Things to Know for Growing Succulents under Artificial or Grow Lights

Being a succulent lover, you already know that succulents need a good amount of sunlight to grow successfully. However, there are times when there’s not enough sunlight, particularly during colder months when days get shorter. At this moment, succulent grow lights play an important role. In this blog, you will learn everything about the best grow lights for succulents.

Do Succulents Need a Grow Light?

Succulents are some of the most popular plants for indoor gardening. They’re easy to care for and can survive with little water, making them perfect for people who don’t have much time or patience. But there is one thing that people are confused about- whether they need a grow light or not.

If your windowsill offers enough sunlight to your succulents, then you don’t need them. However, grow lights for succulents can help your houseplant thrive indoors by mimicking natural sunlight. Succulent grow lights are really helpful during winter months when sunlight isn’t as strong. Lack of light exposure can lead to color change and etiolation, and grow lights can help prevent these issues.

What are the Types of Grow Lights for Indoor Succulents?

There are different types of grow lights for indoor succulents. They include fluorescent, LED, and HID lamps. If you’re looking to buy a new light or upgrade your current one, here is everything you need to know about each type.

You can learn about the benefits and disadvantages of each type so that you can make an informed decision on what kind of light do succulents need.

1. Fluorescent Grow Light

Fluorescent grow lights for succulents have been around for years. They are available in various shapes and sizes, with the most popular options being T5, T8, and T12 tubes. The T5 grow lamp for succulents is believed to be an ideal choice as it performs excellent compared to other models of these lamps. 

However, if you have a shortage of space for succulent lamps, you can always consider CFL ones. The compact fluorescent lights are best for a smaller number of succulents at home or office. 

Fluorescent lamps are loved by plant lovers for multiple options. From red to UV light for succulents, you can get your hands on the “Full-spectrum” variety. They are commonly known as “cool” lights. 

If you’re using CFL succulent lamps, you need to be careful about the placement of grow lights. They provide more heat as compared to other fluorescent tubes so make sure you place them at distance. This will ensure proper light exposure to your favorite indoor plants.

2. LED Grow Lights for Succulents

The LED grow lights for succulents are another option to ensure healthy houseplants. It can provide succulents with the precise wave-length of light that only these plants care about: blue and red! That's why this type of plant needs more than just general household bulbs, they need specifically made ones with a narrow spectrum to take full advantage. This further helps in energy-saving. 

It is important to know about its disadvantages too. LED grow lights for succulents are low-intensity and less powerful. Therefore, they cannot offer UV light succulents with enough light, making them look sun-stressed.

3. HID Succulent Grow Light Bulb

HID lamps, also known as High-intensity Discharge lights for succulents are mostly preferred for commercial growth purposes where a large number of succulents are grown. It is the most expensive and powerful grow light for indoor plants.

What are the succulent light requirements?

Once you find the best grow lights for indoor succulents, it’s time for installation. Locate a spot in your home where you can place your succulents and lights at the right distance. Make sure you keep them at the perfect distance for proper growth. If you keep them too close, then high heat exposure will destroy your plants. If there is too much distance between them, there would be a lack of lighting due to which they won’t grow successfully. Usually, the distance between succulents and lights should be minimum 6 inches and less than 40 inches. However, the precise distance can vary depending on other factors. 

When using fluorescent or LED bulbs with no additional device, you can place the succulents at a distance of 10 inches. In case you're having larger succulents at home, a 6-inch distance is good. 

The succulent light requirements also depend on their heat tolerance. Therefore, here are some fundamental tips that will help you ensure a balanced heat exposure to your indoor plants.

Tip #1: Distance for Fluorescent and LED succulent light lamp

If you are using LED succulent lamps, a distance of 18 to 24 inches from the plants is recommended for a nice growth. If you have fluorescent succulent bulbs, keep them at a distance of 6 to 12 inches. 

Tip #2: Right Color Temperature

To support your succulents’ growth, ensure proper color temperature. The right color temperature for them is 6500K i.e. bright blue light. If you wish that your succulent blooms, a yellow-white light or 3000K color temperature is good. 

Tip #3: Give a break when growing Succulents with Artificial light

Just like succulents take a break from natural sunlight outside, it’s important to give them a break inside too. How many hours should grow lights be used? When growing succulents with artificial lights, turn the lights off for some hours. It’s good to expose them for around 12 to 14 hours every day. 

Tip #4: Often Change the Position of the Succulents for Proper Grow Light Exposure

When your succulents are outside, they get an equal amount of sunlight from all sides, stimulating ideal growth. However, this isn’t the case with indoor succulents and grow lights. You need to ensure proper lighting by often changing the position of plants. 

When you place your succulents inside the home, it becomes even more important to care for them as they’re not exposed to natural nourishment. With the best grow lights and ideal watering, you can keep them happy, fresh, and alive indoors.