Standard Fluorescent bulbs (T12) on the other hand, are weaker in intensity and a good option only if your light needs are modest, for instance when starting seeds or supplementing naturally available light. Their efficiency and flexibility make T5 fluorescent bulbs a great choice. They offer enough light for sun-loving plants. They give off low heat so they can be positioned near plants and are generally easy to set up in flexible configurations.

Amongst traditional types of artificial light sources, fluorescent high intensity (T5) bulbs offer high output efficiency (low watts are needed to produce high light value) and relative economy. Standard LED lights are not designed for plant growth look for full-spectrum grow bulbs specifically designed for horticulture. These LED (Light-emitting diode) bulbs can be purchased from many different vendors but you will get the most guidance from a horticultural supplier or plant nursery. They are expensive compared with some other options, but reliable and very long-lasting. Specialized horticultural lights have become increasingly available and are most houseplant owners' choice for high intensity light with relatively little plant-scorching heat. What are the best types of artificial lights for home use? Give them only about 10 hours of artificial light per day until buds form. Short-day plants that typically bloom in winter (Christmas cactus, African violet and poinsettia are examples) are exceptions that need short-day photoperiods provided by artificial light to flourish. Most flowering houseplants are long-day plants that bloom when the sunlit hours outnumber the hours of darkness. And remember that all plants need some hours of darkness to remain healthy. These are estimates and you will need to think about how high your particular plants' light needs are and what is available from natural sources. The type and strength of the artificial light you choose will also impact the number of hours that will be necessary.įor most plants getting some natural light, 12 to 14 hours of artificial light should do but plants can need over 16 hours of supplemental light if there is little natural light. The amount of artificial light needed will depend upon a plant's natural light needs and the amount of light it is getting without an artificial supplement. Not all houseplants need artificial light, but if yours demonstrate a need for supplemental light in the winter or are in a low-light position there are a few things to keep in mind.Īrtificial light is not as strong as natural sunlight. Cornflowers growing under artificial light photo courtesy of Flickr cc/Vicky Brock How many hours of supplemental light do my houseplants need?

Artificial sunlight