How to Use Regular LED Lights as Grow Lights | Avoid the Industry Markup

[@phytosexual]

How intuitively (and simply) gage how much *light your plants actually need* based on natural environmental factors instead of bRiGht InDIRecT ligGhT kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXK5g4SXlNuUr9ksi=5urUeetDgr8ZondF -super helpful information in conjunction with this video & more hilarity 💚

[@dennisdicicco6406]

feit eletric makes some really good lights , i have several and used them for a lot of stuff, from cactus to mushroom substrate , and they are white

[@Xiao_PP]

You look like youve allready died of aids RIP

[@petermurdoch7540]

@@phytosexual use the grow lights from HLG, the difference is incredible.

[@sallymaier]

You’re my favorite plant influencer. No bullshit elitism, legit info, funny, can’t be bought by big light. Thanks Nick.

[@RavensWillReplaceUs]

100%

[@annvassallo2604]

I totally agree, my absolute favorite!

[@80PercentScottish]

I swear if I see another youtuber tell me how good Soltec Solutions lights are 🤣.

[@veronicaapolinar1059]

Exactamente . Would be nice if he makes videos at least twice a month ( but he knows better )

[@literallyjustsomegirl]

not "big light" 😂💯

[@sheriBumgardner]

I've been using regular LED shop lights for my plants for many many years- I get great growth- beautiful blooms- and even vegetables! I've grown green beans, tomatoes, bell peppers and of course all the more common green leafies.... they all grew great! I've gotten laughed at, berated, name called and even thrown out of plant groups on face book for trying to share this information. I'm so glad that you're doing this video!

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Do more research before believing what he said... he compared his LED to a T12 TUBE.. t12 are those giant tubes invented in 1930 used in office buildings or retail in the past. T5 is the tube he should have shown everyone.. T5 tubes are what plant and aquarium growers like me use for corals for salt water and plants in fresh... T5 tubes at 6500k put out 5000 lumens, thats like 96 lumens pet watt i believe.. thats lower than the 130 lumens per watt on his LED.. but that 5000 is UN-REFLECTED light.. Florescent light fixture use reflectors.. a good V shaped reflector can double the light output. So 5000 lumens plus 5000 lumens.. minus 10% from being reflected.... Thats 9500 lumens on one bulb.. Think about that for a second before believing this dude. LED lights like his also have no light difusor.. so led light isnt spread out.. its directional.. meaning it has hot spots you cant see without a PAR meter.. FLORESCENT lights are 100% even light spread.. They dont have hot spots.

[@zp944]

I started off my indoor growing journey in 2006 using florescent shop lights, and it worked well. In 2009 I transitioned to using two 600w HPS ballasts. The HPS lights FAR outperformed the fluorescent shop lights, like not even close. The growth rate was insane. But - so was the heat, and so was the light bleed. Not to mention the energy cost. Today, I'm back to using the shop lights, but led ones. The growth is slower, sure, but it's more efficient

[@TheSoloebe]

For growing tomatoes, which lights do you use? What wattage LED's? Im so confused, most of the videos seem to be for leaves, microgreens, or houseplants for which I get white shoplights work but what about to get actual tomatoes and peppers?

[@Poetictruthseeker777]

That's insane!!! Thank you so much for this info. This can save lots of ppl money. Some people just choose to stay ignorant and blind.

[@fyk10andersen]

For ur house plants its fine, but there is an extreme difference between using 10 10watt led bulb or buying a 100w qauntumboard, and u will see a difference

[@elizabethchurchill1216]

3 months ago I gave up on fussing over expensive houseplants in the cold dark depressing Pacific Northwest and moved to Costa Rica. I weep every time I see the $$$$ plants I struggled to cultivate in the PNW growing wild like weeds along the roadsides. The house I’m renting here has a variegated Monstera deliciosa the size of 3 UPS trucks. Every day I discover new plants: various velvety Philodendrons, Monstera adansonii, giant carnivorous flowers, random orchids, tilandsias, and epiphytic cacti growing wild on every tree. The vines all grow a meter every day. It’s too much. I’m turning feral and delirious and ungovernable! My house and patio are filled with amazing plants that I didn’t pay a cent for. You have a standing invitation to come visit.

[@lunity1111]

Wow can you supply me ? Lol

[@TheJulietxo]

That sounds like a dreamm! I'm happy for you!

[@ominousblossoms]

I am absolutely adding "I'm turning feral and delirious and ungovernable!" to my morning affirmations.

[@Selena8461]

Awe this is so sweet. I’m happy you’ve found beautiful plants. I live in the california desert and I would love living in a place like Costa Rica. 🙀

[@Sandreline]

We have native carnivorous plants in the PNW!

[@bottlesandcats]

All other plantubers: “Buy this $900 light from Mother that I got for free!” Nick: “Just get some LED bulbs from Home Depot and you’re good.” Another super informative video ❤

[@PushyMuse]

THIS!!! I’ve never been in a plant group where someone recommended Mother. Influencers though…. Smh

[@judifoster8]

You got THAT right!👍🏼

[@sunsundks3891]

What plantubers are yall watching?

