living room with dying house plant with browning, wilted leafs, dumb cane, Dieffenbachia on a clean white background
Home - Garden
Costly Lighting Mistakes That Could Kill Your Plants
By BRANDY EAKLOR
Incorrect Distance
Hanging lights too low could burn plants, causing dry or yellow leaves. Placing them too high may cause leggy vines, slower growth, or smaller leaves.
Low-Quality Lights
High-quality lights more closely mimic natural sunlight, so they are better for your plants. They’re also up to 90% more energy-efficient and can last 25% longer.
Not Adjusting Lights
Adjusting the grow lights’ intensity or distance from the plant is crucial, especially if you start with seedlings or have fast-growing varieties.
Light Spectrum
Plants of different types and life stages prefer different light spectrums. Quality grow lights allow you to adjust settings according to your plants’ needs.
Light Schedule
Houseplants need 8 to 16 hours of light daily and at least 6 hours of darkness, depending on the plant's life stage. Use your lights’ timer to adjust as needed.