Glossary · Lighting
Grow light distance from plants.
The right grow light distance depends on the bulb type and the plant: full-spectrum LED panels (20–40W) sit 12–24 inches above low-light houseplants, 6–12 inches above medium-light ones, and 4–8 inches above seedlings. Run grow lights 12–14 hours a day for tropical houseplants, 14–16 hours for seedlings and herbs, and turn them off completely at night. Move plants closer if leaves stretch toward the light (etiolation); move them farther if leaves bleach white or curl downward. Rotate the plant a quarter-turn every 3–4 days for even growth.
Distance + duration by plant type.
| Plant | Distance | Hours/day | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedlings (tomato, pepper, herbs) | 4–8″ | 14–16 hrs | Get them close to prevent leggy stretching. |
| Succulents, cacti | 8–14″ | 12–14 hrs | Need high intensity — closer is better, but watch for leaf scorch. |
| Medium-light houseplants | 12–18″ | 12 hrs | Standard 20W panel works well. |
| Low-light houseplants | 18–24″ | 10–12 hrs | Don't need much — too close can cause yellowing. |
| Fiddle leaf fig, monstera | 12–18″ | 12–14 hrs | Prefer brighter; rotate weekly. |
| Calathea, prayer plant | 18–24″ | 10–12 hrs | Very sensitive to direct intensity — keep diffused. |
Tazart's Grow Light Planner.
Tell Tazart your bulb wattage and your plant's species, and the Grow Light Planner returns the exact distance, daily hours, and rotation schedule. It also reads the room's natural light through the iPhone camera and tells you how much supplemental lighting you actually need.