[@jusindavis5413]

The lmb301-h EVO diode would like to speak with you

[@surronzak8154]

What is the micro mole per watt from your mothers light, you guys don't understand what's going on

[@sandylizbeth2900]

Ugh the information, time spent to create this, quality video, non-elitist plantitude, and realistic accessible recommendations for the rest of us plant lovers is why I love you and your channel. Thank you Nick! 🖤

[@phytosexual]

Luv you too ❤

[@PedroLopes-xe8ux]

@@phytosexual Hello, a lot of your information is wrong about LEDs and I'd be happy to help you understand them better.

[@Fire-Queen]

What's wrong about the led lights, ​@@PedroLopes-xe8ux???

[@TechplantChannel]

Great advice! To many people getting caught up in "expensive" and "premium" plant care products when it doesn't have to be that way. Very nice video!

[@phytosexual]

Thank you Tech Plant!

[@jeanneowens2738]

I’m a gardener with an indoor grow setup for years and got into houseplants later when COVID hit. My remote at home office is now in my grow room. Can definitely attest to what you say, especially the pink light being hard on the eyes/brain all day. Turning the room light helps. A little. The things I do for my plants. Pink is great for veggies & carnivorous plants but houseplants definitely grow so much better in real light or fluorescent. Love your videos by the way. Your “whatever” tongue in cheek attitude is awesome.

[@phytosexual]

I try to be more nonchalant every day.

[@LeonidasLost480]

That was a brilliant informative video. I didn't understand it but I'm 70 and tired. I have made a note of it and will look at it again tomorrow. Thanks again

[@phytosexual]

haha

[@Sandreline]

Thank you for saying red/blue lights are ugly. I feel like I've been gaslit by the plant community. Why have the plants if you're not going to display them nicely? I don't get it.

[@phytosexual]

They're horrible and for 10-15% efficiency no thank you.

[@persiagil1488]

Exactly! Red and blue are just upront tacky!

[@gamingrex2930]

purple lights are literally only meant for weed farmers or egghead nutritionists

[@stageiiwappie950]

Blue is great for herbs like basil when u care about eating instead of looks

[@sneezingbananas]

Why have kids if they're going to be messy and fussy, I just want to dress them up pretty and parade them around like a mini-me. That's the vibes I get from this comment 😑 Not everyone has plants just to look pretty, some of us actually like the process of caring for a living organism, even if it isn't pretty all the time.

[@mamatogirls]

You are hilarious - and clever! I am rethinking lighting instead of overthinking it. I am not a snob WRT plastic tents. IKEA cabinates are a phase. Our great-grandparents grew plants with fresh water, manure (aged) and sunlight; no humidifiers, soil additives, etc. and they had amazing houseplants. Your vibe is what I needed as I am new (1 year) in this plant journey, but I am 70 years old. If I am a successful plant parent some of my plants may outlive me! I love that.

[@phytosexual]

Certain plants we grow do require much more specific conditions compared to things like African violets or Christmas cactus, otherwise they would suffer, but some people definitely overdo it. I try to start simple and move to more complicated solutions as needed.

[@CosmiqueRays]

Wholesome🥰

[@emmitstewart1921]

I've been growing plants under lights since 1972, but I learned somethings from you today. When I started, the bulb most used was the pinkish fluorescent tubes. I hated them for the same reason that you do. They distort all the colors so badly that it is hard to tell if your plants are healthy. About a year or so later, they came out with wide spectrum tubes, which were white, but very expensive. I found out that I could get the same result by combining one Cool White Deluxe tube and one Warm white Deluxe tube. (Deluxe tube had extra blue phosphors,) At the time and for many years, I used this combination in fluorescent shop lights, which I could buy for about ten dollars. I learned how to make many different shelving units, usually the individual shelves were four feet long and two feet deep. Each shelf would be lit with two shop lights. Each shop light would hold two 40-watt tubes, one cool white and one warm white. There was one big draw back to the system. Four 40-watt tubes burned 160watts of power, but you could grow just about anything under them. A three-shelf system like yours would burn 480 watts. It was expensive, but since I wanted to have my plants, I paid it. Sometime around 2004, natural daylight tubes became available. That was about the time that I learned about the Kelvin scale. Up until then the Kelvin scale was there, but it was usually ignored. You had warm white, cool white, and daylight. warm white was around 2700 K, cool white was around 5500K, daylight was around 6500. Natural daylight was 5000K and was the closest to the light coming in a south facing window. It was the best all-round color if you wanted both rapid growth, flowers, and edible fruit. The trouble was that natural daylight was only one company's name for that type of tube. Other companies used different labels, then they also started using different labels for their other colors. To be sure of what you had, you needed to look at the fine print on the back of the package and read the Kelvin rating. So, what is the kelvin rating. Basically, it compares the light of the tube to the color of a bar of steel as it is heated past the glowing point. as you heat a bar of steel, at 900 degrees it emits a red glow. as the bar gets hotter the color moves into a predominantly orange glow. Hotter still and the glow becomes yellowish, then yellowish white, then white, them blueish white. I use 5000K because I am interested in cacti and flowering plants. for a person like you who is interested in mostly foliage species and Hoyas, you would do better with 6000k or above. When I place a Hoya carnosa directly under my lights, it turned yellow and refused to grow. I had to move it back about five feet from the lighted area before it got back the natural green color and began to show its typical silver streaks. With the introduction of LED lighting, the Kelvin rating became even more important, as did all of the information on the back of the package. When LED lighting was introduced, its main competition was the old incandescent bulb, so all the labelling was a comparison to incandescent lights because most of the country related the amount of light emitted by a bulb to the wattage. When the label says 100 watts daylight, it really means that it produces as much light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb with the color of a daylight fluorescent tube. If you look at the fine print though, you will see that it only draws 18 watts of power from the plug. Since we pay for electricity by the watt, that is a huge saving. When I discovered that, I changed every light in my apartment to LED. The initial investment was high, but the lights last so long that I have not had to change a light bulb since. When, before, I had to change my fluorescent tubes about every year because they deteriorated that fast, the extra initial cost was repaid in less than two years. Because China has been producing such reasonably priced LED growth lights in configuration's that can be installed anywhere an electric cord can reach, the whole hobby has totally changed. If I had a basement, I could grow hundreds of thousands of cacti down there, and in the back corners, where the light is not so bright, run a Hoya nursery.

