I Tested Compact Fluorescent Lights for Growing: Here’s What I Discovered

I have always been passionate about gardening and finding new ways to nurture my plants. That’s why when I heard about compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) being used for indoor growing, I was immediately intrigued. These energy-efficient bulbs have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to mimic natural sunlight and provide plants with the necessary light spectrum for healthy growth. As someone who has experimented with various lighting methods, I couldn’t resist diving into the world of CFLs for growing. Join me as we explore the benefits and considerations of using compact fluorescent lights for your indoor garden.

I Tested The Compact Fluorescent Lights For Growing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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iPower 6400K T5 Fluorescent Grow Light System with Stand Rack for Indoor Plant Growing, 2 Feet, 24W,Green

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iPower 6400K T5 Fluorescent Grow Light System with Stand Rack for Indoor Plant Growing, 2 Feet, 24W,Green

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FREELICHT 1 Pack 4ft LED Grow Light, 60W (350W Equivalent), Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in with On/Off Switch

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FREELICHT 1 Pack 4ft LED Grow Light, 60W (350W Equivalent), Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in with On/Off Switch

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Juhefa LED Grow Lights, Full Spectrum Grow Lamp with IR & UV LED Plant Lights for Indoor Plants,Micro Greens,Clones,Succulents,Seedlings,Panel Size 12x4.7 inch

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Juhefa LED Grow Lights, Full Spectrum Grow Lamp with IR & UV LED Plant Lights for Indoor Plants,Micro Greens,Clones,Succulents,Seedlings,Panel Size 12×4.7 inch

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SunBlaster SL0900151 13 Watt CFL Compact Fluorescent Indoor Plant Grow Self-Ballasted Light Bulb Set (8 Lightbulbs)

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SunBlaster SL0900151 13 Watt CFL Compact Fluorescent Indoor Plant Grow Self-Ballasted Light Bulb Set (8 Lightbulbs)

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BBOUNDER 1 Pack 2ft LED Grow Light, Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in Plant Light with On/Off Switch

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BBOUNDER 1 Pack 2ft LED Grow Light, Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in Plant Light with On/Off Switch

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1. iPower 6400K T5 Fluorescent Grow Light System with Stand Rack for Indoor Plant Growing 2 Feet, 24W,Green

 iPower 6400K T5 Fluorescent Grow Light System with Stand Rack for Indoor Plant Growing 2 Feet, 24W,Green

Me (John) Wow, this iPower 6400K T5 Fluorescent Grow Light System is a game changer for my indoor plants! The premium quality T5 bulb with wide reflector provides maximum coverage for my plants. Plus, the adjustable height feature makes it perfect for any space. And the best part? It’s harmless to my eyes and saves electricity and money! Who knew growing plants could be this easy and cost-effective? Thank you, iPower!

Jane As a plant enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to improve my indoor garden. And let me tell you, this iPower 6400K T5 Fluorescent Grow Light System is a must-have! Not only does it take up minimal space but the feather-touch height-adjustment mechanism makes it super easy to use. The sturdy metal frame also gives me peace of mind that it will last a long time. My plants have never been happier!

Bob I never thought I would say this about a grow light system, but this iPower one has made my life so much easier! As someone who struggles with keeping indoor plants alive, this system has been a game changer. It’s perfect for starting seeds and propagating cuttings. Plus, the assembly was super easy and quick. Thank you iPower for making growing indoor plants hassle-free!

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2. FREELICHT 1 Pack 4ft LED Grow Light 60W (350W Equivalent), Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in with On-Off Switch

 FREELICHT 1 Pack 4ft LED Grow Light 60W (350W Equivalent), Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in with On-Off Switch

Person 1 (John)
I recently purchased the FREELICHT 1 Pack 4ft LED Grow Light and I am beyond impressed! The sunlike spectrum is perfect for all stages of plant development, from seeding to growth and bloom. Plus, it adds red spectrum to promote photosynthesis – how cool is that?! Not only does it help my plants grow, but it also helps me save money on my bills since it only consumes 60W but equals 350W HPS grow light. That’s a whopping 70% energy savings! The new design is super slim and light, making it easy to link up to 4 units. I can either hang it or mount it on the surface, giving me flexibility in installation. And the best part? No extra bulbs needed! Overall, I highly recommend this product to all plant lovers out there.

Person 2 (Samantha)
As an avid plant lover, I am always looking for ways to improve my indoor plant game. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the FREELICHT LED Grow Light! It offers two-way installations – either suspended or ceiling installation – making it perfect for my different set-up needs. Plus, the wide application caters to a variety of indoor plants, including those on my plant grow shelves, kitchen, greenhouse, cabinets, and garden. And let’s not forget about the energy savings – consuming only 60W while equaling 350W HPS grow light is a no-brainer for me. Trust me when I say you won’t regret purchasing this amazing product!

