T5 fluorescent tubes are ideal for propagating seedlings and cuttings because they are highly efficient and bathe young plants in an even light without hot spots or excessive intensity. Many T5 fluorescent lighting fixtures are available (2 - 16 tubes, 2ft or 4ft). Each tube typically uses between 55W and 95W. Different color lamps are also available. For propagation, always use daylight rated (6.5K) lamps. Modern high output (HO) and very high output (VHO) lamps are brighter than first generation T5 lamps but can produce more heat. Position HO and VHO lamps 6-8 inches away from young plants and propagators. T5 fluorescent lamp fixtures come with a built-in electronic ballast.

BEFORE YOU BUY: Ensure your lamps and fixtures match (do not use HO lamps in VHO fixtures).

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Grow Lights

HIDs are the most commonly used type of grow light in indoor gardens. As their name implies they produce a very intense light that is capable of penetrating deeper into the plant canopy than fluorescent grow lights. HIDs are commonly available between 250W and 1500W. By far the most common are 1000W. There are two main types of lamp used in HID applications: Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium. Indoor gardeners use both types of light for different parts of the plant life cycle.

Growers use metal halide lamps to grow up their plant after the propagation stage. They are rich in the blue part of the spectrum—ideal for the structural growth before the flowering phase.

High pressure sodium lamps are more efficient and intense than metal halide lamps. They are rich in the orange / red part of the spectrum and can be used for vegetative growth but are more typically used for the flowering and fruiting stage.

BEFORE YOU BUY: Check that your ballast is compatible with your lamp and that it is rated to run at the correct power.