[@luislandofficial]

I think this is the longest comment ever 😂 very informative

[@yeikes]

Thanks for the info

[@maboo736]

Super informative! Best thing I can suggest is to get solar-powered floodlights and you basically pay $0 for your nursery. Would love to see a comparison between that and having LEDs directly above your plants.

[@emmitstewart1921]

@@maboo736 The problem with that is that you need to have a place to set up your solar panels. I live in a sixth floor apartment and all the light coming in my windows is needed by my plants. I do not have room to set up a solar panel array. If I had such an array available, I would not use floodlights. that would be an inefficient use of the available power. I would direct the power into my plant light panels.

[@bsgenius22]

I'm glad you came up in my recommended, your humor made me subscribe immediately. You have a lovely collection and I'm super jealous of your string of turtles!

[@barbarazuazua3927]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate that you pointed out that you tested over 6 months to give tested information. And, yeah, I like how you roll too. Well done! I'm currently shopping to prepare to bring in my happy plants from outside. Every winter they get as sad as me. I'm hoping the lighting will help all of us out.

[@phytosexual]

Yes good idea be careful and start them in the shade. Maybe don't take little delicate ones out.

[@instakillgaming]

What can I say. Excellent display, excellent setup, excellent information, excellent thumbnail, excellent plants. Nick you are doing an awesome job with the content, loving it!!

[@phytosexual]

Thank you! I really do try my best to make it worthwhile!

[@instakillgaming]

@@saramarie9455 i mean honestly

[@voice2skull.]

😂 gay

[@instakillgaming]

@@voice2skull. maidenless

[@pamelalucia18]

The voice just calmed me down. I played this by mistake and stayed for the calms lol

[@FireCyanide]

I absolutely can't wait to quote this video to people who don't care about houseplants let alone grow lights then feel awkward about it. Love the vids as usual

[@phytosexual]

hahaha me quoting SpongeBob but at least it's more ubiquitous.

[@jessicamaurer5941]

First video I've seen of yours and I love your teaching style. Love the comedy, the attitude, the knowledge and the lack of energy. And i mean this. I hate when people try to oversell their videos by being over excited and too damn much. You are giving GOAT 🐐! I subscribed. Thanks

[@phytosexual]

lol I thought "the lack of energy" was an insult at first.

[@cookiejaaar6220]

For the last 2 years I've been using white 4000K LED lightbulbs (3 of them, about 5000 lumen total), in a "normal" fixture in my living room. My plants are a) totally fine and b) growing towards the fixture/middle of the room, and not towards the window, which is much more aesthetic. One thing you can look into is CRI of the lightbulb, which basically translates into how wide is the spectrum emitted. Most lightbulbs are around 90 CRI, but those that are 95 CRI and above have emission spectrum that correlates a lot better with absorption spectrum of chroroplyll(s). The price is very similar, but you may have to do a bit of digging to find which ones have higher CRI, because well, retailers don't care

[@meremeth]

Very true, most normal LEDs are missing a lot of red in their output. Which I guess isn't a problem if you're growing the plants for foliage

[@yolyrom7233]

Good info, thanks!

[@BossLevelPro]

Cri is ok but won't tell you if spectra vital to your plant are missing. The scale is a hundred so a 90 cri could leave 10 percent of some good, tasty colors out.

[@demsandlibsareswinecancer4667]

Your plant is going to face and point toward wherever the most blue light comes from. Plants don't follow light, they follow blue light. And a 4000k spectrum color temperature lens towards a higher amount of blue.

[@lindaertel7558]

Are you growing vegetables?

[@tdmerc30]

I enjoyed this video so much that I think my generalized anxiety and depression have been permanently cured.

[@phytosexual]

If i could do anything in this would i would be happy to do that.

[@costaldevomito]

This is the exact same conclusion I came to about lights. White light is preferable for residences where people will be exposed to it. The reduction in energy cost is only of use in major grow operations, where it becomes much more significant. So much information about lights and it just over complicates things for the lay person just trying to grown some nice plants to enjoy

[@phytosexual]

Yeah there is a lot more info but I just wanted to make a video about lights catered to the houseplant community since every situation has different needs.

