I just put a bid in on a T5 HO Lamp that is 4ft long and has two tubes. This will be the first time I have invested in lighting for the winter in hopes that I can keep some of my favorite succulents in one spot without moving them in and out all winter. How close would I need the light to hang above the highest points on my plants? I would like to be able to keep everything as firm and compact as they are now with mostly full sun.

For years I have been taking things in and out trying to retain a firm form on them though the winter and I am hoping this light will help put an end to some of the musical plant chair game I do. I figured if I like this one I might invest in some more at a later time. Anyone have any advice for me?

The closer the plant the higher the light intensity. T5HO do not produce a lot of heat so you can have the plant very close, 1" or so. Mine are from 1" to 6-8".

If this is your first time with T5HO lighting I think you well be pleasantly surprised. I have 37' of T5 light and everything is growing great, Hoya, Sans, succulents all love it.

Thanks Steve. Wow, you have 37ft of them? My tiny cabin on the hill would look like a U.F.O. if I had all those lights So my plan with this 4ft one is to position a few of my heavy succulent pots right underneath the light and have some of my tropicals flanking the sides below the succulents to catch the run off light. There is a south facing window in the room and a small round west facing window, so there is normally enough light from the sun to keep things alive in the winter but it is still not enough to keep everything tight and compact.

I am really looking forward to trying it out. If I like it well enough, I will purchase more throughout the next year maybe. I keep thinking we are going to get me a green house completed but that has not happened yet. It is hard to walk around my place Dec-Feb. I either need a bigger house, a green house, or less plants. The last one is just not an option. Hopefully this light will help me take advantage of a dark corner and at least cut out a little bit of my overwintering issues. Thanks again for your reviews Steve.

The thread "I have less house plants" in Houseplants forum

The closer the better. When I started growing plants indoors, I tried raising the lights on chains. Then I got smarter. I built plywood platforms of varying heights to set the plants on. Much easier to manage.