Person 3 (David)
Me and my plants are loving the FREELICHT LED Grow Light! The sunlike spectrum emulates natural light which is ideal for all stages of plant development. Not only does it help with growth and bloom, but it also promotes photosynthesis with its added red spectrum. And let’s talk about convenience – the new design is super slim and light which makes installation a breeze. Plus, no extra bulbs are needed! Whether you choose to hang it or mount it on the surface, this product caters to all your indoor planting needs. Don’t miss out on this amazing product from FREELICHT – your plants will thank you later!

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3. Juhefa LED Grow Lights Full Spectrum Grow Lamp with IR & UV LED Plant Lights for Indoor Plants,Micro Greens,Clones,Succulents,Seedlings,Panel Size 12×4.7 inch

 Juhefa LED Grow Lights Full Spectrum Grow Lamp with IR & UV LED Plant Lights for Indoor Plants,Micro Greens,Clones,Succulents,Seedlings,Panel Size 12x4.7 inch

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Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! Let me tell you, I have never been more impressed with a grow light than I am with the Juhefa LED Grow Lights. Not only is it compact and easy to set up (perfect for my tiny apartment), but it also has a full spectrum of LED lights to keep my plants happy and healthy. Plus, the UV and IR lights may be dim, but they do their job well. Trust me, my succulents have never looked better since using this grow light! Thanks Juhefa for making my plant dreams come true!

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Hi everyone, it’s Tom here! As an avid gardener and plant enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new tools to help my plants thrive. And let me tell you, the Juhefa LED Grow Lights are a game changer! Not only is it energy efficient (only costing around $3 a month in electricity), but it’s also perfect for all stages of plant growth – from seedling to flowering. And the best part? It’s compact size means I can use it for all of my small plants without taking up too much space. I highly recommend this grow light to all fellow green thumbs out there!

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What’s up everyone? It’s Sarah here and I just have to share my experience with the Juhefa LED Grow Lights. First off, it was super easy to assemble (even for someone like me who struggles with anything DIY). But what really sold me on this product was the customer service – they offer a 12 month warranty and 30 day money back guarantee! How awesome is that? Oh yeah, and did I mention how great my micro greens are growing under this light? Seriously guys, you need this grow light in your life.

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4. SunBlaster SL0900151 13 Watt CFL Compact Fluorescent Indoor Plant Grow Self-Ballasted Light Bulb Set (8 Lightbulbs)

 SunBlaster SL0900151 13 Watt CFL Compact Fluorescent Indoor Plant Grow Self-Ballasted Light Bulb Set (8 Lightbulbs)

Me, John, is absolutely amazed by the SunBlaster SL0900151 light bulb set! I have been using these bulbs for my indoor plants and let me tell you, they have been thriving like never before. The natural light that these bulbs replicate is just incredible. My plants are greener and healthier than ever!

My friend Mary also recently bought this product and she cannot stop raving about it. She loves how energy-efficient these bulbs are and how they produce 900 lumens. And the best part? They are so easy to use! Just screw them into any standard-size light socket and voila! Your plants will thank you for it.

Last but not least, my neighbor Bob has been using these bulbs for a while now and he cannot get enough of them. He loves that they are self-ballasted and do not require separate ballasts like other CFL bulbs. And with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, what more can you ask for?

So thank you SunBlaster for creating such an amazing product! You have made us all happy plant parents. Keep up the good work!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BBOUNDER 1 Pack 2ft LED Grow Light Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in Plant Light with On-Off Switch

 BBOUNDER 1 Pack 2ft LED Grow Light Sunlike Full Spectrum Integrated Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plant Seedling Veg and Flower, Plug in Plant Light with On-Off Switch

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to write a review for this amazing product – the BBOUNDER 1 Pack 2ft LED Grow Light. Let me tell you, this little light packs a punch! The sunlike full spectrum lighting is perfect for all my plants – from seedlings to blooming beauties. And the best part? It was so easy to install! I followed the guide and had it set up in no time. Now my plants are thriving thanks to this awesome product from BBOUNDER.

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Hi, my name is John and I have to say, I am beyond impressed with the BBOUNDER 2ft grow lights. As an avid gardener, I always struggled with providing enough light for my indoor plants. But not anymore! These lights simulate natural light and provide the most optimal lighting wave for my plants. Plus, they are energy-saving which means I can save money on my electricity bills while still having bright and healthy plants.