[@neonice]

Warm white light is the best (as in color not temperature)

[@lindaertel7558]

Yes, but growing veggies seems to take more Kevin’s than other plants and many sellers don’t list the amount of Kevins. I have been looking for an LED light with enough watts and kelvins (6500) for 2 months!

[@surronzak8154]

If you still looking for kelvins in 2023 you are far behind @@lindaertel7558

[@neva-surrender]

I luv your calm, collective, and efficient explanations. You're voice is so soothing.

[@phytosexual]

Thank you :)

[@dsepisodes]

I just asked myself today where is Nick and bam here's a new video

[@michelecooper2165]

I was thinking that 3 days ago…

[@phytosexual]

I'm a genie.

[@michelecooper2165]

@@phytosexual 😆

[@missy912]

I check his channel every week incase I might have missed one. Love nick videos

[@rayashcroft5006]

Very much same. I’m new to this channel though so luckily I’ve got tons of catching up.

[@helmutgensen4738]

Thanks for clearing up the growlite mystery - we have offices without windows (hospital basement) where amazingly plants are flourishing. Now I know why

[@weissefabrik]

just ask the facility manager to show you the room with the stock...there is different lightning in hospitals, especially in the areas, where much of it is needed, not only throughout the whole room :) check the nm, lm and kelvin.

[@bleh5409]

Omg same. I went to the basement of the hospital I work and the plants are thriving giants. No windows, damn near inside the devils bhole 😂 I was shook, so I spoke to one of the maintenance worker and he said people constantly ask him the secret. Light, regular old cheepo light and love 😂

[@firstwatchrescue]

This might be your best cover image for a video yet. It looks model-worthy and you can still see the humor. Living for it can't lie.

[@phytosexual]

I really tried, there were some not so good takes however lol

[@AguabonitaAquatics]

First video I have watched of yours; it came up as a selection on my aquascaping feed and I really enjoyed it. I appreciate your genuine intent of helping others to enjoy the hobby in an affordable manner and observed some cross-over for us wet-thumbs, cheap lights, woohoo! My wife is the houseplant keeper in our relationship and she will love your videos, she is big-time plant rescuer, as well... every rescue is a story, she loves to tell. One plant that we have in our house that everyone enjoys is the sensitive plant (moves when you touch it and has flowers that look like thneeds from The Lorax) that I expect you are familiar with, but I didn't see in your collection (however, it is the first video I have watched of yours). I sell a lot of shrimp, fish, snails and aquatic plants and have many people over to our house... my wife usually gets in on the action and tries to lure my aquatic peeps into houseplant keeping, she is remarkably successful with her sensitive plant give-aways. If you've never kept this plant I highly recommend it, the movement is cool, but when you thee a thneed, it just feels like the world is a better place!

[@phytosexual]

Thank you so much! I’ve seen and touched sensitive plants many times. Maybe I’ll start some from seed this spring!

[@AguabonitaAquatics]

@@phytosexual you won't regret it. Not gonna lie they get kinda big, but... the Thneeds. If you have never theen a thneed, I'm exthited for you. You're gonna love them!

[@fingernailplays5602]

THE KING HAS UPLOADED

[@phytosexual]

hahaha

[@darkgreen9098]

3 minutes in and Nick's swag is undeniable! Passion is dope AF

[@emeraldinthesky6789]

Thank you Nick! Out here doing the most for the people 🙌🏻 I believe I speak for all of us in saying we appreciate all the time and effort you must put into each of your videos. Add in a little dry humor... You the best!

[@phytosexual]

Thank you!

[@robbierobd42]

i have seen alot of how to grow and garden videos over the years, and yours is FANTASTIC. Thanks for being awesome!

[@phytosexual]

Thanks!

[@phytosexual]

My video about the commercial lies of 'Bright Indirect Light' and what level of light your plants truly need! shorturl.at/pKMZ1

[@fingernailplays5602]

Yes king immediately

[@Dieppaloveplants]

i live in the north too Massachussets😊

[@NV.DeathRace]

I will follow your cheekbones in to the dark

[@Allieppr]

Already done. Now I want to ask you since you do use science when you talk about plants, can I mix cinnamon into my potting soil when I’m repotting?

[@OvhanDevos]

Great vid, got a lot more content than I expected, probably could have split it up into multiple videos and get more out of it. ( Not that this is bad, just saying for youtube purposes )

[@oliverschultz4943]

Hey Nick - I love your style: reliable and useful info shared with a sharp and witty sense of humour (which is sorely lacking in most other gardening/plant channels). Fantastic!

[@grannyplants1764]

What a neat video, I’m so tired of the IKEA Milsbo cabinets and the same boring $200 plants. Your set up is very user friendly and much more affordable to us poorer folk. Loved seeing the nice variety of plants you have in it too. Thank you for the video, and just being you! 🤗🌿💡🌱

[@SCORPIUS.98]

I’m crying at some of the things you said, genuinely enjoyed watching this video. Thanks for all the knowledge.

[@phytosexual]

tysm

[@jessicaduryea6350]

Great video. Very informative. I can attest to Hyper Tough under counter lights from Walmart working great for my plant. I have used them for 3 years now and have the best growth from my plants. They cost less than $10 each and are far better than the actual grow lights I have.

[@albertines4827]

Thank you for confirming what I suspected about 'grow lights' but more importantly, thank you for sneaky Violet content.

