How Far to Keep CFL's from My Pot Plants

If you are a cannabis grower, you must have heard about CFL lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, are widely used as grow lights for indoor gardening. They are popular among growers because of their affordability, low heat output, and energy efficiency.

Choosing the Right CFL Bulb Wattage

Before discussing how far to keep CFLs from your pot plants, it is important to know the right wattage of the bulb to use. The wattage of the bulb will determine the intensity of the light it emits. For young seedlings, use CFL bulbs with a wattage of 23W to 40W. For growing plants in the vegetative stage, use bulbs with a wattage of 40W to 60W. For flowering stage, use bulbs with a wattage of 60W to 100W.

Distance of CFL from the Pot Plants

The distance of the CFL from your pot plants will depend on the wattage of the bulb you are using. The higher the wattage of the bulb, the farther the distance should be. For young seedlings, the distance should be 2 inches to 4 inches away from the plants. For plants in the vegetative stage, the distance should be 6 inches to 12 inches away. For plants in the flowering stage, the distance should be 12 inches to 18 inches away.

Adjusting Distance Based on Plant Response

While these distances can serve as a general guideline, adjustments may need to be made based on how the plants respond. Some plants may require more or less light than others. For example, if the plants show signs of stretching, this may indicate that the light is too far away, and you may need to move the bulb closer. On the other hand, if the leaves are showing signs of light burn, such as yellowing or browning, the light may be too close, and you may need to move the bulb farther away.

Conclusion

Overall, CFLs can be a great option for indoor cannabis growing, as long as the proper distance and wattage are used. By keeping the bulbs at the appropriate distance, you can ensure that your plants get enough light without risking damage from too much heat or too strong of an intensity. Pay attention to your plants' response to the light, and make adjustments as necessary for optimal growth and yield.