With the approach of winter, most succulents will have to be brought indoors for protection against frostbite. Room temperature is generally enough for little succulents to grow peacefully. However, other than warmth and water, plants also require light to grow.
A substitute of light that you can provide these plants can be provided by grow lights. You need to know a few things before getting on with buying the best grow lights for succulents.
Through extensive research, we have narrowed down the best LED grow lights for succulents. We have also made a buyer’s guide so that you can make the right choice for yourself.
Table of Contents
Grow Lights for Succulents – Top Picks
Listed below are our favorite grow lights. You can find extensive reviews of each later in the article.
- Best LED grow light for succulents – Nova LED Grow Light
- Best budget grow lights for succulents – LED Grow Light Ledy Flexible Soft Strip Grow
- Overall best grow light for succulents – YGrow Grow Light Full Spectrum
Detailed Reviews for the Best Grow Lights for Succulents
Given below are detailed reviews for all the previously mentioned grow lights. You can read them and see which light suits your requirements the best.
1. Nova LED Grow Light
The Nova LED grow light is perfect for indoor succulents. This is due to its enhanced blue and red spectrums that also have a tinge of others. It is a professional grow light that works wonders for just about any plant but is great for succulents.
Each bulb in this light has a magnifying glass that increases the PAR output of this fixture. This LED light also has an in-build cooling mechanism that allows for the healthy growth of plants. You also do not have to worry about installing a cooling fan with this since your succulents are safe from burning.
Since the grow light uses a secondary 90° angled focused lens technique, the plants get great indirect lighting. This is important for succulents to thrive.
The Nova LED grow light has a lifespan of about 50,000 – 100,000 hours. It draws about 175W electricity but puts out 300W by an equal division among its 100 bulbs. It has the maximum power output with the minimum power input.
This grow light is ready to use right out of the box. It also comes with a comforting 5 years warranty.
Key Features
- LED Light
- Self-ventilation system
- Effective-running
- Size – 19 x 8.3 x 3.2 inches
- 5 years warranty
- Quick assembly
Pros
- Can be used right off the box
- Professional grade quality
- Economic energy consumption
Cons
- Expensive
- No full-spectrum lighting
2. LED Grow Light Ledy Flexible Soft Strip Grow
This is a unique, grow light option. It is best suited for when you do not have a designated grow space and might shift plants from one place to another. These flexible and easily movable grow lights give you the freedom of mobility.
They are great for indoor and outdoor plants alike. They can be used for succulents, flowers, herbs, seedlings, etc. This light can also be used for ecological life support systems and is great for all plant growth stages.
They feature a premium quality UL certified power adaptor that ensures total safety. Since the light is waterproof, it is excellent for outdoor or semi-indoor use as well. You do not have to take off the plants from their trays for misting since that can be done under the lights themselves.
This is an incredibly cheap option but does not compromise performance. The lifetime of this grow light is over 50,000 hours.
Key Features
- Flexible light
- Waterproof
- Budget-friendly
- 3 ft. long LED strip
- 100-240V output
Pros
- Soft LED light that does not overwhelm the plants
- The Red: Blue light ratio is 4:1, which is perfect for botanical use
- Can be used anywhere
- Budget option
Cons
- No heat-regulating mechanism. It can get very hot.
- Not very bright, intensity might not be enough for some succulents
3. YGrow Grow Light Full Spectrum
This is a spectacular, grow light. Its uniqueness falls onto the fact that it is, in fact, an LED light but emits full-spectrum light. This is because it is a white LED grow light. It is an electrically corded light that is perfect for growing all kinds of plants. Succulents like this because of its full-spectrum focus.
Since LED lights are inherently cheaper to run, you get the best out of this light in the economic department. Other things about this grow light are also great.
The full-spectrum LED lights provide even and uniform light at a wavelength that can be easily absorbed. This makes it a great solution for indoor growing.
The YGrow grow light has two heating protection features. It has an in-built cooling mechanism with a temperature controller inside. It will automatically turn off if the light temperature exceeds 95°F. This also allows for a cool surface and even surrounding heating that is great for indoor succulent growth.
This light also has a 60° reflecting cup that increases light efficiency. This saves up to 35% power by ensuring that the plants absorb all the light emitted from the grow light’s bulbs. The PAR value is also great since it consumes only 150W of light. The yield efficiency is increased by about 45% with the help of this light.
Key Features
- White LED light
- Full-spectrum emitting
- The light goes off when it reaches 95°F.
- Reflective cup at an angle of 60°
- 2 years of warranty
- 30 days of a money-back guarantee
Pros
- Even distribution of light
- High PAR
- Electricity-efficient
- Heat protection mechanisms
Cons
- Has to be used for a long period in a single day
- Not durable
4. Jumpstart Grow Light System
If you’re just starting into the grow lights game, you’d want something easy and quick to use. This grow light system by Hydrofarm is exactly what you need to look for. It is a complete, grow light system that is super easy to put together and use. It requires an assembly time of only 15 minutes or so.
