Best Grow Lights for Succulents and Houseplants: Complete Guide 2025
Whether you're battling a dark apartment, trying to save stretched succulents, or growing a tropical jungle in your living room, the right grow light makes all the difference. This guide covers everything from basic light requirements to specific product recommendations for every budget and plant type.
In This Guide
Key Takeaways
- Succulents need 10-14 hours of grow light daily to prevent stretching (etiolation)
- Low-light tropicals like pothos and snake plants need just 8-10 hours at lower intensity
- Full-spectrum LED lights are best for most houseplants - skip "blurple" lights
- Budget option: $25-40 clip-on LEDs work well for 1-3 plants
- Use our grow light calculator to size lights for your specific setup
Light Requirements by Plant Type
Not all houseplants need the same amount of light. Understanding your plants' needs helps you choose the right grow light and avoid wasting money on overpowered (or underpowered) setups.
| Plant Category | DLI Need (mol/day) | Hours/Day | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Light | 4-8 DLI | 8-10 hours | Pothos, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily |
| Medium Light | 8-12 DLI | 10-12 hours | Monstera, Philodendron, Ferns, Calathea |
| High Light (Succulents) | 12-20 DLI | 12-14 hours | Echeveria, Sedum, Aloe, Jade, Cacti |
| Very High Light | 20-30 DLI | 14-16 hours | Fruiting plants, Herbs, Flowering succulents |
What is DLI? Daily Light Integral measures the total light a plant receives per day. It accounts for both intensity AND duration. Learn more in our complete DLI guide.
Why Succulents Need More Light
Succulents evolved in deserts and high-altitude regions with intense sunlight. In your home, even a "bright" window delivers only 30-50% of the light succulents get outdoors. Signs your succulents aren't getting enough light:
- Etiolation - Stretched, leggy growth reaching toward light
- Color loss - Faded or pale leaves (stress colors disappear)
- Leaning - Plant tilts dramatically toward the light source
- Soft leaves - Weak, floppy growth instead of compact rosettes
Pro tip: If your succulents are stretching within 2-3 weeks of bringing them home from the nursery, they need significantly more light than your window provides.
Types of Grow Lights: Which Technology is Best?
There are four main types of grow lights available for houseplants. Here's how they compare:
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Spectrum LED | White light, efficient, low heat, long lifespan | Higher upfront cost | All houseplants, living spaces | ★★★★★ |
| Blurple LED | Lower cost, energy efficient | Purple light is harsh, dated technology | Dedicated grow spaces only | ★★★ |
| Fluorescent (T5/CFL) | Low cost, low heat, wide coverage | Less efficient, bulbs need replacing | Seedlings, low-light plants, shelves | ★★★★ |
| Incandescent | Very cheap | Extremely inefficient, lots of heat, wrong spectrum | Not recommended | ★ |
Why Full-Spectrum LED is the Best Choice
Full-spectrum LEDs have become the gold standard for houseplant lighting because they:
- Look natural - White light that doesn't turn your living room purple
- Run cool - Won't burn leaves even at close distances
- Use less electricity - 50-70% more efficient than fluorescent
- Last 50,000+ hours - That's 10-15 years of daily use
- Provide complete spectrum - All wavelengths plants need, including far-red
For a deep dive into LED technology comparisons, see our guide: LED vs HPS Grow Lights.
Best Grow Lights for Succulents: Top 5 Picks
Succulents need high-intensity light to maintain their compact shape and vibrant colors. Here are our top recommendations for 2025:
1. Spider Farmer SF300
Best Overall for Small Collections
- Wattage: 33W actual draw
- Coverage: 2x2 ft at 12" height
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum 3000K + 5000K with 660nm red
- Best for: 4-8 succulents, windowsill supplement, small shelves
- Price: ~$60
The SF300 delivers serious light output in a slim, mountable form factor. Samsung LM301B diodes provide excellent efficiency (2.7 umol/J), and the dimmable driver lets you dial in the perfect intensity. Quiet, cool-running, and the natural white light won't clash with your decor.
Check Price on Amazon2. Barrina T5 LED Grow Lights (4-Pack)
Best for Shelving and Multiple Plants
- Wattage: 42W total (4 x 10.5W bars)
- Coverage: 4 ft of linear shelf space
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum 6500K (white light)
- Best for: Plant shelves, IKEA greenhouse cabinets, windowless rooms
- Price: ~$35-40 for 4-pack
These affordable LED tube lights are the go-to choice for plant shelf setups. The daisy-chain design lets you connect multiple bars to one outlet. Mount them under each shelf for even coverage. At under $10 per bar, they're unbeatable for the price.
