Growing indoor plants in a controlled environment can be a great way to give your plants the attention they deserve. Unlike plants that need full sun to survive, indoor plants do not benefit from direct sunlight in buildings. However, grow lights can act as a stand-in for real sun during cloudy days. There are many types of grow lights, including LED plant lights that are becoming more affordable. These lights are a great choice for growing plants indoors, especially those that require a bright light.
You should place the light about six to 12 inches away from the plant, depending on its height. Keep in mind that fluorescent and LED bulbs are brighter than incandescent lights, and you may want to place them farther from the top of seedlings. Lights should be adjusted every two to three weeks to compensate for the changes in plant growth. In addition to using grow lights correctly, you should ground them to avoid any electrical shocks or fire hazards.
Although fluorescent bulbs are cheaper than LEDs, they also have some drawbacks. They are less efficient than LEDs, and their short lifespan means they aren’t the most suitable choice for most plants. Plus, they contain mercury, which can leach out as vapor when broken. Therefore, it’s best to choose a bulb with a high PAR (photon-per-meter) and low in watts (PAR), as they provide adequate light intensity.
Another type of grow light is a clip-on style. You can clip it on the edge of your table, and then set the timer to turn it on and off when needed. A light bar is an ideal option if you don’t have much space to spare. Light bars can be attached to the underside of cabinetry or the edge of a table. They are great for small plants. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a grow light today!
To give your indoor plants the most sunlight possible, make sure that the lights are close to the soil. Plants should be about four to eight inches apart. This will give the plants sufficient room to grow and to allow you to prune and care for them. The lighting should be sufficient to illuminate the entire planting area. You may have to purchase multiple bulbs to cover the entire area. Some lighting options are hanging lights that simulate natural sunlight. Hanging lights, on the other hand, cover the entire plant area, which allows for maximum exposure of the leaves to the artificial light.
If you’re growing plants that require higher light intensity, the amount of artificial lights in your home is not sufficient. You may need to buy special lamps to provide the necessary light. Some plants need 1,000 foot-candles, and these bulbs emit about twenty to thirty watts per square foot. Besides, fixtures with three to four fluorescent tubes are required for these plants. If you are growing indoor plants in a small area, then you can buy a low-watt fluorescent light for your plants.