[@phytosexual]

Haha you're the first! I always have Easter eggs in my videos, now that my channel is large enough for people too find them.

[@rosesnewbeginning3547]

Its super fun to get references or easter eggs makes for a litle secret code or inner circle feeling !

[@FullCircleTravis]

You're absolutely correct about grow lights. They make sense for high production. If you aren't eating or smoking your plants, a nice display light that supports growth makes sense.

[@phytosexual]

I use philodendron leaves to roll my joints

[@yellowishgreendragon.-.]

@@phytosexual they're poisonous.

[@TheRoger42]

The Quality!!! I know that you don’t upload videos a lot, but every time they come out, it’s always very informative and I know that you put so much time and effort for doing this! At first I watched your videos because it’s fun . But fun mixed with quality information? AHH MAZING!!! Who cares about quantity, what we really need is quality! ❤️❤️❤️ 👍👍👍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@phytosexual]

A lot of people go back and watch my other videos for this reason. I want to curate a bunch of well made interesting videos than bulk upload nursery tours!

[@TheRoger42]

Oh trust. I watched all your videos but I hardly post any comments. Kudos to you, I enjoyed it very much like all your followers. 😀

[@kathyflores4534]

I just found your channel and I am hella thankful that I did. You look like a genuine person that shows the reality of plant collectors.

[@phytosexual]

Thank you!

[@meremeth]

This is great, you're the only plant channel I trust at this point thank you for the no bs plant care info. Your hoyas!!! Amazing. Can't wait for Australia to get more variety :--)

[@phytosexual]

I know there are a TON of agricultural restrictions.

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Do more research before believing what he said... he compared his LED to a T12 TUBE.. t12 are those giant tubes invented in 1930 used in office buildings or retail in the past. T5 is the tube he should have shown everyone.. T5 tubes are what plant and aquarium growers like me use for corals for salt water and plants in fresh... T5 tubes at 6500k put out 5000 lumens, thats like 96 lumens pet watt i believe.. thats lower than the 130 lumens per watt on his LED.. but that 5000 is UN-REFLECTED light.. Florescent light fixture use reflectors.. a good V shaped reflector can double the light output. So 5000 lumens plus 5000 lumens.. minus 10% from being reflected.... Thats 9500 lumens on one bulb.. Think about that for a second before believing this dude. LED lights like his also have no light difusor.. so led light isnt spread out.. its directional.. meaning it has hot spots you cant see without a PAR meter.. FLORESCENT lights are 100% even light spread.. They dont have hot spots.

[@ShayJuliette]

"The part of the video where I will show you around my grow shelf" AWWWWWWWWWWW Yiiissss

[@mollycatcolorado9252]

How fun that you were able to germinate the string of heart seeds and grow it into a plant! I, too, enjoy growing plants from seed. Back in January I started a bunch of African Violets from seeds. They have been blooming for several weeks, living under my LED shop lights on a metal shelf set up similar to yours.

[@Ninja_Cat777]

You have such a soothing voice. I could listen to you talk about plants forever!!

[@phytosexual]

Thanks!

[@JustHarperGray]

I love all the science! It’s sexy! 🤓 I’m too poor to purchase fancy lights so Amazon lights it is. My plants love them! Huge leaves and fast growth. Thank you for releasing something that is affordable and you waited to make sure it works. I appreciate all the efforts. 🌱

[@phytosexual]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@kyfarm]

Harper what kind of Amazon lights do you use please?

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Do more research before believing what he said... he compared his LED to a T12 TUBE.. t12 are those giant tubes invented in 1930 used in office buildings or retail in the past. T5 is the tube he should have shown everyone.. T5 tubes are what plant and aquarium growers like me use for corals for salt water and plants in fresh... T5 tubes at 6500k put out 5000 lumens, thats like 96 lumens pet watt i believe.. thats lower than the 130 lumens per watt on his LED.. but that 5000 is UN-REFLECTED light.. Florescent light fixture use reflectors.. a good V shaped reflector can double the light output. So 5000 lumens plus 5000 lumens.. minus 10% from being reflected.... Thats 9500 lumens on one bulb.. Think about that for a second before believing this dude. LED lights like his also have no light difusor.. so led light isnt spread out.. its directional.. meaning it has hot spots you cant see without a PAR meter.. FLORESCENT lights are 100% even light spread.. They dont have hot spots.

[@juliegruber7225]

I honestly don’t know why you don’t have more subscribers. You give great information and you are hilarious, I love you. 😂

[@phytosexual]

I haven't sold my soul to the bright indirect light gods, thats why.

[@marcusmastrocola3550]

I'm obsessed by your sarcasm and the quality of the content equally.

[@phytosexual]

Thank you :)

[@po.po.poquito]

This is how to get a new sub. I started actually getting *into* my houseplants about 6 months ago, and this is the first channel I’ve actually vibed with. *New sub*

[@phytosexual]

Thank you :)

[@joehisel5966]

I listened for 30 seconds and started rolling my eyes at this dude. After about two minutes I was hooked. Thank you for being so you!

[@mcgaggie1442]

Stop it. You’re hysterical and I love your content. Instantly subscribed.

[@phytosexual]

Glad you liked it.

