What are the best lights to grow plants indoors?

Question

I need some lights to start vegetable plants, and also to grow Orchids indoors. I have tried Florescent, but I cannot get grow bulbs in 8' lengths. Would Metal Halide be the best choice? Also is there any danger of the metal halide bulbs exploding after they get old? What about high pressure metal halide, are these better than regular metal halide?

Answer 1

If you are looking to grow regular houseplants indoors then you do not need "grow" bulbs, try to find cool and warm fluorescents and alternate them in your ballasts.

This also applies for the vegetative state of "special" houseplants. But you would want something more powerful for the flowering period if you are interested in dense resinous "flowers". Typically Metal Halide (bluer) is used for the veg state, but a bunch of fluorescents works just fine (keep the bulbs VERY close to the plants, almost touching). HPS is what you mean on the other type (High Pressure Sodium), this is a "redder" light and more simulates what the sun does in late summer, early fall.

You are looking at a pretty big increase in your electric bill using any High-Discharge horticultural lighting. Not to mention the cost is high to get started and they get VERY warm. E-mail me if you want more info, but don't want anyone else to read it.

P.S. There's a article on aol news about a kid who posted pics of his plants and weapons on his myspace who somehow got tracked and busted. I want it to be known that I am no longer into anything illegal and I welcome any officers over for a cup of tea. I don't think that a samurai sword collection is illegal.

Answer 2

I have flourescent lamps that take a bulb that looks like 4 small bulbs in one light. I have also used the GE 65 watt grow bulbs. I find that using mini christmas lite strings works well to keep the soil warm. I wrap them around the pots. I grow citrus indoors and the soil needs to be 75 degrees. I also have natural sunlight during the day through a window. I have also been told that the Sheriffs dept has peered through this window at night due to the grow lamps.