Specifications for a Utilitech 21 Plant Grow Light

Specifications

• The Utilitech 21-inch plant growing light is a fluorescent tube light with a high ultraviolet light output. The bulb has a white finish and comes in an acrylic diffuser. The manufacturer's part number when ordering this light is FA352HBL.

Instructions

• The light fits into most grow light hoods that take a 21-inch fluorescent bulb. The connector end of the light plugs in, rather than twisting in as you would with an incandescent or compact fluorescent bulb. Before removing the old bulb and installing a new one, unplug the grow light hood.

Issues

• Although this bulb will work for general use, the information on this bulb isn't complete for gardeners who have specific requirements. When purchasing a grow light system for your plants, consider that plants need a full spectrum light to thrive, not just ultraviolet light. Fluorescent bulbs that don't state they are full spectrum only provide cool light, whereas plants require cool and warm light wavelengths to grow.

Using the Light

• Because the Utilitech gives off light in the cool range of the light spectrum, it will work best with foliage plants such as spider plants or philodendron or as a light source when starting seedlings. Cool light is sufficient for plants that you don't expect to bloom, but if you have flowering indoor plants, they need both warm and cool light. If growing plants such as citrus or cyclamen, the Utilitech 21-inch light will work best if supplemented with a bulb that gives off wavelengths in the warm spectrum, such as an incandescent bulb.