Which Type Of Plant Growing Light Bulb Should I Buy For My Pencil Plant And At What Strength?

Question

I have had my 5-6 foot pencil plant for 20 years in a sunny house, Edmonton, Canada (cold winters) and it grew non-stop. However, now I am living in a north facing apartment with zero sun. I keep it on the patio during the summer which helps, but winter light inside is limited. The top side close to the window grows its little flowers/leaves However, the inside is doing nothing. Now I realise that I make it survive with a plant growth light bulb. Please help. I want to get it right. I bought the plant while living in the Ukraine, then brought it to Canada. Excited when I saw it in South Africa.

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Answer 1

It is a lovely specimen. We have articles on grow lights that should help. Cacti and succulents require high light and don't do as well under artificial lights as they would with direct sun. However, if you can summer them outdoors it will help. Read the articles below and choose a high light setup for your plant. I would suggest a vertical arrangement since your plant is tall.

https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6515

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/fluorescent-lighting-for-indoor-gardening.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/led-grow-light-information.htm