Fluorescent lights are often used for indoor gardening, as they provide a high level of light without generating too much heat. However, not all fluorescent lights are created equal. Some types of fluorescent light are better suited for indoor gardening than others.
Full Spectrum Fluorescent Lights
The best type of fluorescent light for indoor gardening is full-spectrum light. Full-spectrum light is closest to natural sunlight, and it helps plants grow more evenly. Plants grown under full-spectrum light are also less likely to experience stunted growth or discoloration.
The next best option for fluorescent lighting is broad-spectrum light.
Broad-spectrum Fluorescent Lights
Broad-spectrum fluorescent lights are not as close to natural sunlight as full-spectrum lights, but they still provide a good level of light for indoor gardening. These lights are often used in greenhouses, as they help plants grow evenly without generating too much heat.
But perhaps the best option for indoor gardening is not fluorescent at all. LED lights are becoming increasingly popular for indoor gardening, as they provide a high level of light and are designed specifically for flowering indoor plants like cannabis.
LED Grow Lights vs. Fluorescent Lighting
With LED Grow Lighting, you can achieve better yields with less heat output and lower electricity needs. This type of lighting is becoming increasingly popular for indoor gardening, as it is more efficient and easier on plants.
Compared to fluorescent lighting, LED lighting is more expensive to purchase upfront. However, LED lights last longer and use less electricity, so they will save you money in the long run.
Another difference is that LED lights can be customized to emit specific wavelengths of light, which can be beneficial for certain plants. For example, blue light is known to promote vegetative growth, while red light is known to promote flowering.
The flexibility and practical efficiency of LED lighting make it the best option for most indoor gardeners, although fluorescent lighting can still be a good choice in some cases, such as for starting seedlings.