LED Grow Lights: Choosing the Best Option for Indoor Plants

Indoor plants can help to improve air quality, boost well-being, and add beauty to any space, whether a big house or a small apartment. However, growing healthy plants indoors can be challenging, especially when providing the right amount and quality of light for photosynthesis. 

Over the years, indoor gardeners have used different artificial light sources for the best results. LED grow lights have become the most popular choice because they are cost-effective, efficient, and versatile. These are essential for indoor gardening as they help plants grow and bloom. However, many gardeners prefer compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps.

Growcycle offers various LED grow lights for successful indoor farming and to maximize crop yield. This blog will explain essential facts about LED grow lights, including their strength, light types, and energy efficiency to support healthy plants and beautiful gardens.

What are LED Grow Lights?

LED, or Light-Emitting Diode grow lights, are a new technology for growing plants in controlled environments. Unlike other lights, such as HIDs and fluorescents, LED grow lights produce less wasted light because they emit specific wavelengths that help plants grow. They can also be adjusted to emit light in the best wavelengths for plants, mainly in the red and blue ranges.

Today, farmers can use LED grow lights to customize the light their plants need to thrive. Farmers can set many LED devices to change brightness at different times of the day. Some have innovative technology that lets gardeners connect them to their smartphones. This makes them ideal for vertical farming, indoor farming, and greenhouses that don’t get much natural sunlight.

Plants primarily use blue and red light for growth:

• Blue Light (400–500 nm): Encourages vegetative growth, such as leaf and stem development.
• Red Light (600–700 nm): Promotes flowering and fruiting, which is crucial for plants like tomatoes or peppers.

Types of LED Grow Lights for Indoor Gardening

Choosing the right LED grow light is essential for indoor plants. Here are the most common types available, each with unique features and benefits:

1. Full Spectrum LED Grow Light

Full spectrum LED grow lights are a popular choice for plant growth because they provide a wide range of light wavelengths that suit almost any type of plant. These lights cover the full visible spectrum, including infrared and ultraviolet light, and give off a bright white light that meets all of the plants' needs. With these lights, farmers and gardeners don’t need to switch them as the plants grow, helping plants grow healthier and faster.

2. Red and Blue LED Grow Light

These LED grow lights mainly use blue and red colors. Blue light, between 400 and 500 nm, helps plants during their flowering stage. Plants need blue light to open small openings called stomata on their leaves. When stomata are open, plants can take in carbon dioxide and release extra water.

Red light (600-700 nm) helps grow tall plants with many branches. In the summer, the sun shines a lot of red light, which keeps chlorophyll from breaking down in the plant. With more chlorophyll, plants stay greener and look fresher in spring and summer. So, if gardeners want their beautiful flowering plants to keep green and healthy during winter, red grow lights can help.

3. UV LED Grow Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of radiation that is not visible to the human eye. It includes three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC, with wavelengths ranging from 100 to 400 nanometers (nm). UVC does not reach the Earth because the ozone layer blocks it, but UVA and UVB do get through. UV light can help plants create a protective coating. This layer helps shield plants from sun damage and protects them from stress and diseases in their growing environment.

4. IR LED Grow Light

Infrared (IR) light, which has a wavelength between 700 and 850 nm, is the last type of light that plants can detect. When plants sense infrared light, they respond by bending or growing toward the closest light source. This "shade avoidance" reaction helps plants keep photosynthesizing even in low light. The lower parts of the plant try to grow taller to reach the light, so infrared can be used to encourage plants to grow taller.

Benefits of LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

LED grow lights are the best for performance, efficiency, and plant yields. Here are the main benefits of using LED grow lights:

Energy Efficiency and Savings

LED grow lights use much less power than other lights, turning more energy into light that plants need instead of creating heat. This efficiency can greatly reduce electricity costs for indoor or vertical farms. Many newer LED models have adjustable settings and energy-saving cycles, which further lower electricity use and reduce waste.

Simple Setup

Setting up LED grow lights is easy and quick. Gardeners can assemble them in minutes with basic wire hangers, saving time and effort compared to complex wiring. The wire hangers also make it easy to adjust the height and position of the lights. Once plugged in and placed, the lights are ready to use.

Long-Lasting and Durable

LED grow lights are known for their long lifespan, saving farmers money over time by reducing the number of replacements needed. They also handle shocks and vibrations well, making them reliable for indoor farms. However, while they work well for a long time, sudden power outages can still disrupt plant growth.

Adjustable Light Spectrum

One standout feature of LED grow lights is the ability to adjust their color spectrum. Different plants need specific light types at various growth stages, and they can be customized to provide this. For instance, under-canopy lights can be adjusted to support optimal growth from cloning through flowering stages, promoting healthy plant development.

