrum of light.
From red to violet, as well as a bit extra on both sides – a little ultraviolet light can be useful.
These lights are commonly referred to as ‘white/blue,’ ‘cool,’ or ‘daylight,’ and their Kelvin temperatures range from 3500K to 6500K.
They do not work any differently than other lights. The components used in the manufacturing of a lightbulb determine the spectrum it produces.
Full-spectrum bulbs are available in a wide range of wattages, voltages, sizes, and bases.
How to Use Grow Light for Succulents
After you have chosen the right ones, it is time to set up your succulent grow lights.
Find a location in your home where you can put the plants and the lighting.
Safe Distance From the Plants
Remember, it’s crucial to keep your succulents at a safe distance from the light. If it’s too close, the heat from the bulbs will burn your succulents. If it’s too far away, there won’t be enough light for the succulent to thrive.
In general, it should be at least six inches and no more than 40 inches long. The precise distance is determined by a variety of other factors.
A ten-inch spacing is sufficient when using LED or fluorescent bulbs that aren’t gimmicks. You can shorten the distance to six inches with larger succulents.
The plants’ tolerance to heat and light also influences the distance. Maintaining the finest light and heat for your plants while consuming minimal electricity is a tricky balance.
The water inside the cells of leaves, trunks, and stems may heat up if they are within five inches of proximity to the light. Your plant will eventually dehydrate or burn as a result of the lack of water.
The Following Are Some Fundamental Grow-Lighting Guidelines:
- It’s advised that fluorescent tube lights and bulbs be placed six to12 inches apart from your succulents. The optimal distance for LED lighting is 18 to 24 inches.
- The optimal color temperature for promoting succulent development is 6500k. A 3000k light is preferable if you want your plant to bloom.
- If your plant is a monocarpic succulent, be aware that too much light may cause it to bloom.
- You will not have to keep the lights on all the time. It’s good to give your plants a break from the light to allow them to breathe.
- As a general guideline, your plants should be exposed to light for 12-14 hours per day. Allowing the plants to sit at one angle of the light source is not a good idea.
- Instead, rotate the plants once a week to ensure that they receive the same amount of light on all sides.
- Keep a watch on your succulents when you bring them indoors to see how they behave and modify accordingly.
- Your succulents will be healthy and happy within your apartment with the suitable grow light and hydration regimen.
Finding The Best Grow Light
A wide range of grow lights are now available on the market, thanks to advances in technology. Fluorescent and LED grow lights are the most frequent types of indoor succulent grow lights.
Light Emitting Diode Grow Light (LED)
The LED grow lamp is effective because it emits specific wavelengths of light to your plants.
What Effect Does It Have On Your Succulents?
Succulents, like many other plants, are solely interested in blue and red light. LED lights are designed to provide an extremely restricted spectrum of light to succulents, practically only one hue.
They conserve more energy and produce less heat as a result of this than CFL bulbs.
Is LED Lighting Superior To Fluorescent Lighting In Terms Of Quality And Cost?
Yes, it is less expensive, but that doesn’t imply it is better. Giving your succulents a specific form of light causes them to act differently.
When exposed to certain red or blue light, your succulents may be encouraged to bloom rather than grow.
The most significant disadvantage of LED lighting is that it lacks the UV light succulents require to achieve a ‘sun-stress color.’
So, for the entire winter, your succulents will only be green.
Furthermore, when compared to fluorescent light’s ‘white light,’ the color of LED light may be unappealing.
High-Intensity Discharge and Metal Halide
The use of this sort of grow light is uncommon among home gardeners. It is employed in commercial and large-scale growing operations.
It is also the most costly and effective in terms of producing intense light and heat.
Final Thoughts on Can Succulents Grow in Fluorescent Light?
Succulents are amazing plants and there are so many to choose from – all of them attractive and relatively easy to maintain.
They are simple to cultivate, very flexible, pest-free, and require little upkeep. They are a pleasure to own.
How can you not have at least one succulent? They are fantastic for creating a wonderful green space in any house, office, or garden.
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