[@yesanothersarah]

Loving the content. It's always good to have some well researched input into why windowless office plants live long, healthy lives. Although I still have a grow bulb because it replaced a SAD lamp for seasonal depression....

[@weatheranddarkness]

this was way goofier than I had anticipated after watching lots of other gardening channels

[@phytosexual]

People are so dry lol

[@Onecolorfulmama]

I love how true your approach is! The way you talk and that you truly enjoy plants as they are! No bd aesthetics just real nature! You got a new sub 🙌

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Do more research before believing what he said... he compared his LED to a T12 TUBE.. t12 are those giant tubes invented in 1930 used in office buildings or retail in the past. T5 is the tube he should have shown everyone.. T5 tubes are what plant and aquarium growers like me use for corals for salt water and plants in fresh... T5 tubes at 6500k put out 5000 lumens, thats like 96 lumens pet watt i believe.. thats lower than the 130 lumens per watt on his LED.. but that 5000 is UN-REFLECTED light.. Florescent light fixture use reflectors.. a good V shaped reflector can double the light output. So 5000 lumens plus 5000 lumens.. minus 10% from being reflected.... Thats 9500 lumens on one bulb.. Think about that for a second before believing this dude. LED lights like his also have no light difusor.. so led light isnt spread out.. its directional.. meaning it has hot spots you cant see without a PAR meter.. FLORESCENT lights are 100% even light spread.. They dont have hot spots.

[@nlu230]

Alwas nice to find some reasonable content creators talking facts and use their reach to spread proper information. Thanks mate, you rule.

[@phytosexual]

Thanks :)

[@ginakapuscinski9698]

Nick Alexander, here’s a BIG thumbs up and hat lift! Thank you.

[@teresarubel2182]

Just discovered you. Most fun I had in forever watching info being given without any sense of self-importance. Loving you.

[@borislavnikolov6240]

I came for the plant lights and stayed for the humor! :D Great video, informative and entertaining :P

[@jjh3365]

Perfect balance of really down to earth useful information and cheeky humor 😍

[@paulasage3611]

Once again you've done an awesome job explaining the science behind lights. Your plant saves are great I am always picking up the Charlie Brown plants that need a home, at least it's plants and not more cats. Thank you!

[@phytosexual]

I don't need any more cats either.

[@10minuteimprovementpodcast]

wow, i really like the pace you speak at with the perfect amount of pauses in between the words, gives the time to absorb everything u say.

[@phytosexual]

Ok I speak faster now :p

[@lilvegan]

I watched some of your content 2 years ago, and this was recommended to me today! So happy to see you again! This was helpful and a lot of fun to watch :)

[@pershop4950]

yes, thank you for showing the results. a lot of gardening/plant videos show the setup, but not the results 1 or 3 or even 6 months later. it's hard to know what worked or not, when videos just show the initial stages. i'm the same way about pots. I care less about how the pot looks, than I do about how the plant looks I'll use styrofoam cups, plastic cups, ice cream tubs, 3 or 5-gallon buckets, etc to get more plants into containers, so that I have more plants!

[@keekers8785]

Dude, your B-Roll shots are AMAZING! 10/10 best on youtube

[@clarewillison9379]

You might have just saved my sanity and a lot of plants. Living in the darkest home I’ve ever known has been so depressing after I couldn’t escape into the garden every day (disabilities). Even an orchid died (I suspect it might have been suicide, caused by my company). I’m going to try again x 😘💐

[@d.rabbitwhite]

I relate.

[@exertionofprivilege6127]

almost 7 mins in, and your delivery is amazing. the humor is perfect, and you are awesome!

[@blackeyedsusan727]

Thanks so much, Nick! I've immensely enjoyed this video! I am also Latina and live in the NE, which means I feel you on these brutal winters (though I am older than you so can tell you they've gotten much worse in the past 20 yrs). Anyway, this set up and the ideas you've given us will help me with my outdoor garden, because I'll be able to more effectively use my space to start plants from seed before the last frost and thus more efficiently grow food crops for next summer. In the late summer/fall, I'll be able to better care for my poor succulents (I have many windows, but most get only medium light), and to overwinter both decorative and food plants. This video is genius and you are awesome. Thanks again! 💖

[@AG-bq2zd]

Your sense of humour and editing will forever be my favourite. And I absolutely adore seeing your hoyas, had to leave mine in England when I emigrated because brexit 🤠

[@phytosexual]

:( I heard Brexit was a flop

[@swedishrainbow_garden7672]

I just found your channel and I love this setup you made! I've grown under "daylight" shop bulbs for so long and have had most everything grow and flower, never had any issues with plants not getting sufficient light. I grow all kinds of tropical plants and love orchids!

[@theRbell3000]

Watching your video January 1st in Alaska with a real need for more plants and light! Thank you for the clear and concise information. I live in a fairly isolated area and knowing how to properly make use of basic hardware store lighting will make things so much easier. Now I just need to level up my cat proofing skills!

