I wrote this up the other day on lights.
To give you an example of my lights, this is what I'm using. I'm currently using nine of these 4-ft full-spectrum white light units among my various grow spaces. They also come in 2-ft lengths, single unit. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCQQLW5
The specs do not list PAR value but I can assure you, they do the trick...even to the point of scorching my plants if placement and hydration is not correct.
If my brand is not available, the Barina brand is available in Europe and people are very happy with them. 2 and 4-ft units available.
Using an actual digital light meter for my lights directly underneath, the reading is ~900FC measure at approximately 8-inches. On my phone light meter app, it measures around 650FC. This level is enough to stimulate blooming.
This is the phone app I use, using the front-facing camera.... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.doggoapps.luxlight
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Replacement type bulbs also work but you need to be more careful of plant placement. Something like this... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1NJ3583/
▪︎ Two brands of screw-in style, replacement bulbs I typically recommend are GE and Sansi. This playlist via UrbanLeaf supports my recommendations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi6DSxbzCa3eFYsXflscaJSt2D6vITfMb ▪︎
Florescent and non-LED lights can work but not as efficiently. This is a good read on the various types... https://houseplantspro.com/types-of-grow-lights-for-indoor-plants/
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You already know that your lighting situation is going to be deficient but I'm going to put this out there just as a general comment about light.
There are various terms used to describe light values depending on the usage.
• Lumens are used to describe light in human living and working environments. • FC/Foot Candles is a form of light measurement of illuminance or light intensity and one that is easily used by a layperson. • PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) is a much more technical way to measure light for plants...and way more complicated than I care to learn or purchase the equipment needed to measure.
A deeper dive: https://www.greenbudguru.com/what-is-par-light-measurement
Basically all plants need a minimum light level to survive but if higher levels of light can be provided, the plants can thrive.
Because our eyes automatically adjust and the brain compensates for various light levels, we tend to blissfully assign our perception to plant needs.....which is totally wrong!!! Comfortable light for our eyes can be like a plant sitting in the dark with just a nightlight...a little bit of an extreme example but I hope it gets the point across.
Add in various factors of an indoor growing environment...angle of the sun, tinted windows, wall paint color, etc...plants can easily be light deficient especially with seasonal influences added in.
This is a good chart that shows general light requirements for popular plants.
https://www.houseplantjournal.com/bright-indirect-light-requirements-by-plant/
And a video explaining how to measure light: https://youtu.be/KiQ3GNdAyJ4
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Monios lights are very good, but I would steer clear of Sansi and their gimmicky "grow lights".
I've used both and every Sansi product I bought, is sitting in a pile with dozens of other crap grow lights.
Monios lights are straight forward T5 or T8 lights, with good coverage. The hooded ones are excellent for cacti or succulents. I've also found, that although no one seems to like the fuchsia colored lights, they are far superior than the "sunlight" / white or yellow bulbs. Put up with the color for the sake of the plants.
I use several of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCQQLW5/ for sinningia, Madagascar palms, spiders and succulents. Prefer the double bulbs, since one can be turned off during the winter (northeast), when plants need a bit of break. All are on timers for 12-14 hours a day.
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thanks! i’m really happy with how they’re comin’ along.
lights are monios L “t5 LEDs”
their PAR is decent and the PPFD is alright. the ficus are doing fine with them but the spekbooms would like a little more light. c’est la vie. i have some expensive spider farmers up top for my actual trees but couldn’t afford a full SF setup. maybe next season i’ll get another set and use the monios for side-lighting.