Grow lights are the lifeline of indoor plants. Choosing the right light for your plants and the space it provides is key. There are many factors to consider when shopping for supplies.
Types of bulbs on the market:
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LED: These are the best for growing indoors. LEDs are very energy efficient, emitting only the wavelengths of light plants need to stimulate their growth, and they can be placed close to plants without depleting them, so less watering is required. These are the most widely used and are listed in the top 10 lists of the best grow lights.
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Fluorescent: Available in various temperatures and output intensities. Standard fluorescent bulbs are inexpensive to use and have a long life. They come in a variety of options beyond the standard, such as cool white and high performance. High output bulbs are stronger and put out more energy and light than standard or cool white bulbs, but are less efficient than high output/high intensity bulbs.
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Incandescent: These bulbs are often used in decorative lighting around your home. These bulbs don't emit light as efficiently as alternatives, and they are more expensive to run and less energy efficient.
Advantages of LED Grow Lights
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Low electricity costs; LED bulbs have much lower electricity costs than other bulbs. Some bulbs use up to 90% less electricity and energy than other grow lights. Thanks to the incredible energy efficiency, the LEDs can be removed from the solar panels if desired.
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Low purchase price; These lights may cost more initially than other types of lights, but they are much cheaper in the long run. They don't require ballasts like fluorescents, and they don't need reflectors, as LEDs have built-in reflectors.
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Extend the growing season, these lights can be left on 24 days for a few hours a day without stressing your plants, thus extending the growing season throughout the year.
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Less watering, less water is needed because the LEDs generate less heat, which reduces evaporation.
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Long shelf life; LEDs are reported to last up to 50 hours without maintenance or replacement.
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There are many types, they come in all shapes, sizes, and functions. Some of these include: ceilings, vertical systems, and interior lighting design. The wide range of products gives you a variety of options to choose from depending on your space and the plants you grow.
LED grow lights are by far the most popular and effective lighting for your various indoor plants. The wide variety of shapes, sizes and resistances can make it difficult to choose when buying. You can increase the efficiency of electric lamps by: (1) Considering the amount of water you use; these units do not produce too much heat or light to cause evaporation. Always check the condition of the soil before adding more water. If there is any moisture present, do not add more water. (2) Pay attention to the location of the lights; place them in the optimal area that allows for even distribution of light so that it can effectively penetrate the plant canopy.
