In 1968 famous Russian botanist Andrei Famintsym was the first one to use grow light. Grow lights are artificial source of lights generally powered by electrical energy. They are designed to emit appropriate light for the process of photosynthesis and to accelerate plant growth.
These types of artificial lights are very beneficial for the areas having no sunlight or low sunlight. Also they are suitable for the seasons like winters and monsoons where the flora cannot depend upon the natural light.
Grow lights endeavor to provide light spectrum which is very similar to that of sunlight. But in addition to that they are designed as per the needs of the plant which is cultivated. The outdoor atmosphere is replicated using color techniques, temperature, spectral output and intensity of the lamp. The emission of light depends upon the plant which is grown, stage of cultivation like the germination or the flowering stage and the photo period of the plant decides the specific range of spectrum, luminous efficacy and color temperature.
Mostly grow lights are used in horticulture, indoor gardening, plant propagation and food production. Generally it is used at the industrial level but can also be used in households. But here we are going to discuss about using grow lights for succulents.
The grow lights work on the principle of inverse square law which states that the light emitting from the bulb that reaches the plant is inversely proportional to the square of plant’s distance from the bulb.
Grow lights use variety of bulbs like incandescent, fluorescent lights, high intensity discharge lamp and light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Why Use Grow Lights for Succulents?
Succulents are plants that can survive with low sunlight so the first question that arises in the mind is why do we need grow lights for succulents? Yes succulents do not need high amount of sunlight to accelerate growth but when they don’t get adequate amount of sunlight they elongate and stretch out along with losing its vibrant colours. In the days of winters and monsoon when there is no ray of sunshine succulents can lose their charm and colour. To maintain the bright colour of the plants grow light come as an aid when there is no ray of sunshine or when the plant is kept completely indoor.
Succulents are sun loving plants and full spectrum grow light is a replica of natural sunlight because sunlight is considered to be full spectrum. Full spectrum lights are the grow lights which cover the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet and all wave lengths which are useful for plants. Full spectrum lights are considered to be more diffused and yellowish which resemble the natural sunlight.
Where should we place the grow lights?
The placement of the grow light should be done in such way that succulents get the required amount of light and shadow both. Succulents are plants which love sunshine but they have a dormant period where they do not require sunlight. Usually the dormant period can stretch up to 6 hours. At this time they need to be in shade. So according to requirement of succulents it is best the grow light is kept at the distance of 3 inches to 6 inches from the plant.
For How much time should we use Grow lights?
In the mid afternoon when the sun is at its highest temperature the sunlight has 10000 lumens per square foot. So if the grow light which is used for succulents has 2000 lumens per square foot which is run for about 14 hours a day will give the same light exposure as the sunlight. But if the grow light is has high lumens it is advisable to keep the grow light at higher or farther distance from succulents because there is chance it would burn them. So it is advisable to use the grow light for about 12 to 14 hours.
How much power is consumed by grow lights?
The consumption of power depends upon the grow lights you select. For instance if your succulent has light emitting diodes it will consume less power but if it has high intensity discharge lamp it may consume more power than others. To choose the correct grow light it is suitable to buy grow lights which are labelled energy sufficient. This is because these types of lights will have high lumen count and consume low power. This way you get two benefits in one product.
Things we need to keep in mind while using grow lights for succulents
- Have sufficient amount of knowledge regarding your succulents.
- The distance between succulents and led
- Make sure it has a label of energy efficient
- Do not keep it on for a longer amount of time.
- Heat generated by grow light
- The lumens it radiates
- Dormant period of plant
- The cultivation stage of succulents
Best grow lights for succulents
Durolux t5 grow light
Manufactured by durolux company it is available in the size of 24*1*1.5 inches. It can be assembled within few seconds. It can be used in any space. It has more lumen output for faster growth. The only disadvantage is that it does not have reflective cover so it can be quiet bright.
