Grow Light for Cuphea: Cigar Plant plus False Heather Indoors
A grow light for cuphea helps cigar plant plus false heather flower while they winter indoors. NC State Extension notes both grow in warm, sunny spots plus make fine houseplants, while University of Missouri Extension explains how electric light fills the gap when window light runs short.
The short answer
A grow light for cuphea works well as a full spectrum LED hung 6 to 12 inches above the tips. NC State notes cigar plant winters indoors in a sunny spot plus false heather needs a warm, sunny location. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours of light in total each day.
How much light does cuphea need indoors?
NC State notes cigar plant grows in full sun to partial shade plus can winter indoors in a sunny location. False heather grows indoors in a warm, sunny location plus stays evergreen there. A grow light offsets short winter days.
| Factor | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lamp height | 6 to 12 inches above tips | Flowering plants, per Missouri |
| Hours with no window light | 16 to 18 | Missouri |
| Hours with some window light | 12 to 14 | Missouri |
| Upper limit | 16 hours | Maryland |
| Lamp type | LED | Red plus blue light plants need, per Missouri |
Source: Missouri plus University of Maryland Extension.
Where should a grow light sit for cuphea?
Missouri advises placing flowering plants 6 to 12 inches from the light. Hang the fixture on a chain or stand so it can rise with the plant.
How many hours should the light run?
Missouri notes plants with no outdoor light need 16 to 18 hours a day, while 12 to 14 hours may do if some window light reaches them. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours in total.
How to: step by step
- Bring cuphea indoors before frost.
- Place it in your sunniest window or a bright room.
- Add a full spectrum LED above the plant.
- Hang the light 6 to 12 inches above the tips.
- Put the light on a timer for up to 16 hours.
- Water regularly, as NC State notes both plants grow better with steady moisture.
Troubleshooting
Long, weak stems: too little light. Lower the lamp or add hours.
Pale or scorched leaves: Maryland notes too much light can turn leaves pale plus brown. Lift the lamp.
Leggy stems: low light plus no pinching. Lower the lamp plus pinch the tips.
For lamp setup see grow lights for cannabis, led light distance cannabis plus grow light timers. Browse cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Cuphea ignea (cigar plant), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Cuphea hyssopifolia (false heather), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Can cuphea grow under a regular LED bulb?
A household LED gives some light, but a full spectrum grow light is brighter plus easier to aim. Missouri notes LED plant lights can emit the red plus blue light plants need. Hang the lamp 6 to 12 inches above the tips of cuphea for useful light.
Should the light run all night?
No. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours of light in total each day plus notes too much light can turn leaves pale plus brown. Missouri notes 16 to 18 hours suits plants with no window light. A plug in timer gives cuphea a steady day length.
Should cuphea be pinched back?
Yes. NC State notes pinching the stem tips of cigar plant helps stop it from becoming leggy. Pinch soft tips through the growing season for a dense, branched plant. Under a grow light indoors, pinching plus steady light together give a compact cuphea that flowers along its stems.
Do plants need a dark period?
Yes. University of Maryland Extension notes most plants require a period of darkness to develop properly. It advises lighting them for no more than 16 hours each day in total, especially when artificial light adds to window light. Set a timer so the lamp switches off at the same time each night.
Can cuphea come indoors for winter?
Yes. NC State notes cigar plant is intolerant of frost plus can be brought indoors as a houseplant or hanging basket over winter. False heather is usually grown as a container plant or houseplant in cooler climates. Give either one a sunny window plus a grow light.