This lighting system is perfect for seedlings and cuttings and works well for established plants and succulents. This is possible due to an adjustable clamp that allows you to adjust the height of the light.
This light will help your succulents blush beautifully due to its 15-20% increased lumens. It also becomes energy efficient since it only needs to be used for 4-5 hours a day due to the reflective finish that provides more light to the plants.
This system is also environmentally-friendly as it has a longer lifespan and uses small CFL bulbs leading to less waste. It is also compatible with the FLV, FLP, and FLT tubes by Hydrofarm. These give out an output that has a full daylight spectrum.
Key Features
- A full system that doesn’t require extra setup.
- Uses Fluorescent grow lights.
- Comes in 2 sizes – 2 feet (12 x 26 x 24”) and 4 feet (18.25 c 50 x 31.75”).
- Height adjustability according to the plant’s need.
- Perfect for seedlings, cuttings, and succulents.
Pros
- Easy to assemble design
- Plants grow faster due to the 15-20% lumens increase.
- Light’s height can be adjusted.
- The internal reflective finish gives more light.
- Energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly
Cons
- Spare parts are not readily available.
- Only specific lights can be used.
5. Agrobrite Fluorescent Grow Light System
When you’re a professional gardener, you’ll find yourself constantly running out of light space to put your plants in. If you have many succulents that need to get light at the same time, you should consider buying a huge light.
Also, it should cover a large number of succulents at once. The Agrobrite Fluorescent Grow Light is one such option that is great for mass lighting.
This grow light is available in many sizes, which is one of the best things about it. It has variants that range from 2 bulbs to 12 bulbs. If you like the overall performance, you can get a custom size of it. You could also choose between a 2- or 4-feet fixture option.
The 4-bulb 4-feet option is the most popular size of this grow light. It has 4 6400K T5 tubes that have a lumen output of 20,000. It is housed in a powder-coated steel structure that is exceptionally durable. It also features specular aluminum that aids in great light distribution to all your succulents.
These fixtures are extremely energy-efficient with high PAR. The grow light has a total weight of 19 pounds, and its dimensions are 46.2 x 12.8 x 2.8 inches.
Key Features
- Fluorescent light
- High Output light
- Large size
- Variety of size and shape options to choose from
- Easy to hang
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Great for full room grow
- Energy-efficient
- Full-spectrum light
Cons
- A little costly
- No efficient heat regulation mechanism
6. DuroLux T5 Grow Light
The DuroLux T5 Grow Light is a good option if you’re looking for a light that does not emit too much heat. The light is CUL, and UL listed, which guarantees a safe and efficient performance.
This product also has a great lumens output at about 2,000. This is higher than most fixtures of the same category. This light is known to be used for hydroponics, but it can also be used with succulents and bear good results.
Since the light is good for hydroponics, it does not have much heat radiation. This allows for your succulents to blush and not burn out. This is easy to fix grow light that can be fixed even with a few wall brackets. It is a convenient light for small spaces.
Key Features
- Fluorescent light
- Does not have too much heat radiation
- Good for small spaces
Pros
- Versatile
- Convenient to install
- Easy operation
- Low heat
Cons
- Can be extremely bright
Best Grow Lights for Succulents Buying Guide
Given below are a few things you should be in the know of before buying grow lights.
The Requirement of Grow Lights for Succulents
Just like any other plant species, succulents have their own dormant and growing periods. Winter is often succulents’ dormant season. However, it is difficult for them to undergo full dormancy without proper light and warmth, either.
Succulents require some dark in darkness every day to get the natural routine going. Nevertheless, they also need at least 6-8 of light each day.
The light that seeps through your windows could be enough. But if you want them to have a professional quality appearance, you will require to grow lights.
If your succulents do not get enough light, they will stretch to catch some sunlight. This stretching or elongation will make them lose their color vibrancy, compromising with the plant’s value.
Different Types of Grow Lights
There are two main types of grow lights; however, a third hybrid type has started to gain prominence. All of them will be discussed in detail below.
Fluorescent Grow Lights
These are by far the most popular grow lights. This is due to the amount of time that they’ve been around for. These lights are favored by growers who like to see their succulent’s progress indoors. They also like it due to the full spectrum of light that is emitted from ultraviolet lights.
These lights come in two forms – tubes and CFLs. Tubes such as T5, T8, and T12 are immensely popular. CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights) are popular only among gardeners who do not have enough growing space to fit a tube.
These lights are designed to shun the heat away from themselves and be not too hot for the plant. This saves the succulents from burning, but you should still follow specific safety measures for them.