Jumpstart grow light
Manufactured by the company hydrafarm it’s available in the size of 2 feet and 4 feet. It takes an assembling time of 15 minutes. The lights have reflective finish and falls indirectly on the leaves which avoids burning. The system is environmentally sound which uses less energy. The parts of this grow light cannot be easily replaced.
Nova led grow light
Produced by the nova company it can be assembled within minutes as it comes with hanging wire. It comes with a warranty of 5 years in the size 19*8.3*3.2 inches. It has a magnifying lens on every bulb to get the highest output. It has dual spectrum switch which provides output of 12 band full spectrum. With having so many advantages it is slightly costly.
Agrobrite fluorescent grow light system
A product of HydroFarm, it also comes with the warranty of 5 years. It is available in the size 46*13.5*3 inches. It takes almost 20 30 minutes in assembling. It is recommended if you have many succulents. This covers a large area with output of 20000 lumens. But if not used in appropriate amount it can burn the succulents.
Roleadro LED grow lights
Manufactured by roleadro company it comes with a warranty of one year along with 30 day money back guarantee. It comes in the size of 10*10*0.5 inches and it hardly takes any time to install. It has red and blue lights which are the best for the process of photosynthesis. It has 117 red lights and 52 blue lights. It is recommended if you have one or two succulents.
Ankace grow light
This LED grow light diverts targeted wavelengths for plants. The 12 Blue LED chips ensure plants take in more energy through the synthesis of chlorophyll to help in germination. 24 Red LED chip contributes to effective germination, flowering, and enhances photosynthesis for better results. It comes along with the timer of 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours and 12 hours. It has a USB connector which makes it convenient to connect to your office or home. With its 360 degrees adjustable gooseneck, it is able to light a wider area and emit light in any direction to provide energy to more plants.
Philips plant grow light bulb
Philips LED plant grow light mimics the sun’s spectrum and provides the optimal light spectrum, helping grow strong and vibrant plants. Product does not emit UV Rays. The 50 degree beam angle of the Philips LED plant grow light is preferable to narrow beam angle lamps, as it evenly lights. The whole plant with the appropriate amount of intensity promoting optimal healthy growth. Each light bulb is expected to deliver a lifetime of up to 25, 000 hours of light (based on three hours per day), saving you the cost of frequent bulb replacement
Burpee Exclusive Glow ‘n Grow Table top Grow Light
It will give the light succulents need to become healthy and strong plants. The light has a sturdy frame, and fully adjustable LED light box. It is lightweight yet sturdy and it tucks away easily when not in use. It is also very easy to assemble.
Bliifuu adjustable grow light lamp
High bright Leds, working over 50000 hrs. Red Blue 4:1 guaranties the whole plant growing process. Red light helps plant sprout and flowering, blue light promotes plant growth. It is like sunshine outside, speeding the succulents’ growth and prevents the rampant growth. Brightness is adjustable from 0% to 100% for different growing stage in 180 degrees illumination angle. This Plant light can also automatically turn off when time is up, 3/9/12hours timer offered. If you want to turn it on again, just press the on/off switch. The best lighting time is 8 hours to 12 hours.
Miracle led grow light
The Miracle LED Ultra grow light is a technological leap ahead for the indoor garden. Sipping only 12 watts of electricity, this Green growing, full daylight spectrum LED replaces up to 150W old hot-running incandescent flood lights. Nearly zero heat output, Miracle LED up to 10x longer life than standard bulbs, incredible full spectrum light for maximum absorption and contains no mercury & emits no UV.
There are numerous options available in the market but you have to be very careful while selecting a grow light because if not selected properly it can destroy your succulents. Fluorescents and LEDs are a convenient option if you have less of succulents but if you have a garden of succulents than the tube light form of grow light is the best. Make sure you check the amount of heat it emits before using to protect the succulents from damage. For the vibrant growth of succulents grow lights have proven to be handy. Whether its winter or monsoon your succulents will not have to grow without light.