Grow Lights for Houseplants

Fluorescent

Warm-white and cool-white are common types of fluorescent lights used as grow lights for houseplants. Configurations of these types of tubes include both cool-white and warm-white in combination, or just cool-white by itself. Another acceptable combination is full-spectrum or wide-spectrum tubes in addition to the cool-white. Wide-spectrum tubes are more expensive than the cool-white and warm-white tubes, so the less expensive tubes are more commonly used. Fluorescent lights can be placed closer to the plants since they generate such a small amount of heat. They also use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Incandescent lights, while the least expensive, are actually a less effective source of light for growing plants than fluorescent. Some gardeners use incandescent lights as side lights placed a distance to the side of the plant. This keeps the heat generated by the incandescent bulb from damaging the plant. With fluorescent lights providing the main source of lighting, incandescent lighting on the sides gives the plants a needed boost.

Certain colors from light rays are essential for plants to grow and flourish. The red and blue spectrum rays from light provide the most benefits when growing plants indoors. Some fluorescent lights provide blue light needed for growing vegetables and the starting of seedlings. Other types of fluorescents will provide red light, and incandescent bulbs are also a good source of red spectrum rays. Red spectrum rays encourage denser plants with richer colored, larger blooms.

One set up for growing houseplants is a shelving unit with a twin-tube fluorescent shop-light fixture. Shop-light fixtures come with chains that allow them to be positioned as close to the plants as necessary to be the most effective. Another option is a light cart with fluorescent fixtures placed at the appropriate height. These are more costly but are generally equipped with wheels, making them more versatile. Either situation allows for the positioning of incandescent side lights to allow for full spectrum lighting.