I'm considering starting a little succulent garden after spotting some at the gas station where I work. The only catch is that I live in an apartment with all north-facing windows, and the windowsills are too small for pots. I'm thinking about placing a small table right next to the window but I'm not sure if that's enough light for the succulents. Do I need to invest in grow lights for them? I'd be happy to share pictures of the plants I'm interested in if that helps!
3 Answers
Most succulents really need a lot of light to thrive, and a north-facing window might not cut it. You'd likely need a grow light to prevent them from stretching out (a condition called etiolating), which can happen even in decent light. So yeah, I’d suggest getting some good grow lights to keep them happy.
Honestly, a north-facing window is not ideal. You might want to consider tropical plants that can thrive in low light conditions, like Pothos, if you find succulents to be too picky. Just keep in mind, if you really want succulents, you'll need to commit to the light setup!
It really varies by succulent type, but generally, most of them want at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. If you’re eyeing some rosette types like Echeveria, they’ll definitely need more light. If your location isn't providing enough natural light, a grow light is probably your best bet for about 8-10 hours daily.
How much do grow lights typically cost? Would one be enough or should I get multiple?