Light-emitting Plasma, or LEP, grow lamps are emerging grow lighting technology for indoor gardeners. LEPs have no electrode or filament, but they use sulfur plasma with microwave radiation. LEP lamps operate like a hybrid between HID lighting and a solid-state LED light.

LEPs can deliver a wider spectrum of light than traditional MH or HPS lamps, with better efficiency and potentially lower heat output. Manufacturers of induction and plasma lights claim they are as energy efficient as fluorescents and produce moderate to almost no heat outputs.

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Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are one of the most common types of orchids sold and kept indoors. They are generally easy to care for and bloom for long periods. Keep in medium- to bright-light, and water under a slow-running faucet for several minutes once per week.

Phalaenopsis spp. grow best in warm temperatures between 66°F and 86°F (19–30°C) during the day. Ideal night temperatures fall between 60°F and 66°F (15–19°C). It is this cooling of temperatures that spur plants to flowering, generally in late-winter and early-spring. To keep plants healthy indoors year-round, add supplemental light from fluorescent or LED grow lights.

New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers

Ok, there just might not be a cuter plant than living stones. These tiny, fleshy succulents are perfect for small space indoor gardeners who also happen to be forgetful waterers.

Lithops, or living stones, can be tricky to grow indoors because different species may have different environmental needs, but all need bright light and should be grown under grow lights indoors. They are highly desirable, especially for collectors who love miniature plants. Water sparingly, as these fleshy plants will quickly turn to mush with too much water.

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Cymbidiums are one of the most popular and long-cultivated groups of orchids. They are large plants that produce tall flower stalks with large, waxy flowers. If you've ever seen an orchid corsage, it was probably made with a Cymbidium flower.

Since they are day-neutral plants, you do not have to change the lighting photoperiod to encourage flowering if you are growing them under grow lights indoors. They will bloom naturally in the winter as temperatures cool down.

New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers

Many succulents fail when kept as indoor houseplants, due to low light levels.If you have bright east-, south-, or west-facing windows that channel at least several hours of direct sunlight, you will fare better with succulents like hens & chicks (Sempervivum spp.), as well as higher-light plants such as echeverias, indoors.

But, they will all go downhill if your window isn’t bright enough or if you move them into lower-light conditions. If you don't have bright light indoors, consider adding a grow light to keep your succulents happy.

New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers

If you are tired of growing succulents or cacti indoors only to find they get spindly and eventually sputter out, low light levels are most likely to blame—and too much water.

If this ruffled Echeveria doesn't get enough light, it will eventually die. Try adding a grow light to keep plants healthy, and take care not to over water.

New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers

Remember that while all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti.

It’s important to know the difference when choosing indoor specimens. While a few succulents can tolerate lower levels of indoor light, most cacti need a lot of light to thrive. Most won't thrive without grow lights indoors. They also need good drainage and limited watering.

New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers

Grow tents come in many sizes, from tabletop to the dimensions of a small indoor bedroom. If you want a large grow tent, be aware of weight limits if you plan to place it in an upper floor or an upstairs apartment.

Modern grow tents are simple to assemble—I have put together several on my own. But if you purchase a tent taller than you are, recruit a partner to help you wrap the skin of the tent around the frame. It’s also a good idea to have a second pair of hands help you hang heavy light fixtures, which can be cumbersome.

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