The 6 Best Grow Lights for Succulents

Written by Lev Baker
Updated: February 16, 2023
© Joshua Small-Photographer/Shutterstock.com

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Key Points

  • The best overall grow light for succulents is the LEOTER grow light for indoor plants.
  • We have included LED, incandescent, and fluorescent options with various designs, timers, and flexibilities to ensure you find one that meets both your and your succulents’ needs.
  • Grow lights can be great for your succulents, especially if there is not much natural light in your home. Grow lights can help your succulents grow colorful and healthy.

Succulents are easy-to-grow plants for those looking for a low-maintenance plant that will grow despite a lack of water. Still, these desert plants need to be taken care of in their own way. Most notably, your succulent may need a grow light to live its best life. Although grow lights may not be necessary, succulents can benefit from a grow light, especially as the sunlight hours go down in the winter. When choosing the right grow light for your succulent, there are many aspects to consider, including the intensity and spectrum of the light and the amount of heat the lights generate. It is essential to choose the correct type of light for your succulent to ensure maximum growth and coloring.

  1. LEOTER Grow Light for Indoor Plants - Upgraded Version
  2. LEOTER Grow Light for Indoor Plants - Upgraded Version
    • 80 growing LEDs, comprised of 36 red, 16 blue, and 28 full spectrum.
    • An automatic on/off timer.
    • 10 dimmable modes.
    Check Amazon
  3. SANSI LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
  4. SANSI LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
    • Available in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-watt versions.
    • Bulbs are replaceable.
    • Patented ceramic design results in faster heat conduction.
    Check Amazon
  5. Durolux DL822N T5 HO 2Ft 2 Fluorescent Lamps Grow Lighting System
  6. Durolux DL822N T5 HO 2Ft 2 Fluorescent Lamps Grow Lighting System
    • 2 feet by 7 inches in size.
    • Includes 2-foot-by-2-foot T5 lamps.
    • Constructed completely from aluminum.
    Check Amazon
  7. Philips Indoor Grow Light A19 Agro-Lite, Artificial Sunlight Bulb for Plants, Soft White Light (2700K), 60W, 120 Volts, 1-Pack
  8. Philips Indoor Grow Light A19 Agro-Lite, Artificial Sunlight Bulb for Plants, Soft White Light (2700K), 60W, 120 Volts, 1-Pack
    • A bulb that acts as an artificial source of sunlight.
    • Has approximately 11 months of life.
    • Good for use in portable fixtures.
    • Low energy cost.
    Check Amazon
  9. Grow Light, LORDEM Full Spectrum LED Plant Light for Indoor Plants
  10. Grow Light, LORDEM Full Spectrum LED Plant Light for Indoor Plants
    • Sold in packs of one, two, or three.
    • Designed like a halo to assist plant growth and look stylish doing it.
    • A full spectrum grow light.
    • Automatic on/off timer.
    Check Amazon
  11. DOMMIA Grow Lights for Indoor Plants, 20W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
  12. DOMMIA Grow Lights for Indoor Plants, 20W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
    • Full spectrum grow lights.
    • Automatic on/off timer.
    • Made from aluminum.
    • Offers uniform light distribution.
    Check Amazon

Best Overall: LEOTER grow light for indoor plants

Best
LEOTER Grow Light for Indoor Plants - Upgraded Version
  • 80 growing LEDs, comprised of 36 red, 16 blue, and 28 full spectrum.
  • An automatic on/off timer.
  • 10 dimmable modes.
Check Amazon

Why It Is a Stand-out Grow Light

This grow light is best overall because it uses 80 LED lamps with full spectrum including dimmers and an adjustable gooseneck. It has excellent value for money, costing only $23.99. This grow light includes a memory timer that automatically turns on/off. It also consists of 10 dimmable modes that suit the different stages of your succulent’s growth. It is convenient as it uses a USB connector and has a metal clamp allowing easy placement.

Pros and Cons of LEOTER grow light for indoor plants

ProsCons
SturdinessNot too bright, may need a few lamps
Great value for moneyNot great for medium-sized plants
Useful timer functionOnly comes in one color – black

Best Grow Light With Replaceable Bulbs: SANSI LED grow lights for indoor plants

Best Grow Light With Replaceable Bulbs
SANSI LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
  • Available in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-watt versions.
  • Bulbs are replaceable.
  • Patented ceramic design results in faster heat conduction.
Check Amazon

Why It Is a Stand-out Grow Light

This grow light is a full-spectrum LED lamp with replaceable bulbs. This product allows the user to choose the wattage, ranging from 10 to 40 watts. This lamp also has a clamp and a gooseneck allowing flexibility and control over where you want the light to go. For a 30-watt lamp, this will cost $35.99. This price is a steal as the company gives a lifetime free bulb replacement! This lamp is durable and can help plants to maximize their color potential. However, this product does not include a timer and can get quite hot to the touch, so you should use it with supervision.

Pros and Cons of SANSI LED grow lights for indoor plants

ProsCons
Very bright and compatible with larger plantsCan easily overheat
Replaceable (and free) bulbsNo timer
Modern lookWeak gooseneck/heavy bulbs

Largest Grow Light: Durolux Fluorescent Lamps Grow Lighting System

Largest Grow Light
Durolux DL822N T5 HO 2Ft 2 Fluorescent Lamps Grow Lighting System
  • 2 feet by 7 inches in size.
  • Includes 2-foot-by-2-foot T5 lamps.
  • Constructed completely from aluminum.
Check Amazon

Why It Is a Stand-out Grow Light

This grow light is a hanging fluorescent full spectrum lamp with a 50-watt output. This Durolux lamp is quite large at 23 inches in length and 7 inches in width and costs $47.99. It is especially useful for people with a wide selection of succulents to shine the light on. It is energy efficient and produces little heat due to its aluminum construction. However, it’s worth noting that although the light is bright, it is not dimmable and does not have a timer system.

