The perfect distance depends on your plant's type and its growth stage. A good rule of thumb is to start with the light 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) away from the top of the plant and watch how it responds.
Here’s a simple guide to help you dial it in:
- For Seedlings & Delicate Plants: Start farther away, around 18-24 inches. They need gentle light to avoid stress while they're establishing themselves.
- For Leafy Greens & Most Houseplants (e.g., Pothos, Monsteras): The 12-18 inch range is your sweet spot. This provides intense, full-spectrum light for strong, leafy growth.
- For Flowering & Fruiting Plants (or Light-Hungry Succulents): You can place it a bit closer, around 8-12 inches, to give them the extra energy they need to produce blooms and fruit.
The "Hand Test" for Quick Feedback:
Place your hand where the plant leaves are for 30 seconds. If it feels uncomfortably warm on your skin, it's too hot for your plant and you should move the light a few inches farther away.
Watch Your Plant's Signals:
- If the leaves are bleaching or curling, the light is too close.
- If the plant is becoming "leggy" or stretching out, the light is too far.
Start with our general recommendation, observe your plant for a week, and adjust as needed. Every indoor garden is unique