Fluorescent lights prove an all-rounded environment to plants without being too harsh on the eyes.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Grow Lights
LED grow lights work in a very different manner than CFLs and tube fluorescent lights. This is because they provide only the spectrum of lights that are needed by the plants. By doing so, LED lights become the more energy-efficient, cost-saving, and heat saving option.
Plants only require the red and blue light spectrums of sunlight. Therefore, the lights emitted from LED grow lights are blue and red. These colors might be uncomfortable to look at. They might also give the UV light-thriving succulents a sun-stress color.
Each succulent grows differently. Some might prefer LED over CFL and vice-versa.
White LED Grow Lights
As technology advances, so do methods for growing plants. The newly emerging White LED Grow lights are the best of both worlds. They have a fuller spectrum that he traditional LED lights while enhancing the required red and blue spectrums.
These lights are easy on the eyes and do not let the plants get sun-stress symptoms.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Grow Lights
There are certain factors that you might want to consider before purchasing the best grow lights for succulents.
The Amount of Growing Space You Have
Consider your growing space before buying grow lights. This will help you determine the size of the lights that you can buy. Grow lights come in various sizes and shapes; therefore, getting the right measurements beforehand is a good idea.
The Kind of Light Your Plants Need
All plant types have different light requirements. They all thrive in the sun because UV lights provide the full spectrum of light. Therefore, if you plan on growing a variety of succulents, you should consider getting full-spectrum lights.
If you plan on growing a single variety of succulent that has only red and/or blue light needs, you can buy LED lights.
Heat Output of the Light
As a general rule, you should always buy lights that have a low heat signature. This will prevent your succulents from burning instead of growing. Lower heat lights are generally low in intensity and save you money in the long run.
Adjustability of Controls
The best LED grow lights for succulents are the ones that give you control over heat and light volume. You should be able to adjust the spectrum and the overall performance of the light.
Electricity Consumption and Output
You will be required to light your growing light for at least 10 hours a day. For such long usage, you must recognize how much energy you receive for the electricity consumed.
It affects the cost and electricity-efficiency of the light. You must look for lights that have low wattage but still provide decent light and heat.
The requirement of a Cooling Fan
The best growing lights for succulents come with a heat-dissipating system. This prevents them from overheating and reducing their run-life.
This also protects your plants from excess heating. However, if a light does not come with a heating system, you will need to add a cooling fan. Not only will a fan increase your running cost, but it will also cause a lot of noise.
Brand
While lighting and heating plants, you must always put faith in only reliable brands. Their products are known to excel in quality and have lower chances of ruining your plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I Absolutely Need Growing Lights as a Recreational Gardener?
No, growing lights are best used by only professional gardeners. This is because they require a lot of setup and running costs. Succulents grow fine without growing lights. The subtle differences only make a difference to professional gardeners.
2. How Long Do I Need to Light my Growing Light in a Day?
This largely depends on the variety of succulent that you are growing.
If you are growing Aeonium, Echeveria, or other sun-loving variety, you will want to leave them on for almost the entire day. On the other hand, if you are growing Crassula Ovata, Hoya Carnosa, or other sun-hating variety, you will only need the light for 4-5 hours a day.
The average light necessity for a succulent growing space is about 8-10 hours a day.
3. Should I Buy a CFL or LED for My Succulents?
Most succulent varieties require a broader spectrum of lights than other plant species. As the result, getting a CFL is a better option since it provides full-spectrum light.
LED will work for succulents too, but some of them might get winter colors or sun-stressed symptoms. The last thing you would wish for is a grow light to ruin your plants.
4. Are Running Grow Lights Expensive?
Yes, if you can afford to grow succulents outside but decide to grow them inside instead. However, as a professional gardener, this can be considered an investment.
If you wish to increase the cost-effectiveness or reduce running costs, you should opt for LED lights. These lights focus on specific spectrums and are there low on intensity and electricity consumption. Fluorescent lights are generally costly to run.
5. What is the Right Distance Between a Grow Light and a Succulent?
The general distance range is wide since it lies between 6 inches and 40 inches. A distance of 10 inches is great for smaller succulents, while larger succulents require about 6 inches.
You can run some trial and run experiments to see what suits your succulents best. The distance is important because if the light is too near, it can burn the plant. However, if it is too far away, it can provide insufficient light of plant growth.
6. Should I Use A Cooling Fan with Premium Lights?
If your growing lights have a heat-dissipation system, then you do not require a cooling fan. The lights themselves will regulate themselves to an optimum surface and surrounding temperature.
Summing Up
Buying growing lights for your succulents’ wellbeing is important only for professional gardening. Good growing lights ensure that the plants they are used on are growing perfectly. They neither burn the plant nor deprive them of their much-required light.
Succulents are generally more in need of growing lights than other plant species. They also require a wider spectrum of light to grow healthily. As a result, buying CFLs and full Fluorescent tubes is a great idea for excellent plant growth.
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.