Growing Terrarium Succulents in Artificial Light

Growing Terrarium Succulents in Artificial Light

If you are a lover of succulents, then you will know how beautifully these simple plants grow in the gorgeous outdoors. Succulents are easy to relocate into your home and make pretty focal points when paired with the right terrariums.

Contrary to belief, succulents aren’t totally care-free plants to have in your home. If you want bright and thriving succulents, you need to put a little bit of work and research into growing your plants.

purple succulents

While succulents don’t need a lot of water, light is very important for healthy looking plants. Some of us may live in places where there isn’t a lot of natural sunlight, especially in the winter months. Perhaps your terrariums are in rooms that don’t get a lot of sunlight like your bathroom or office and need a little extra help. Artificial lighting options can help your succulents stay healthy and beautiful all year long, no matter where they are.

Artificial light isn’t a necessity for growing succulents in terrariums, however, it will help your plants stay as healthy as they can possibly be. If your plants have enough water and a bit of sunlight, they are likely to still grow and live, but will look less vibrant and drained of their natural colors.

By adding the correct amount of lighting for your plants to soak up, you will have healthy, plump looking plants with beautiful natural colors. Don’t know where to start when it comes to lighting? We have a few tips for you to start with.

Succulents are meant to be short, plump and colorful. If your succulents have stretched out of their terrarium, have flimsy leaves and are pale in color, it is a clear indication that they are searching for more light (not more water). Succulents and cacti need at least 4 to 6 hours of indirect, filtered sunlight every day.

green succulents

If your home does not provide enough sunlight, grow lights are a must for optimal growth and plant health. Grow lights emit more of the colors found in the natural spectrum of light as opposed to other light sources, and also stay a lot cooler and do not cost a fortune. Be careful not to give your plants too much light for too long as they will burn and dry out, just as they would in full direct sunlight in the outdoors.

Choosing the correct lighting can be a little bit daunting, but there are great kits available online which will help you to start your very own indoor succulent terrariums. When looking for artificial lighting for your succulent terrariums, keep the following in mind:

  • Opt for a fluorescent bulb – CFLs or T5/T8 (CFL bulbs are better for smaller spaces).
  • Fluorescent lights should be placed 8 to 12 inches above your plants for optimal growth.
  • Choose a bulb with a “daylight” spectrum with a color temperature of 6500K which is mostly blue.
  • Grow lights should have a color temperature of 3000K.

Any plant grows best with a combination of natural and artificial lighting instead of only artificial lighting. Try rotating your plants to ensure they don’t grow lopsided towards the light.

planter in artificial light

The planter that you choose is another important factor to take into consideration. The indoor and outdoor terrariums at 46 & Spruce are perfect for growing your succulents. The collection features stunning glass containers which allow for maximum light.

The hanging terrariums are an excellent option for people with little to no space on their counters for their succulents. These hanging terrariums are also perfect for outdoor patios and entertainment areas. Add drama to your home by choosing terrariums with different, interesting shapes like the pyramid geometric hanging terrarium from 46 & Spruce. These terrariums are perfect for showing off your favorite succulents and are also easy to move so that they can get the light that they need.

Now that you are a pro at growing succulents, check out our selection of terrariums at 46 & Spruce: https://www.46spruce.com/collections/terrariums. These also make excellent personal gifts for those special people in your life!

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