[@nicolejoy6618]

I am enjoying your videos and tips! Thanks for being real about plants and not over boosting things just for content :)

[@marielong2413]

Hi Nick. Just wanted to drop in here and say thanks for the video. I don’t have indoor plants but I did a stupid and purchased a plant that will likely die or go dormant in my climate. I’m wanting to keep it going inside for the next 6 months. Without any kind of set up and a plant soon to be posted, I’ve been stressing. You’ve given me some ideas. Thank you. 🙏😊

[@zp944]

I used to have fancy bar lights for my aquarium. Temporarily moved to a small apartment, built in the seventies. The living room had a little alcove built for (I presume) the large TV sets of the time. I decided that would be a great spot for my 55g tank, so I used some 2x4 to make a shelf and threw it in there. The alcove had track lighting in the ceiling, which seemed... Pointless, given that it was in a closet. But I had a bunch of hue bulbs left over after the move, so I decided to use those in the track lighting instead of the "aquarium" lights I had before. To my surprise, the plants inside the tank grew quite well with the hue bulbs. I'd even say the plants grew BETTER. I also created my own custom routines specifically for the fish tank, where the color and intensity varried throughout the day. Color temp started at 1600 in the morning, fading to a 6500k "blue" light after about 2 hours, then fading back down from 6500 to 1100 for the last two hours before turning off.

[@lunaticplantlover]

I kinda hated myself because I stopped watching your videos, then I understood I needed to grow to come back and love your essence more. You make me laugh, relax and also pay attention at the same time, and of course I feel special and included because you make plant jokes and I get them yaaaay ❤️💚 thank yooouuu you are wonderful 🧡

[@AmandaLong-yk5fp]

One minute in and I am already howlering LOL This video is about to be informative and entertaining!

[@phytosexual]

why not both?

[@YoutubeUserHello]

Great video, thank you for making this. Fun fact: the color temp info is a big reason why you sometimes see people with extremely blue headlights. They think the highest number is the brightest light.

[@phytosexual]

Ugh they're horrible. They should ban them.

[@henriquebarbosa3431]

Great video! One thing I need to point out though is that Lumens is a pretty inaccurate scale for measuring lamp brightness / efficiency when it comes to growing plants, since the measurement was created based on 'perceived brightness', i.e. how bright the human eye sees it. However because our eyes see some parts of the spectrum better than others, this distorts our perception (even if the light is completely white). For plants, the value you want to be looking at is the PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux). This is simply put a measurement of the amount of photons (within the usable spectrum for plants) that a lamp emits per second. It is muuuch more accurate than Lumens and lets you get a real grasp on the efficiency of the lamp and predict how many Watts you'll have to put in and how much growth you get out of it. Now, I doubt that any lightbulb at Home Depot will have a PPF rating, and that the purpose of this video is to show budget solutions for hobbyists, but since it is a standard in the grow light industry to publish those ratings (or you can find creators on KZbin that buy lamps, measure them and publish their PPF(D) values), it shouldn't be that hard to find some for a reasonable price online. Anyways, worth checking out. Keep up the good content!

[@DavidBarton2]

Great video Nick. I'm getting back into plants after about a decade. I'm now in a state with winters, so lights are important

[@phytosexual]

They definitely are unless you just want to grow pothos and snake plants (which are gret btw)

[@rwild9356]

I watched this and then spent a bunch of time looking at all my lighting options and then just bought the ones you did. For the price and wattage, 5200 lumens is tough to beat. Thank you!

[@inacohen339]

I love the level of science you include. Thanks for an educational presentation

[@phytosexual]

no problem :)

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Do more research before believing what he said... he compared his LED to a T12 TUBE.. t12 are those giant tubes invented in 1930 used in office buildings or retail in the past. T5 is the tube he should have shown everyone.. T5 tubes are what plant and aquarium growers like me use for corals for salt water and plants in fresh... T5 tubes at 6500k put out 5000 lumens, thats like 96 lumens pet watt i believe.. thats lower than the 130 lumens per watt on his LED.. but that 5000 is UN-REFLECTED light.. Florescent light fixture use reflectors.. a good V shaped reflector can double the light output. So 5000 lumens plus 5000 lumens.. minus 10% from being reflected.... Thats 9500 lumens on one bulb.. Think about that for a second before believing this dude. LED lights like his also have no light difusor.. so led light isnt spread out.. its directional.. meaning it has hot spots you cant see without a PAR meter.. FLORESCENT lights are 100% even light spread.. They dont have hot spots.

[@RockAndRoadkill]

The way you talk is so soothing. I could listen to you all day 🖤🌿 Love your type of humor, too 😁 And I've learned so much from this video. Thank you! x Mary

[@tnijoo5109]

This guy is entertaining and enjoyable no matter what he’s talking about, it seems.

[@ot7stan207]

this is the most R rated educational PBS sounding clip ever made, love it!

[@Sam_Antha74]

I have the same shelf in black! I do two 4 ft lights per shelf and paid about the same for my lights! It’s cool that we basically have the same setup. I’ve also incorporated pulleys into 3 of the 4 shelves, so that I can raise or lower the lights as needed. I mainly start seeds and keep my succulent collection on the shelf, so I don’t have the plastic cover. Nice touch for houseplant happiness!

[@phytosexual]

For seeds that’s definitely a good idea.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Always appreciate your ethics in teaching us the most frugal & effective ways to care for our chlorophyllicious friends. Also the humor is right up my alley.

[@emilyplantsmusic]

1000% quality, dry humor content 👏 every 👏 time 😎💡 I came to the same conclusion. I use white LED lights to grow my plants and combat SAD in the existential, mood-crushing northern hemisphere winters

[@phytosexual]

I swear December-January are sunless. Absolutely nothing grows in natural light.

