Plants do not really need anything from sunlight other than the light itself, which they need for photosynthesis. They do not really need the heat, although the heat can be beneficial in that it can help dry the soil around the plant and avoid root rot from overwatering.
You can definitely use fluorescent light to help succulents grow. This is especially helpful in cases where your home does not get that much sunlight, like during the winter.
How much sunlight do succulents need?
Succulents, like all plants, need a certain amount of light in order to live. They absorb the light and turn it into energy through photosynthesis. Simulating sunlight inside your home can be tricky to master, but it can definitely be done.
Plants that do not get their required light will not grow properly. They will become weak and discolored. Some plants will even etiolate, whereby their leaves and branches will literally turn and grow in the direction of the nearest light source. This happens in truly desperate plants. The plant’s branches will elongate, stretch and disfigure what is considered the normal appearance of the plant.
That said, yes – succulents can still thrive indoors. In fact, there are multiple species of succulent that are highly adaptable to living inside the house. This is also why succulents are becoming increasingly popular indoor plants.
The amount of light a succulent needs will always depend on what type of succulent it is. Technically, all succulents can survive being indoors, but their response to their change in situation will vary. If possible, place the plants that like sunlight near your windows, while those more tolerant to low light can be kept further inside the house.
What are the different types of grow light?
Fluorescent light
Fluorescent light has been a part of our homes for a long time. These lights are very easy to find and purchase, and they actually do a decent enough job as grow lights for indoor plants. The ones most growers use are the T5, T8 and T12, but the most ideal is the T5. This fluorescent light is known to have the best results of the three.
Fluorescent light tubes can be quite space-consuming, so you can use a compact fluorescent light. It has small bulbs on a flat, round surface and is a great choice for people with small plants on a table.
Fluorescent light gives a full spectrum of light, from red to ultraviolet. These bulbs can get quite hot the longer they stay on, so make sure to keep it six to twelve inches away from your plants; the compact fluorescent light even further away.
This light is great for keeping your plants happy during the winter.
Light emitting diode light (LED)
The LED light can provide specific wavelengths of light to your plants. Succulents only really need red and blue light and the LED is able to provide this narrow spectrum of light. This is also why LED lights save more energy and provide less heat than compact fluorescent lights. The LED light is more cost-effective than the fluorescent light, but that does not mean it is better. Because LED light can provide your succulents with one or two specific colors on the light spectrum, this can trigger your plant to behave differently. For example, exposure to only blue or only red light can cause the plant to flower instead of growing.
Because LED lights are so low intensity, they may not be providing enough UV light for your plant’s color. The plants may just be green all winter instead of the color they might become when under the sun, like a bright red or yellow color.
How bright is the light from a grow light?
It is always important to know how bright the light from your grow lights is, as well as how much your plant is going to get.
Succulents will need at least 2,000 lumens for every square foot of light. At noon, direct sunlight can reach up to 10,000 lumens per square foot. 10,000 lumens may be tough to simulate in one go, but if you have a 2,000 or higher lumen bulb shining on your plant for 14 hours a day, they will be getting roughly the same amount of light.
How do you use a grow light?
Choose a part of your house that is most appropriate for your plants and for a light to be installed above them. A corner in your living room will do just fine, for example.
Another important factor to consider is the distance between the plants and your light. If the light is too close it might burn the succulent, but too far and the light may not be sufficient for the plant to grow healthily.
As a general rule, no matter what light you plan on using, make sure it is between six and 40 inches away from the light.
If you are using an LED or fluorescent light, maintaining 10 inches is ideal, but if your succulent is big, six inches is sufficient distance.
If the plant is five inches away or closer, the light can possibly heat the water inside the cells of the plant. This can lead to dehydration and sun damage.
The best color temperature for growing succulents is 6500k, or 3000k if you want it to bloom.
You do not need to keep the lights on your plants for 24 hours every day. They will still need time to respire, so give them a 12-hour break every day.
Be sure to rotate the plants every week so that all sides and angles of the plant are exposed to the light.
Conclusion
Yes, succulents can grow under fluorescent light. Of course, nothing beats actual sunlight because it is free and your plant gets the entire spectrum of light which will help it grow properly. Unfortunately, if you live in an apartment building or in a place where the winters are especially long, you will need to provide your plants with artificial light.
You can use LED or fluorescent light, but fluorescent light can provide an experience closer to sunlight for your plants because it also exposes the plants to a full spectrum of light.
Make sure you install the light so that it is at least six inches away from your plant, because if it is too close there is a risk of dehydration or even sun damage. Keep the light on the plants for 12 to 14 hours a day to simulate a full day’s worth of light and the plant will keep growing as though it is out under the summer sun.
Image: istockphoto.com / Techa Tungateja