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October 16, 2025 59 mins

Did you know that brightness has nothing to do with how much energy your plants actually receive from light? In this episode, I’m joined by horticulturist and author Leslie Halleck, who literally wrote the book Gardening Under Lights. Together, we’ll break down the science of indoor grow lights in a simple, approachable way—so you can confidently choose the right setup to keep your plants thriving all winter long (and beyond).

 

In this episode, we learn:

  • What Leslie’s personal grow light set up is
  • What photosynthesis is
  • Why light is important for plants
  • What the different colors of light do for plants and why “full spectrum” grow lights are so important
  • Lumens vs PAR vs Kelvin = how to measure light
  • What the best choice of grow lights for indoor houseplants are
  • Defining “bright indirect” for a grow light
  • Patreon Plant Friend and listener Questions!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

 

Wondering if your plants need a grow light this season?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to actually make them work for your plants!

 

Follow Leslie:

Website

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

YouTube

 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria


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