Check Price on Amazon3. Sansi 36W LED Grow Light Bulb
Best for Existing Fixtures
- Wattage: 36W actual draw
- Coverage: 2-3 ft diameter spotlight pattern
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum with enhanced red
- Best for: Standard E26 sockets, floor lamps, clip lamps
- Price: ~$25-30
The Sansi bulb screws into any standard lamp socket, making it the easiest upgrade for existing fixtures. The ceramic heat sink keeps it running cool. Perfect for highlighting individual specimens or adding light to dark corners. Use in an adjustable gooseneck lamp for best results.
Check Price on Amazon4. GooingTop LED Grow Light (Dual Head)
Best Budget Clip-On Option
- Wattage: 20W
- Coverage: 1-2 plants per head
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum white + warm
- Best for: 1-4 succulents, desk plants, small windowsill setups
- Price: ~$20-25
For beginners or anyone with just a few plants, this dual-head clip light is a great entry point. Built-in timer (4/8/12 hour), flexible goosenecks, and dimmable brightness levels. Clips to any surface up to 2" thick. The light output is modest but sufficient for small collections.
Check Price on Amazon5. Mars Hydro TS 600
Best for Serious Collectors
- Wattage: 100W actual draw
- Coverage: 2x2 ft intense, 3x3 ft moderate
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum with IR and UV
- Best for: Large collections, greenhouses, flowering succulents
- Price: ~$70-80
When you need serious light output, the TS 600 delivers. This panel can induce stress coloring in Echeveria and push flowering in cacti. The no-fan design is silent, and dimming capability lets you scale intensity. Overkill for beginners, but collectors love it.
Check Price on AmazonFor a detailed brand comparison, see our guide: Spider Farmer vs Mars Hydro.
Best Grow Lights for Tropical Houseplants: Top 5 Picks
Tropical houseplants like Monstera, Philodendron, and Ferns need less intense light than succulents but still benefit from supplemental lighting, especially in winter or windowless spaces.
1. Soltech Solutions Aspect Pendant
Best for Living Rooms and Decor-Conscious Spaces
- Wattage: 20W
- Coverage: 3-4 ft diameter
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum, warm white (2700K-3000K)
- Best for: Monstera, Ficus, Fiddle Leaf Fig, decorative displays
- Price: ~$150-180
The Aspect is the only grow light that belongs in a design magazine. Beautiful brass or black pendant housing blends with any interior. The warm white light is indistinguishable from regular home lighting while still providing sufficient PPFD for tropical plants. Premium price, but worth it for visible locations.
Check Price on Amazon2. Feit Electric LED Plant Grow Light Bulb
Best Affordable Bulb for Tropicals
- Wattage: 19W
- Coverage: Single plant or small grouping
- Spectrum: Balanced blue/red for foliage growth
- Best for: Low-to-medium light plants, table lamps
- Price: ~$12-15
Available at most hardware stores, this Feit bulb is an easy entry point. Standard E26 base fits most lamps. The light has a slight pink tint but isn't as harsh as full blurple. Great for keeping Pothos and Philodendron happy in low-light corners.
Check Price on Amazon3. GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb (2-Pack)
Best for Recessed Can Fixtures
- Wattage: 9W each
- Coverage: 2-3 ft diameter spotlight
- Spectrum: Balanced for foliage (PPF 24 umol/s)
- Best for: Ceiling cans, track lighting, accent lighting
- Price: ~$20-25 for 2-pack
These BR30 flood bulbs fit standard 5" and 6" recessed cans, turning ceiling lights into plant lights. Swap them into fixtures above plant displays for seamless integration. The light color blends naturally with home lighting. GE's horticultural-grade spectrum is optimized for leafy growth.
Check Price on Amazon4. VIPARSPECTRA P600 LED Grow Light
Best for Large Tropical Collections
- Wattage: 95W
- Coverage: 2x2 ft intense, 3x3 ft veg coverage
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum with enhanced blue (vegetative growth)
- Best for: Plant rooms, large Monstera, Bird of Paradise
- Price: ~$60-70
When you have a serious collection of tropicals, the P600 delivers even coverage across a wider area. Samsung LM281B diodes provide good efficiency, and the dimmer lets you reduce intensity for sensitive species like Calathea. Fanless design means silent operation.
