I'm considering investing in some grow lights to help my plants thrive. Do you think they're worth the money? What kind of changes have you noticed since starting to use them? I have a Vittsjo Ikea shelf next to a west-facing window, with several philodendrons and alocasias in my collection, so I'd love any insights on what has worked best for you!
3 Answers
Totally worth it! Since I started using grow lights, my plants have been thriving—lots of new growth! When picking out grow lights, look for Full Spectrum LED lights with at least 20 watts. For example, my succulents prefer around 3,000 footcandles for 14 hours a day, while my aroids like it a bit less, around 2,300 footcandles. Some reliable brands I recommend are Spider Farmer, Barrina, and VIPAR Spectra. They have great options out there!
Honestly, you don't have to go for the expensive 'grow lights.' I used simple LED strip lights from Amazon for about $15 on a small IKEA shelf without a window, and my plants did just fine! Just make sure to check the light temperature in Kelvin because red and blue light are what plants need for growth. Cooler lights (around 4,000K - 6,000K) mimic natural light better and can help your foliage grow. Remember, any light can be a 'grow light' if it meets your plants' needs!
Thanks for the advice! That's super helpful.
Yeah, but let's be honest, some grow lights are just not visually appealing. I mean, they can look pretty clunky in a home setup. But with the right arrangement, you can make them work!
Not necessarily! There are some nice-looking options out there too.
Thank you for the tips!