Compact Florescent and Plants

[OH-IO1981]

I have yet to make the switch from incondescent light bulbs in my apartment, I know.

But one reason, and I havent been able to find a good answer is, I tend to have a plant or two underneath most of my lights. The plants seem to do well, especcialy in the winter, with nearly no sunlight and just being underneath the lamp for a few hours per day.

My question is, how(if at all) will my plants be affected by switching to compact florescent bulbs?

[Besoeker]

Originally Posted by OH-IO1981

I have yet to make the switch from incondescent light bulbs in my apartment, I know.

But one reason, and I havent been able to find a good answer is, I tend to have a plant or two underneath most of my lights. The plants seem to do well, especcialy in the winter, with nearly no sunlight and just being underneath the lamp for a few hours per day.

My question is, how(if at all) will my plants be affected by switching to compact florescent bulbs?

Maybe check photosynthesis for your particular plants?

[greenacy]

There has been research that suggests that white fluorescents allow most plants to grow just a well as an incandescent. However, I have never read anything specifically on the newer compact fluorescent bulbs. Common sense would lead me to believe it would be the same but I am not an expert in such things.

The energy savings you would be creating may be worth a switch to a fake plant or moving the plants to better light even if the bulbs don't work as well for plant growth.

[Windguy]

You can get fluorescent globes that help plant growth or even some specifically for that alone. The problem is you may get a sun tan as well.

[Besoeker]

Originally Posted by Windguy

You can get fluorescent globes that help plant growth or even some specifically for that alone. The problem is you may get a sun tan as well.

There are CFLs for tanning beds?

[Windguy]

No but it's the UV light that is used in photosynthesis, so possibly in hydroponics stores you may find some globes. Unless hydroponics hasn't modernised yet.

Normal fluros produce UV light that excite the phosphorus coating which glows, so I don't know how much UV light would escape??!!?!?!!?!!