Although you may be familiar with the standard “blurple” LED grow lights, technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Home gardeners are increasingly turning to LEDs as an economical and energy-efficient way to cultivate edible plants like cannabis inside.
If you’re interested in growing LEDs, there are many options available. Nevertheless, there are a few things you should know and take into account before buying an LED grow light. Here, we’ll go through the essentials.
What is LED grow lights?
LED grow lights are artificial lights that are specifically designed to promote the growth and development of plants, particularly for indoor gardening and hydroponics. LED stands for “light emitting diode” and refers to the type of technology used to produce light.
Unlike traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, LED grow lights emit specific wavelengths of light that are optimized for plant growth, including the red and blue spectrums of light that are most effective for photosynthesis.
LED grow lights offer several benefits for indoor gardening, including energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and the ability to customize the spectrum of light emitted to best suit the needs of the plants being grown. They can be used for a variety of indoor gardening applications, including starting seedlings, growing herbs and vegetables, and cultivating indoor plants.
Spider Farmer is a brand of LED grow lights that are specifically designed for indoor gardening and plant cultivation. The company produces a range of LED grow lights that are suitable for different grow spaces and plant species, from small home gardens to large commercial operations. Apply the Spider Farmer Coupon Code to save more.
Can you grow plants with LED lights?
While regular LED lights can be used to grow plants to some extent, they are not optimal for plant growth and development. Regular LED lights are designed for general illumination, and they do not emit the specific wavelengths of light that are most effective for photosynthesis and plant growth.
Plants require specific wavelengths of light for different stages of growth, including blue light for vegetative growth and red light for flowering and fruiting. Regular LED lights emit a broad spectrum of light that includes some blue and red wavelengths, but not enough to fully support plant growth and development.
If you want to grow plants indoors using LED lights, it’s best to use specially designed LED grow lights that are optimized for plant growth. These lights are designed to emit the specific wavelengths of light that plants need, and they are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit different indoor gardening needs.
What kind of LED grows cannabis plants the best?
When it comes to growing cannabis plants with LED lights, there are several factors to consider, including the colour spectrum, intensity, and coverage area of the light. Here are some of the key features to look for in an LED grow light for cannabis:
- Full-spectrum LED: Full-spectrum LED grow lights emit a balanced spectrum of light that includes both blue and red wavelengths, as well as other colours in between. This type of light is ideal for all stages of cannabis growth, from seedling to flowering.
- High-intensity output: Cannabis plants require a high level of light intensity to grow well. Look for an LED grow light that has a high wattage output and a high PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) rating.
- Coverage area: The coverage area of an LED grow light is also an important consideration. Make sure the light is large enough to cover the entire grow area and provides enough intensity of light at the plant canopy level.
- Cooling system: LED grow lights can generate a significant amount of heat, which can damage the plants. Choose an LED grow light that has an effective cooling system to prevent heat buildup.
Pros of LED grow lights
LED grow lights offer several advantages for indoor gardening and plant cultivation compared to traditional lighting systems. Here are some of the main benefits of using LED grow lights:
- Energy efficiency: LED grow lights are much more energy-efficient than traditional lighting systems. They consume up to 60% less energy while still providing the same level of light output, which can result in significant cost savings on electricity bills.
- Long lifespan: LED grow lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional lighting systems, lasting up to 50,000 hours or more. This means less frequent replacement of bulbs and lower maintenance costs.
- Customizable spectrum: LED grow lights allow for the customization of the light spectrum to meet the specific needs of different plants at different stages of growth. This means that growers can tailor the light spectrum to optimize growth and yield.
- Low heat output: LED grow lights produce much less heat than traditional lighting systems, reducing the risk of plant damage and allowing for closer placement to the plants without the need for additional cooling systems.
- Space-saving: LED grow lights are often more compact and lightweight than traditional lighting systems, making them ideal for indoor gardening in smaller spaces.
Cons of LED grow lights
While LED grow lights offer many benefits for indoor gardening and plant cultivation, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the main disadvantages of using LED grow lights:
- High upfront cost: LED grow lights can be more expensive to purchase upfront compared to traditional lighting systems, which can be a significant investment for some growers.
- Requires precise positioning: LED grow lights need to be positioned at the correct distance from the plants to avoid burning or stunting growth. This requires more precise positioning than traditional lighting systems.
Conclusion
LED grow lights offer many advantages for indoor gardening and plant cultivation, but they also have some potential drawbacks that growers should consider when selecting a lighting system for their indoor garden. It’s important to carefully evaluate the needs of your specific grow space and plant species to determine whether LED grow lights are the best choice for your indoor gardening needs.