[@RockinMonkey]

I had to subscribe when you referred to the lightbulb as plebeian. Also, the more I watch the more I feel I am in good company. Thanks for making my day 😊

[@phytosexual]

No problem!

[@NoahNobody]

I know what the science says, but through over a decade of growing chillies and other edible greens indoors, my best results have been from cool white light. I've even had side by side grows with cool white, warm white, and blurple light, and the one that actually works for fruiting is cool white. It is also best for leafy green growth. My theory is that plants don't care too much about a lot of red, and love blue. This applies throughout whole the life-cycle. Of course, cool white will have some red, and warm white will have some blue.

[@_audacity2722]

I've always heard that red light stimulates stem/stalk growth

[@d.rabbitwhite]

I am so glad that you made this comment. I have been wanting to grow edible greens indoors; maybe some chilis and other things, and the consensus of the people I have been questioning about lights has been that growing leafy greens inside isn't going to work, and I have tried with some expensive grow lights, but never had any success. Your comment gives me inspiration to try again. Thanks.

[@schoo9256]

When i did photography i discovered sunlight is actually blue, so this makes sense.

[@Mastiffmom1574]

Been looking for a more economical way to keep my plants happy thru Michigan's winter. Thank you! You just saved me at least $500! And love your sense of humor. Videos are so good! 😁

[@finley6161]

I have a vivarium with just a basic batten LED light and it works great! My orchid has flowered and I've had to remove a few plants that got too big. Thank you for actually talking about this.

[@phytosexual]

Well for others there are too many incentives not to, therefore it's never talked about.

[@Kevin-gj5es]

Love the detailing in the "Exist?" Font with the plants and the posing 👑✨

[@Teresa-pd8oe]

Nick, I love your videos. I tuned in to watch a rerun of you and, low and behold a new one! My son thinks I’m in love with you because every time he comes in I’m watching you on the TV screen 🤣 actually I’m old enough to be your grandmother 👵🏻 you are adorable though!

[@phytosexual]

haha I've created a lot off tension in peoples relationships I think

[@jauhblamo]

You are so entertaining to watch. Your personality sold me on your channel. Subscribed within the first couple minutes of your video.

[@phytosexual]

Thank you!

[@Kyonarai]

Thank you for explaining this stuff to me. I'm a reptile keeper, more than a plant keeper. I've never had great luck keeping plants before now. But my recent venture into bioactive enclosures has made learning how to keep plants alive a necessity. Pothos is saving my life over here in my humid enclosures, and succulents/cacti in my arid enclosures. Hopefully watching your vids can help me figure out how to keep more interesting plants alive!

[@toyshika1978]

I don't know how I went from watching a light video for my aquarium to here... but your humour and light presentation has me dying... BUT YOU dropped the knowledge! YESSSSS

[@phytosexual]

I get that a lot. This video is still marking the rounds I see.

[@lorraineyanez4301]

Thank you Nick, I m so tired that the plant community has been so out of hand in so many ways. Like sol tech lights.

[@plants4brains559]

Yes! Thank you. I have been living by this premise for a while now. I have a similar set up, smaller but cost was around 150/160 and it works amazing. It’s refreshing watching others with realistic setups.

[@phytosexual]

Wait till you see all the pimped out Ikea cabinets I don't have.

[@escha_b]

I’d love to see a video on how you cut back your plants to encourage variegation. (Or discourage it) it’s something I still do not understand and I’m scared to just start cutting, even after reading a bunch on how to do it.

[@phytosexual]

Basically just cut to the portion of the plant thats at the variegation you like. If there is no or very little variegation you cannot stimulate variegation FYI.

[@MoonArrowTarot]

This was more informative than I was expecting!! Thank you so much for compiling this and sharing such insightful info. Especially the end on how you created and assembled your setup!

[@phytosexual]

I try!

[@sunset4985]

How strange I JUST YESTERDAY got grow lights we love that😭

[@phytosexual]

preparing for old man winter I see

[@kcototheyoyoyo]

Same. This was just in time!

[@LexiClipsThings]

First off, you have an amazing personality and sense of humor. Anyway, I work in a rich retailer's greenhouse with a wide selection of plants that you own and I have to figure out how the hell to keep them alive, so thank you for sharing your beautiful knowledge. I'll have to look into your other content, subbed :D ps. im now convinced i can create a smaller version of what you made to fit in my tiny 2 bedroom apartment with 5 grown adults living here, thanks!

[@samhain9394]

This is a good video! One comment though-you may want to replace the foil with mylar (space blankets). Aluminum foil can create, essentially, focused light like laser beams where the creases create high focal points. I used to use some foil and here and there I had these mysterious holes showing up in leaves that proved to not be a result of pests or disease or fertilization problems. YMMV so obvs isn't an issue if you've never noticed spontaneous idiopathic browning or spotting. 🙃

[@phytosexual]

haven't had any problems yet but thank you for the recommendation!

[@torquess454]

I’m only a minute in, the first time watching you, I love your humour!! I’m subbing just for that! If I get great info from you it’s just icing!! Love you already 😂❤

[@phytosexual]

Thanks so much, I hope to continue dazzling you!