Environmentally Friendly

LED grow lights are easy to use, as they can be plugged into a regular outlet without a separate ballast. They’re also eco-friendly, contain no mercury and can be disposed of safely without special handling. Overall, LED grow lights are an efficient and environmentally safe choice.

Factors to Look For While Buying LED Grow Lights

When buying LED grow lights, choosing ones that meet the specific needs of your plants and growing space is important. The right LED grow lights can improve plant health, reduce energy costs, and make the indoor garden more productive. Here are key factors to consider before making a purchase:

Requirements of the Plants

Different plants need different amounts of light. Knowing what type of plant a farmer wants to grow is essential. For example, flowering plants need more light than lettuce or herbs. Before buying a lamp, consider whether users will use a lamp for herbs, vegetables, or ornamental plants before buying it. The growth stage of the plants matters, too. This is because seedlings have different lighting needs than flowering plants.

Size of Growing Area

The number and size of LED lamps needed for plants depend on the size of their growing area. Knowing how many plants there are is also essential, as they need to be lit evenly. This information will help gardeners choose suitable lamps.

Power of LED Light

The power of an LED light is important because it indicates how much electricity it uses. While a higher wattage can produce more light, other factors about the lamp also play a role. Knowing the wattage helps gardeners understand their energy costs when using the lamp. To easily compare different LED lamps, just look at their power in watts (W).

Light Spectrum of LED Light

Plants grow best when they receive specific types of light. LED lights can help plants grow by giving them the right light at different times, like when they start growing or blooming. So, always look for one with many light colors or one that can change its spectrum to help the plants.

Warranty

Gardeners should always check if the company offers a warranty to ensure satisfaction. A warranty protects the purchase from flaws or poor performance. This is especially important in the grow light business, where many low-quality and imitation products exist.

Cost-Effectiveness

High-end LED grow lights come with advanced features, but ensure they fit the budget without losing important functions. Look for lights that offer good features at a fair price.

Top LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

Here are some top LED grow lights known for supporting healthy indoor plant growth, energy efficiency, and customizable settings:

1. Pulsar 800W UV to IR LED Grow Light

Pulsar 800W UV to IR LED Grow Light is a revolutionary lighting solution for commercial and home growers. It offers excellent performance and efficiency, with an impressive efficiency of 2.8 µmol/J. This light produces excellent photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) values, ensuring even light spread and vigorous plant growth. It works well with the GIL100 Touch Screen Controller, which can control up to 50 fixtures per output channel. This allows precise adjustments of different light spectrums, including 395nm UV, Full Spectrum White, 660nm Red, and 730nm Far Red.

The Pulsar 800W is also user-friendly. Its unique "click-in" assembly makes setup quick and easy. Commercial customers can opt for factory-assembled, plug-and-play systems for added convenience. Overall, the Pulsar 800W Series is an essential tool for gardeners looking to improve their indoor farming setup, combining advanced technology, durability, and simplicity.

2. Supreme S780+ (UV+IR) LED Grow Lights

Supreme S780+ (UV+IR) LED Grow Lights help plants grow better. They emit red and blue light, which plants use for photosynthesis. The red light wavelengths are 620-630nm and 640-660nm. The blue light wavelengths are 450-460nm and 460-470nm. This specific lighting promotes strong plant growth by increasing photosynthesis process.

The Supreme Grow light has proven effects in experimental research and real-world applications. It compensates for low natural light and helps plants produce buds and side branches. It also speeds up the growth of roots, stems, and leaves, boosts the creation of carbohydrates and vitamins, and shortens the growth cycle. Because of these benefits, this LED grow light has become an essential tool for increasing crop production and productivity.

3. The Electrivo 20W XLink B Grow Light

The Electrivo 20W XLink B Grow Light is a valuable product for indoor gardening. It provides the right amount of light for strong growth and good yields. This full-spectrum LED grow light can be mounted on the ceiling or hung from above, making it very flexible. Gardeners can adjust it from 6" to 48" high, ensuring it meets their plants' needs as they grow.

With an adjustable hanging wire, gardeners can easily change the height of the light to give their plants the best possible light at different growth stages. The grow light has an elastic cover and strong electrical and mechanical connectors for safety.

This LED grow light uses a steady current drive, which helps it last longer and provide consistent performance. It gives plants the reliable light they need to thrive, and its innovative design makes installation safe and easy.

4. CALIFORNIA LIGHTWORKS-SOLARXTREME®

California SolarXtreme LED grow lights are designed for use in a grow tent or for small home gardens. They cover an area of 16 square feet and support all stages of plant growth. These grow lights do not need separate LED drivers because they use a direct AC drive and an innovative chip-on-board design.

These unique LED lights use less energy than regular ones. The new SolarXtreme model gives a full range of light, so gardeners don’t have to change anything if the light changes. This helps plants stay healthy and allows for more robust growth. These lights use up to half the electricity of standard LED lights, making them more efficient and cheaper.

