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.

Gardening Under Lights Book

Who doesn't love succulents? There are so many wonderful succulents you can add to your houseplant collection. Where most people struggle is with adequate light levels. Most succulents and cacti require bright light, which is hard to achieve indoors without grow lights.

Zebra plant, Haworthia spp., is a succulent that tolerates lower light levels. So if you have a bright windowsill, these are a great houseplant choice.

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

If you long to keep more houseplants in your house or apartment, but low-light levels are causing you houseplant-woes, don't give up! There are certain tropical plants that will thrive in low-light indoor conditions.

Pony tail palm, Beaucarnea recurvate, looks more like a tropical plant, but tolerates lower light and limited water. Place near a window and only water plants when soil has dried completely.

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

There are many succulents that are easy to grow in pots, including aloe plants. There are many different species of aloe plants, each with interesting foliage texture and color. They also bloom! Many hardy types of aloe need bright light. If you want to keep them indoors, consider adding a grow light.

By employing supplemental lighting indoors, you can keep a healthy collection of better-looking succulents year-round. You can also grow succulents under lights year-round to keep them healthy, but set them out in your home in lower light conditions for short periods of time to enjoy.

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