In the simplest terms, indoor grow lights are artificial light sources that stimulate plant growth. The best indoor grow lights simulate sunlight and provide plants with everything needed for photosynthesis (the process by which plants convert light into energy).
Indoor grow lights provide a light spectrum similar to sunlight by altering the color, intensity (measured in lumens), and temperature of the emitted light. Countless studies show that different plant types respond better to different light colors and intensities, so using indoor grow equipment allows growers to have complete control over the type of light plants receive.
The type of plants you wish to grow indoors will determine the best LED grow light for you. The best lights for growing vegetables are not necessarily the best lights for other plant varieties.
What should I know before buying an LED grow light?
How to choose the best LED grow light: There are many important factors. Here are the most crucial ones.
Plant Needs
Light cycles can significantly impact plant development and vitality. Some plants require full light from a high-intensity source, while others may wilt or get sunburned if exposed to too much, so ensure you know your needs from the start.
A full-spectrum LED grow light will help ensure optimal plant growth. Ideally, this light will have red and blue spectra, as well as infrared and ultraviolet rays. (If you are not growing plants from seeds or germinating seeds outdoors, you might only need red and blue light, but full spectrum is always preferred.) Furthermore, you should be able to control the spectrum emitted by the light and when it is emitted.
Energy Efficiency
Full-spectrum LED lights are generally more energy-efficient. They are durable, often operate coolly without requiring additional fans, and consume less electricity. Your grow lights may sometimes need to run for 18 hours a day.
The higher the wattage, the more electricity you will use, but not proportionally. In other words, if you need 1000 watts instead of 500 watts, you still won’t see double the electricity consumption.
Controls and Customization
Remember that you will change the light cycle depending on the growth stage to ensure optimal plant development:
- Seedling stage: 16 hours on / 8 hours off
- Vegetative stage: 18 hours on / 6 hours off
- Flowering stage: 12 hours on / 12 hours off
Size and Spacing of Your Grow Room
Do not strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications, especially regarding coverage area. Your LED grow light system only needs to cover the appropriate space for your plants.
Remember, if you are growing plants with a hydroponic system, you need to have proper power and water sources for both the system and your lights. This may require some planning in smaller spaces.
Additionally, if you choose a light not on this list, read reviews and evaluations about the system’s actual coverage range. Sometimes there can be discrepancies in this area, as we discussed above.
Balancing Budget with Purchasing Good Equipment
This can be quite challenging but is obviously very important. High-end lights often yield better results, but a budget is only effective if every component fits. Beginners may want to choose less expensive grow lights to gain experience. Growers who already know what they like and need for their plants will likely opt for more expensive choices.
LED grow lights are not the only equipment you need for indoor growing operations. Your budget must also include fertilizers, filters, grow tents, soil, nutrients, and many other supplies. This means spending your entire budget on the best light is not a viable option, but allocating as much of your budget as possible to a quality LED grow light should be your goal.
Since quality is the goal, brand is important. In this field, the best brands build loyal customer bases and generate positive reviews. They also regularly address less-than-positive feedback. Look for this brand strength online if you are unsure about a lighting system or torn between great options.
Beelux 1000w LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum
PROS:
Affordable
Auto timer
Best-Seller on Amazon
CONS:
Fans can be noisy
No off switch, timer only
See details and prices on amazon here
Uallhome 2 Pack LED Grow Light Panel 200W Lamp for Indoor Plants, Full Spectrum with White Blue Red UV IR LEDs
PROS:
Affordable
Best-seller on Amazon
CONS:
Runs hot
Shorter lifespan than higher quality lights
See details and prices on amazon here
What are the benefits of using LED grow lights?
Since LED bulbs entered the market, consumer demand for them has steadily increased over time. In fact, the majority of bulbs and lighting fixtures sold on the market today are LEDs. So, even nature enthusiasts today, who enjoy indoor gardening, seek to utilize these lights. Here, then, are the top benefits of owning a good LED grow light:
Energy Efficiency
This is the primary advantage of LED grow lights over other types of lights because LED bulbs consume fewer watts. However, they can produce the same amount of light as High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs. Even with fewer bulbs, you can ensure that the majority of the energy they use is converted into light rather than heat.
Unlike traditional lights, LEDs do not burn anything to create light. Consequently, they waste less energy by converting it into heat, helping you control your electricity bill.
Environmentally Friendly
As mentioned earlier, LED grow lights contain no mercury, gases, filaments, or any other toxic substances like HID lights. Instead, these bulbs are designed and manufactured using environmentally friendly, 100% recyclable materials. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about harming yourself or your plants after exposure to their light. To ensure this, the best LED grow lights often have RoHS certification to prove their quality.
Faster Harvest Cycles
Unlike outdoor plants dependent on natural sunlight, indoor plants rely on artificial light from LEDs. These LED grow lights can be used for many hours to help plants grow faster, thereby increasing harvest cycles. Thus, you can adjust the red light wavelength at the right time to promote plant growth.
You can also alter the daylight hours of these lights, allowing for multiple harvests in a single season.
Healthier Plants
Other types of artificial lights emit excessive UV rays, IR rays, and heat that can harm plants. But with LEDs, excess elements for plants, such as green and yellow wavelengths, are minimized. As a result, your plants receive just the right amount of these components, helping them grow healthier and longer. In fact, you can also adjust the light’s wavelength to aid better plant photosynthesis.
Cooler Operating Temperature
Compared to HID lights, LED grow lights emit significantly less heat, which doesn’t heavily impact the overall indoor temperature. This is especially true if you have a greenhouse installed with multiple LED lights. Consequently, you can save costs by not needing extensive cooling systems to keep your plants healthy.
Conclusion
The best LED grow light is designed for indoor plants if you want to grow fruits, flowers, and vegetables. Today, large commercial operations are using LED lighting technology to achieve high yields. This is how they control the growth of plants, crops, fruits, and flowers.
See more information and tips on how to use and purchase LED Grow Lights available here: LED Grow Lights