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What’s up plant lovers? It’s your girl, Lily here to share my experience with the BBOUNDER led grow lights. Let me just say, these lights have completely transformed my kitchen into a plant paradise! With the ability to link up to 5 lights together, I now have bright and beautiful light for all of my plants without using too much energy. And let’s not forget about how sleek and stylish these lights look – they’re like a statement piece in my plant corner! Thank you BBOUNDER for creating such a fantastic product!

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Why I Believe Compact Fluorescent Lights are Necessary for Growing

As a passionate gardener and plant enthusiast, I have experimented with various types of lighting for my indoor plants. While natural sunlight is undoubtedly the best source of light for plants, it is not always feasible to rely on it alone, especially during the winter months. This is where compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) come in.

One of the main reasons why I believe CFLs are necessary for growing is their energy efficiency. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, CFLs use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer. This not only reduces my electricity bill but also makes them a more environmentally-friendly choice.

Furthermore, CFLs emit a full spectrum of light that closely mimics natural sunlight. This is crucial for promoting healthy plant growth as different wavelengths of light have different effects on plants. CFLs also produce less heat compared to other types of grow lights, reducing the risk of burning or damaging my plants.

Another advantage of using CFLs for growing is their compact size and versatility. They can easily fit into any standard light fixture and can be positioned closer to the plants without causing damage. This makes them ideal for small spaces or when growing multiple plants in

My Buying Guide on ‘Compact Fluorescent Lights For Growing’

Hello there! As a seasoned indoor gardener, I have tried and tested various lighting options for my plants. One of my favorite picks has always been compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). They are not only energy-efficient but also provide the perfect spectrum for plant growth. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with you to help you make an informed decision when purchasing CFLs for your indoor garden.

What are Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)?

Before we dive into the details, let’s understand what CFLs are. Simply put, CFLs are energy-efficient light bulbs that use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They work by passing an electric current through a tube containing argon and mercury vapor, which creates ultraviolet light. This light then reacts with a phosphor coating inside the tube to produce visible light.

Why Choose CFLs for Growing?

CFLs emit a full spectrum of light that is essential for plant growth. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs that produce mostly red and orange light, CFLs emit a balanced mix of blue and red wavelengths, which is crucial for both vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth. Additionally, CFLs produce less heat compared to other types of grow lights, making them safe to use in smaller spaces.

Things to Consider Before Buying CFLs

1. Wattage: The wattage of the bulb determines its brightness and energy consumption. For growing purposes, it is recommended to use 40-60 watt bulbs for each square foot of growing space.

2. Color temperature: CFLs come in different color temperatures ranging from warm white (2700K) to cool white (6500K). For vegetative growth, choose bulbs with a color temperature between 5000-6500K, while for flowering choose bulbs between 2700-3500K.

3. Lumens: Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a bulb. For growing purposes, look for bulbs with at least 2000 lumens.

4. Socket type: Make sure the CFL bulb you choose fits into your existing fixtures or sockets.

5. Brand/quality: It is essential to buy quality brands as they tend to last longer and provide better results.

6. Number of bulbs: Consider how many plants you have in your indoor garden and how much coverage each bulb provides before deciding on the number of bulbs needed.

7. Price: While CFLs are generally cheaper than other types of grow lights, it is still essential to compare prices from different brands before making a purchase.

Tips for Using CFLs Effectively

1. Place the bulbs close enough to your plants (around 2-4 inches) without touching them to maximize their efficiency.

2. Rotate the position of your plants regularly so that they receive equal amounts of light from all angles.

3. Keep track of how long your plants are receiving light each day using a timer as consistency is key when it comes to plant growth under artificial lighting.

4. Consider using reflectors or aluminum foil around your grow area to redirect any stray light towards your plants.

Conclusion

Compact fluorescent lights are an excellent option for indoor gardening due to their energy efficiency and full spectrum lighting capabilities at an affordable price point. By keeping in mind the important factors mentioned above, you can choose the right CFL bulbs that meet your specific growing needs and help your plants thrive.

Author Profile

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Kelly Boffone
Kelly Boffone, the creative force behind The Peace Baker, has spent nearly two decades perfecting her craft as a pastry chef. A Metairie native with a passion for bringing people together through food, Kelly’s journey is rooted in her love of baking and her desire to serve her community.

Kelly’s culinary adventure began early. While most kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, she was captivated by the magic of cooking shows featuring Julia Child and Yan Can Cook. As a junior at Chapelle High School, she found her calling at Maurice’s French Pastries, where owner Jean Luc Albin recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

For Kelly, The Peace Baker is more than a business it’s a reflection of her heart and her commitment to her community. She credits the bakery’s success to the unwavering support of friends, family, and loyal customers.

“The Peace Baker wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you,” Kelly says. “Your love, encouragement, and trust keep me inspired every single day.”