Pros and Cons of Durolux Fluorescent Lamps Grow Lighting System

ProsCons
Large enough to accommodate medium to large-sized plantsDoes not come with a timer
Very brightPricier than other options
Hanging and easily to installNot easy to adjust position after installed

Best Incandescent Grow Light: Philips Indoor Grow Light

Best Incandescent Grow Light
Philips Indoor Grow Light A19 Agro-Lite, Artificial Sunlight Bulb for Plants, Soft White Light (2700K), 60W, 120 Volts, 1-Pack
  • A bulb that acts as an artificial source of sunlight.
  • Has approximately 11 months of life.
  • Good for use in portable fixtures.
  • Low energy cost.
Check Amazon

Why It Is a Stand-out Grow Light

This is the cheapest grow light option if you don’t want to invest in LEDs. The Philips Indoor Grow Light simply installs in any existing light bulb socket or lamp. The 60W full spectrum light will give your succulents the light they need to keep them looking beautiful and healthy. One bulb will cost $8.99 and around $7.30 per year to run, making it an excellent value-for-money decision for those on a budget.

Pros and Cons of Philips Indoor Grow Light

ProsCons
Budget friendlyNo timer
Versatile Requires a desk lamp or fitting for positioning 
Long lifespanHas a narrow ray coverage, only good for smaller plants

Best-Looking Grow Light: LORDEM Full Spectrum LED Plant Light

Best-Looking Grow Light
Grow Light, LORDEM Full Spectrum LED Plant Light for Indoor Plants
  • Sold in packs of one, two, or three.
  • Designed like a halo to assist plant growth and look stylish doing it.
  • A full spectrum grow light.
  • Automatic on/off timer.
Check Amazon

Why It Is a Stand-out Grow Light

This grow light is inserted into the soil of your plant and consists of 24 LEDs. It is height-adjustable, dimmable, and includes a timer. This incredibly stylish grow lamp has a halo design and comes in white. It is good value for money at only $19.99 for one lamp. In addition, the auto timer function on this lamp allows peace of mind when you are at work or on vacation. The maximum height for this grow lamp is 26 inches, so it is ideal for small plants.

Pros and Cons of LORDEM Full Spectrum LED Plant Light

ProsCons
Has a timerOnly suitable for small plants
Comes in a stylish halo designCan be unsteady
Height adjustable (to 26 inches)Not compatible with tall plants

Best Grow Light for Shelves: DOMMIA Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

Best Grow Light for Shelves
DOMMIA Grow Lights for Indoor Plants, 20W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
  • Full spectrum grow lights.
  • Automatic on/off timer.
  • Made from aluminum.
  • Offers uniform light distribution.
Check Amazon

Why It Is a Stand-out Grow Light

This grow lamp is an automated 20-watt array and features 132 LEDs. It is straightforward to install and can be used anywhere. It is lightweight and thin, making it ideal for use on shelves, walls, and even cabinets. This DOMMIA grow lamp features an auto on/off timer function for your convenience. As a plus, one pack of this grow lamp comes with two grow lights. And the pair comes is affordably priced at just $21.99.

Pros and Cons of DOMMIA Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

ProsCons
Great for shelvesNot movable 
Includes a timerFlimsy
Perfect for all plantsBrightness is not adjustable

Criteria: What to Look for in Grow Lights

  • Ensure the size of the light can cover all of your succulents. Otherwise, make sure you purchase enough lamps to cover all of your succulents.
  • Depending on your lifestyle, you may or may not need a timer for your grow light. Look out for this feature, as not every grow light will have a timer.
  • Make sure the grow light you purchase is a full spectrum light that mimics natural sunlight for optimal coloring and growth.

The 4 Different Types of Grow Lights

There are four types of grow lights to choose from. Choosing the right type for your growing needs is important:

  • Fluorescent lights: These produce little heat, making them suitable for use in small spaces. 
  • Incandescent lights: The cheapest option, this grow light can be installed into any light bulb fitting.
  • LED lights: The most popular choice. They are energy efficient with a long lifespan and available in various spectrums to suit different types of plants.
  • High-intensity discharge (HID) lights: These are a type of grow light that generates a high amount of light intensity with a relatively low amount of heat. They are more powerful than other types of grow lights and are often used in commercial grow operations.

Up Next…

About the Author

I have been a freelance writer for the past 2 years. I have a huge love of animals and I love building my knowledge of animals through research. I love sea creatures in particular, my favorite being the octopus because of their intelligence, and I mean, come on, what's not to love! I have a rescue boxer named Dante who is the friendliest pup a man could ask for.

The 6 Best Grow Lights for Succulents FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why choose a grow light over natural sunlight?

Grow lights have the benefit of full control. Plants that require full sunlight throughout the day may suffer on overcast days or in places with inconsistent or insufficient sunlight. With a grow light, you can provide the necessary light that your succulents require.

What does “full spectrum” mean?

The sun produces red, green, and blue light, all of which plants need to grow. The sun also produces ultraviolet light, which promotes vitamin D production. This spectrum of light is what is replicated in the grow lights, therefore mimicking the effects of the sun.

How far away should grow lights be positioned from my plant?

This will depend on the intensity of the light and the size of the growing area. In general, it is best to start with the lights about 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) away from the plants and adjust the distance as needed. Placing it too far away will risk the plants not getting enough light, while having them too close will risk burning them.

How long should the grow lights be on?

The amount of time they should be on for will depend on the specific needs of the plants and the stage of growth they are in. They need at least 6 hours of light per day, but most plants will generally benefit from 12-14 hours. It is important to pay attention to the plants and make adjustments as needed.

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