The Easy Hack That Turns Any Pretty Lamp Into A Grow Light For Your Plants

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Whether you have a particularly shady corner of your home or a sun-loving plant that could use a bit of extra attention, you should be using a grow light to give your greenery enough light to thrive in your home. Traditional grow lights often lack a certain design quality, instead prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. But what if you didn't need to introduce an eyesore into your space in order to give your plants sufficient indoor lighting? With just one simple switch, you can transform just about any lamp that you already own into a functioning grow light, and you don't have to sacrifice a single design detail to achieve it.

The key to this trick is utilizing features that are already present around your home. It is an excellent way to make use of a lamp that already sits amongst your indoor houseplants or to break one out of storage. The only thing you need to purchase is a compatible full-spectrum light bulb. Before you stick a bulb into just any old lamp, there are a few things you should consider. First, some older lamps may not be the right fit for this trick, as they will need to be on for extended periods of time. You want to ensure that your lamp won't overheat in the process of providing sufficient daily light to your houseplants. If you're installing a light bulb into a hanging fixture, you'll also want to check its stability. Depending on the size, grow light bulbs can be heavier than traditional bulbs and they may not be supported by your existing fixtures. Ensure that the bulbs are within your light's weight capacity before installing them.

Once you've found the perfect lamp to repurpose, it's time to decide on the right grow light to help your plants thrive. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a grow light bulb, including wavelengths, durability, and compatibility. In order to provide your plants with enough light for photosynthesis, find a full-spectrum LED bulb, which offers a balance of cool and warm wavelengths similar to sunlight. This promotes foliage growth and helps flowering or fruiting plants reach their full potential. It is also necessary to get an LED bulb, as this will significantly limit the chances of your lamp overheating from extended daily use. Additionally, check that your lamps are compatible with the socket on your bulb. Most light bulbs use the medium E26 connection, but they can vary between individual suppliers. Before you purchase your bulb, check the socket to ensure that you will get a proper electrical connection.

There are plenty of full-spectrum LED grow lights on the market, and it is ultimately up to your individual preferences. Amazon is an excellent place to start, offering a number of options ranging from the GE Grow Lights for Indoor Plants to the heavy-duty SANSI BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb. Both provide your indoor plants with a necessary amount of light while remaining compatible with existing light fixtures around your space. Home Depot also offers the Feit Electric PAR38 Selectable Spectrum Bulb, which has adjustable settings of blue, red, and multi-color light spectrums. It allows you to further customize your growing conditions, whether you're starting a few indoor seedlings or trying to encourage flowering.