Succulents have often been hailed as low maintenance houseplants, easily adorning desks and tabletops with their sculptural presence. While indeed they are easy to care for, the aspect of light plays an important role in their indoor survival. The cardinal rule for many succulents is ‘lots of light’. This is because, in their natural habitat, they experience immense amounts of sun. However, finding the right light for your indoor succulents can be somehow daunting. In this regard, this article takes you through some of the best light options for indoor succulents.
Natural Light
Natural light is often the best option for succulents, given that it emulates their natural environment perfectly. The ideal situation for indoor succulents could be a well-lit window sill facing the south for those in Northern Hemisphere and the opposite for those residing in the Southern Hemisphere. However, succulents can comfortably adapt to east or west-facing windows too.
When using natural light, make sure the plants get at least six-six hours of it. Remember, succulents love light, and deprivation can lead to poor growth and color. Be attentive to the changes in the seasons. Shorter winter days will mean less light is available. Therefore, the plants should be moved closer to the glass but ensure they are shielded from chilling drafts.
Grow Lights
While succulents prefer natural light, sometimes geographical location, home, or office situation may not allow for this. In such cases, grow lights come in handy. These are special types of lights that replicate the natural sunlight succulents would receive in an outdoor environment.
Selecting the best grow light for your succulents entails understanding their specific light needs. Succulents need blue and red spectra in different stages of growth. For seedlings, they need more blue light which is crucial for vegetative growth. Conversely, more mature succulents will need red light, particularly when you want them to bloom.
LED grow lights would be a perfect option. They are efficient, affordable, and last longer. Creating a setup with these lights ensures optimum light exposure. Position the lights about 6-12 inches away from the succulent and adjust accordingly as the plant grows. Generally, it’s recommended that the grow light should run for about 12-14 hours daily to supplement indoor succulent growth.
Fluorescent Grow Lights
These make another excellent alternative when considering indoor lighting options for your succulents. Not only are they inexpensive but they also emit less heat in comparison to their incandescent counterparts. Fluorescent lights tend to be more energy-efficient and emit a wider spectrum of light, favoring succulents.
T5 fluorescent lights are highly recommended for indoor succulents. They have a high output yet remain energy efficient. These come in tubes, thus making it easier for you to spread the light and enhance its proximity to the succulents. They are bright enough to cater to the succulents’ light needs and can be kept on for at least 12 hours without causing damage to the plants.
HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Grow Lights
The unique aspect of HID lights is their ability to emit a considerable amount of light. If you have a large collection of succulents, HID lights would be a reliable option. They are more energy-efficient and last longer when compared to incandescent lights.
There are two types of HID lights; Metal Halide (MH) which gives off blue-white light that’s good for vegetative growth and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) which gives off a warm red-orange light that is suitable for flowering. Nonetheless, due to the high heat produced by HID lights, you might need to use a fan or a cooling system to dissipate extra heat.
Color Temperature
Tied closely to succulent lighting is the concept of color temperature. Simply put, this refers to how ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ light appears, and is measured in Kelvin (K). For succulents, the preferred range is between 5000-6500K as they cover the full daylight spectrum.
Getting the best light for your indoor succulents isn’t an arduous task. Offering them an appropriate light source will not only keep them healthy but can turn your home into a vibrant, colorful space. As you choose the best light, ensure you factor in the specific needs of your succulents. More often than not, a combination of natural and artificial lights yield the most fantastic indoor succulents. Keep your succulents happy and they will reward you with a spectacular aesthetic display.
