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Horticulture Lights FAQ'S
What type of light bulb is best for growing plants indoors?
Unfortunately there is no one “best” light bulb simply because different plants have different light requirements. The options available are incandescent, best used for plants which really don’t require much light, a variety of fluorescent (including high output) light bulbs and metal halide. Fluorescents and metal halide bulbs are far more efficient and effective than incandescent. Metal halide is the most widely used because of its high “red” light output (which helps with flowering) and indoor plants grown under this type of light grow similar to how they do outside.
How many hours per day does my horticulture light need to be on?
Plants need dark to grow as much as they do light; it is a part of their natural process. It is recommended to turn off your grow light for 10-12 hours per day.
What else is needed to successfully grow plants indoors?
Aside from light plants also need water and care. Keep your plants trimmed, watered to an appropriate amount and turn them to be sure each side gets equal light. Plants also need fertilizer. Things like left over coffee and tea provide good nutrients for plants.
What is the difference between a regular incandescent bulb and a horticulture bulb like a fluorescent?
The main difference between a typical light bulb and a grow light is the light spectrum that the light bulb gives off. Light waves have a variety of temperatures from cool to warm light (1000 Kelvin to 8000 Kelvin). The sun shines all of these waves while an incandescent only hits about 2,700 K. A grow light, such as a high intensity fluorescent, can shine from 2800-6000K, making it much closer to the sun and better for growing.
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