Lighting for houseplants

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PinkysPlants Thomasboro, IL(Zone 5b) Oct 30, 2008

Hi All

I am thinking about putting some lighting in for my houseplants and for my over-winter plants...

Should I get flourescent, LED, ????? What strength?

Help

Post #5731452
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growgirl59 Saint Louis, MO Oct 30, 2008

Fluorescent lights are inexpensive to purchase and to operate. They stay cool and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I would suggest using them over the others. I used to use a warm tube and a cool tube, but in the last couple of years, I used only the cool bulbs and they worked just fine. I don't know the strength, to be honest. I try to keep the plants 2-3 feet from the bulbs, but I vary that a lot too.

Post #5732098
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tommyr2006 Poughkeepsie, NY(Zone 6a) Oct 30, 2008

I agree with Growgirl.

Post #5732740
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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Oct 30, 2008

A flourescent light especially for plants is available but they don't work any better than regular flourescent lights and the plants lights are more expensive.

Post #5733810
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lbrabec (Lynn) Omaha, NE(Zone 5a) Oct 30, 2008

The Plant lights are supposed to be better for heavy blooming plants.I have both plant lights and regular shoplites.I do think the ones especially for plants work slightly better on African Violets and other Gesneriads,especialy minis,but on foliage plants I do not see a difference.If you buy fixtures watch the size.Certain size bulbs are very pricey.

Lynn

Post #5733829
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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Oct 31, 2008

Thanks for the clarification Ibrabec. I didn't know that as I only have one blooming plant inside and it's hanging in a west window (a hoya).

Post #5736183
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stefpix Brooklyn, NY Jul 08, 2009

Is 26 W [100 W equiv] ok at 2 or 3 ft? What is the difference between the cool and and soft light? the cool look a bit too blue to me

Post #6793120
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