Shine a light

Want to boost plant life in interior spots? Bob considers why it’s worth investing in LEDs for plant-friendly light…

- Bob

I AM sure you have noticed how light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are superseding older sorts of lights almost everywhere. First appearing in torches and car lights, they are now made to fit in place of ordinary household lightbulbs, saving electricity as with other high-efficiency options but lasting longer.

More importantly, suitable LEDs are also made with houseplant friendly light. Much better than other sorts of indoor light, these give off the right mix of wavelengths, so plants grow more naturally and can easily be kept in dimmer places than ever before.

LEDs also widen the range of houseplants you can now look after, and they even introduce the possibility of year-round indoor ‘farming’.