Check Price on Amazon5. Mosthink LED Plant Grow Light Strips (4-Pack)
Best for IKEA Greenhouse Cabinets
- Wattage: 40W total (4 strips)
- Coverage: Perfect for standard cabinet width
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum with timer
- Best for: IKEA Milsbo/Rudsta cabinets, terrariums, propagation
- Price: ~$30-35
These slim LED strips are designed for cabinet greenhouse builds. Adhesive backing sticks to any surface. Built-in timer (3/9/12 hours) and dimmable. If you're doing an IKEA greenhouse conversion for aroids or orchids, these are perfect.
Check Price on AmazonSetup Guide: Distance, Timing, and Placement
How Far Should Grow Lights Be From Plants?
The optimal distance depends on your light's intensity and your plant's needs:
| Light Type | Low-Light Plants | Medium-Light Plants | Succulents/High-Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clip-on lights (20W) | 12-18" | 8-12" | 6-8" |
| LED panels (50-100W) | 24-30" | 18-24" | 12-18" |
| LED bulbs (30-40W) | 18-24" | 12-18" | 8-12" |
| T5 fluorescent strips | 8-12" | 6-8" | 4-6" |
Use our grow light calculator to determine exact positioning based on your light's PPFD output and coverage area.
How Many Hours Per Day?
Set your timer based on plant type and whether you're supplementing natural light:
- Succulents: 12-14 hours (as sole light source) or 6-8 hours (supplementing window)
- Medium-light tropicals: 10-12 hours (sole source) or 4-6 hours (supplement)
- Low-light plants: 8-10 hours (sole source) or 2-4 hours (supplement)
Important: Always use a timer. Inconsistent lighting is worse than slightly too little light. Plants depend on regular photoperiods for healthy growth cycles.
Best Placement Strategies
For Shelving Units
- Mount T5 or LED strips under each shelf
- Point light downward at 45-degree angle
- Leave 8-12" clearance for plant height
- Use adjustable shelf heights as plants grow
For Windowsills
- Position supplemental light opposite window
- Run light during cloudy days and evening
- Rotate plants weekly for even growth
- Clip-on lights work well for small spaces
Calculate Your Exact Light Needs
Not sure how much light your setup needs? Our grow light calculator factors in room size, plant type, and target DLI to recommend the right wattage and positioning.
Use the CalculatorWorks for succulents, tropicals, vegetables, and cannabis. Accounts for LED, HPS, fluorescent, and CMH light types.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Buying Based on "Equivalent Wattage" Claims
A light that claims "1000W equivalent" might only draw 100W actual power. Always check actual wattage, not marketing claims. Real performance is measured in PPFD at specific distances, not wattage equivalents.
2. Placing Lights Too Far Away
Light intensity drops dramatically with distance (inverse square law). A light 24" away delivers only 25% the intensity of the same light at 12". Start closer than you think, then raise if you see stress.
3. Running Lights 24/7
Plants need a dark period for respiration and certain growth processes. Running lights continuously can stress plants and increase electricity costs without added benefit. Stick to 12-16 hours max.
4. Ignoring Heat from Lights
While LEDs run cooler than HPS/HID, they still generate heat. Enclosed spaces (like cabinets) can overheat. Monitor temperature and add ventilation if needed. Aim for 65-80F for most houseplants.
5. Not Adjusting for Seasons
Reduce artificial light duration in summer when natural daylight is abundant. Increase in winter. Many plants also benefit from a slight intensity reduction in winter as they enter a rest period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of grow light do succulents need?
Succulents need 10-14 hours of grow light per day. High-light succulents like Echeveria need the full 14 hours, while lower-light varieties like Haworthia can thrive with 10-12 hours. Use a timer to maintain consistent lighting schedules.
Can I use any LED light for succulents?
No, regular LED bulbs don't provide the right light spectrum for plants. You need grow lights with specific wavelengths (primarily red 620-700nm and blue 400-500nm) that plants use for photosynthesis. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are the best choice.
How far should grow lights be from houseplants?
Most LED grow lights should be 12-24 inches from houseplants. High-intensity lights need more distance (18-24 inches), while lower-wattage clip-on lights can be closer (6-12 inches). Watch for signs of light stress like bleaching or curling leaves.
What wattage grow light do I need for houseplants?
For low-light houseplants: 10-20 watts per square foot. For medium-light plants: 20-30 watts per square foot. For succulents and high-light plants: 30-50 watts per square foot. A 20-watt light covers about 1-2 square feet for most houseplants.
Do succulents need grow lights in winter?
Yes, grow lights are especially important for succulents in winter when natural daylight hours decrease and intensity drops. Without supplemental lighting, succulents often etiolate (stretch) and lose their compact shape. Even 6-8 hours of supplemental light can prevent stretching.