T5 Lighting for Tropical Sundews: Setup, Distance, and Safety

A 4-foot, 4-bulb T5 fixture (20,000 lumens, mixed 6500K/3000K) is an excellent choice for expanding a tropical sundew collection. It delivers intense, efficient light – but T5s run warmer than older T12 tubes, so careful placement is key.

Starting Distance and Adjustment

Begin with the fixture **8 inches above the plants**. Monitor for signs of stress (bleaching, curling) and adjust upward if needed. Healthy sundews will develop vivid color and abundant dew at the right distance.

Why T5s Work Well

• High output (96 lumens/watt) drives strong photosynthesis and dew production.
• Mixed spectrum supports both vegetative growth and flowering.
• Relatively cool operation compared to HID lights.

With a timer set to 12-14 hours, this setup will power a thriving indoor sundew collection year-round.