Incandescent lights are the cheapest but they also are the least efficient and have a high heat output.įluorescent lights are probably the most well known as they provide a wide spectrum of light and put out low heat. There are three main types of light you can use in your grow light: incandescent, fluorescent and LED. Grow lights can be attached to walls, shelving, underside of cabinets, or in my case, my refrigerator via a magnet! What Type of Light Should I Use? Many offer full light spectrum or even the capability to switch between certain colors when targeting certain types of growth. Since they were designed specifically for this purpose, they will provide more even lighting, for multiple plants. Grow lights are more expensive but allow for the most plant success.

These bulbs don’t always offer a full spectrum and, because our light fixtures weren’t specifically designed for plants, you may end up with uneven lighting or difficulty placing the light source at a correct distance. This option is the cheapest but has a few downfalls. Grow bulbs are a great option in that it allows you to swap out your “human” bulbs for these plant ones in any of your current light fixtures, ceilings or lamps. To help you with this process I have outlined the key types of grow lights, the colors, and how to properly use them. Lights for plants can be full spectrum, or target one specific area, to help your plants flourish.

I have a collection of vintage tins full of succulents and cactus on top of my fridge and have been using grow lights to make sure they get their needs met and it has been a learning experience! Most lights and light bulbs are made for humans, meaning they are low on the spectrum as we are just trying to see, not absorb food. Grow lights are specifically designed to serve as a substitute for natural sunlight, allowing for photosynthesis and therefore growth, blooms or even produce. Most plants require at least a smidgeon of light to survive as light is food for plants. Having a room, or an entire home, with little to no light is a common struggle when trying to own houseplants however, grow lights allow one to establish a thriving plant collection year round.

Setting up grow lights for seedlings