Best Practices for Using LED Grow Lights to Maximize Plant Growth

To get the most out of LED grow lights and maximize plant growth, follow these best practices:

1. Select the Right Light Spectrum

Choosing the right light for plants is essential for their healthy growth. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are ideal because they provide all the colors of light that plants need, just like natural sunlight. Blue light, falling between 400 and 500 nm, aids in developing robust leaves and stems in plants.

Red light, which ranges from 600 to 700 nm, helps plants flower and produce fruit. Changing the light spectrum for specific plants or growth stages can improve their health and productivity.

2. Maintain the Distance and Intensity of the Light

Plants need the right light at the proper distance to grow well. Too much or too little light can cause problems. The light intensity changes as plants grow. Seedlings are delicate and need less intense light to reduce stress. As plants enter the vegetative stage, they require medium to high light intensity. They need the highest intensity during the flowering stage for the best results.

It is also important to maintain the proper distance between the light source and the plant leaves is also important. LED lights should be 12–24 inches away from plants during the vegetative stage and 18–36 inches away during the flowering stage. Adjusting this distance helps prevent burning the leaves or slowing down growth.

3. Adjust Light Cycles Properly

Keeping the proper light schedule is vital for plant health. Plants need different amounts of light at various growth stages. During the seedling and vegetative stages, they typically require 16 to 18 hours of light and 6 to 8 hours of darkness daily. Gardeners can use timers to automate these light cycles, which helps ensure plants get the right amount of light and prevents too much or too little lighting.

4. Check Temperature and Humidity

Even though LED grow lights produce less heat than regular lights, monitoring the humidity and temperature in your growing area is still important. Keeping the temperature between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C) helps plants grow well without overheating or slowing down.

Humidity is also important and should change based on the plant's growth stage. Seedlings need high humidity (65–70%) to stay moist, while vegetative plants do best with 40–70% humidity.

5. Use Proper Nutrients and Water

LED grow lights can help plants grow, but they are not enough. Gardeners also need to manage fertilizer and watering correctly. Plants need a regular supply of innovative nutrients and supplements to benefit from the extra light provided by LED grow lights. It is also important to have a consistent watering schedule.

Innovative Nutrients and Supplements for Agriculture

A lot is changing in farming because of new vitamins and vitamins that make vegetation healthier, remain longer, and bring greater. Biochar, nanotechnology, and microbial treatments are some of the new technologies used together with or instead of the vintage ways.

LEARN MORE →

6. Regular Cleaning

Homeowners and gardeners should regularly clean their LED grow lights to keep them working well. Sometimes, dust can build up and block the lights, making them less effective and lowering their output. Cleaning the lights consistently ensures they provide strong and high-quality light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using LED Grow Lights

Here are a few typical errors a gardener might make when utilizing LED grow lights for indoor vegetation:

Improper Positioning of Light

Improperly arranging LED grow lights can lead to severe problems. If a gardener places the lights too close to the plants, the leaves can get burned or bleached. On the other hand, if the lights are too far away, the plants won’t get enough light, making them grow tall and weak, leading to unhealthy plants.

Incorrect Light Spectrum

A frequent error is failing to modify the light spectrum based on the plant's growth phase. Flowering plants need red light to bloom and produce fruit. In contrast, vegetative plants need more blue light to grow leaves and stems. Choose the light spectrum based on what the plant needs at each stage.

Overwatering

Indoor gardeners often overwater their plants when using LED grow lights. Since LED lights create less heat, water evaporates slowly from the soil. This can cause excess water around the roots, making it difficult for them to grow.

FAQs

Can any LED light be used as a grow light?

No, not all LED lights can be used as grow lights. Plants need specific types of light for photosynthesis: incredibly blue light (400-500 nm) and red light (600-700 nm). Regular LEDs do not give the light spectrum or intensity needed for healthy plant growth.

How do LED grow lights work?

LED grow lights work like magic for indoor gardening, supporting photosynthesis and promoting healthy plant growth. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and adjustable, making them suitable for year-round use.

Do LED grow lights give off heat?

Yes, LED grow lights produce some heat, but they generate much less heat than older lights like HID or fluorescent. This lower heat output makes LEDs more energy efficient and reduces the chance of overheating. As a result, growers can place them closer to plants without causing any harm.

The Bottom Line

LED grow lights are a good and cheap way to help plants grow indoors. They give the right amount of light that plants need at different times. These grow lights are famous for their longevity and lower energy cost. All these qualities make LED grow lights a smart choice for gardeners and homeowners.

Growers can reduce costs in indoor gardening by selecting the right LED grow light with the right light spectrum from Growcycle. They offer LED grow lights that support healthy plant growth and development, making it easier for gardeners to succeed.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.