🌱 Philips PAR38 Grow Light – 3 Years of Real Office Use

🌱 Philips PAR38 Grow Light – 3 Years of Real Office Use

How four Philips PAR38 grow lights kept my plants thriving in a windowless office.

3 years of testing Philips PAR38 grow lights in a windowless office — see real results, pros and cons, and tips for foliage plant care.

1. Introduction – Why Grow Lights Were the Only Option

• My company office environment is far from ideal for plants — no natural light at all.
• I wanted greenery around me, so I started looking into grow lights.
• There are countless options out there, but the PAR38 had a good reputation in Korean plant communities for being effective.
• I didn’t do a detailed technical comparison; it was mostly based on recommendations from fellow plant lovers.
• Eventually, I decided to give it a try and installed four Philips PAR38 bulbs.

2. Choosing the Philips PAR38 – Factors That Mattered

• Back in 2021, I knew nothing about grow lights, but I decided to invest despite the higher cost.
• Each bulb cost about 25,000 KRW (around the same today).
• The bulb is larger than I expected — definitely not a small spotlight.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you  ➡️ Check Philips PAR38 Plants Grow Light on Amazon

3. Installation Process and Setup Tips

• The PAR38 fits into a standard E26 socket, so you can install it anywhere a compatible fixture exists.
• It works with floor lamps, ceiling rails, or custom mounts depending on plant placement.
• In my case, I used a ceiling installation to cover a wider area.

4. 3-Year Performance – Does It Still Work?

• Under the Philips PAR38 grow light, the light intensity reaches over 8,000 lux, which is more than enough for strong foliage growth even in a windowless office.
• In comparison, a regular ceiling light in the same room measures only around 400 lux, far below what most plants need for healthy growth.
• My boss lemon tree and ginkgo tree have both grown significantly over the past three years under these grow lights.
• Foliage plants maintain a healthy green color and show steady growth year-round, even without natural sunlight.

5. ✅ Pros and Cons After 3 Years

Pros:

• Strong light output, suitable for medium-to-large plants
• Long lifespan — still working perfectly after 3 years
• Full-spectrum light supports foliage growth and health

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than standard bulbs (requires sturdy fixtures)
• Higher upfront cost than basic grow lights
• Generates mild heat — plants benefit from some airflow

➡️ Check Philips PAR38 Plants Grow Light on Amazon

6. Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

• I’m fully satisfied. For foliage plants (except for certain crops), it works beautifully.
• Works in any space without natural light, but I recommend pairing it with a fan for airflow.
• If the PAR38 feels too expensive, the PAR30 is a slightly smaller, less expensive alternative — I use PAR30 at home, and I’ll review it in a future post.(Currently not listed on Amazon — check local suppliers.)

 

🌱 If you’re into edible plants, check out Growing Holy Basil Indoors from Seeds — tips for sprouting tiny leaves with big flavor.

🌱 For creative green space ideas, read How I Built a DIY Green Wall in My Office Partition Using Scindapsus.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.