How do I choose an indoor grow light?

Pair indoor plants, including transplants and flowering houseplants, with the right
light for strong, healthy growth and maybe a generous harvest.

Indoor gardening requires a different set of supplies and techniques than traditional
outdoor gardening. The key is to recreate the light, water, and temperature of
outdoor gardening in order to trick plants into growing as they would in a more
natural environment. One key component of successful indoor growing is providing
plants with adequate amounts of light. However, this can be difficult to achieve
without a sunroom or copious skylights and large windows.

Gardeners skirt this challenge by creating false sunlight with the use of growing lights.
But artificial lights are not all built the same and each offer a few pros and cons. Plus,
in order to choose the right type of light, you must consider the needs of the plants
you intend to grow. With all of that in mind, here are some things to consider when
choosing grow lights for your indoor garden.

Spectrum

Visible light exists on a spectrum, and specific parts of that spectrum are used by
plants. “Blue” light is used by plants primarily during their vegetative phase, and
“orange and red” light are used during the fruiting or flowering phase. This is why
it’s important to choose the correct grow light and light bulbs – they may not be
putting out the right color of light for your plants.

Intensity

A grow light’s intensity refers to how much photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)
the light puts out. Remember, this light has to be in the spectrum that plants care
about (hence the P in PAR), but once that condition is satisfied, there still must be
enough of that light to actually power the plant’s cells.
Intensity is where many grow lights differ due to the technology used to build them.

Heat

In addition to light, lamps offer varying amounts of heat. This is a careful

characteristic to consider because some plants require more heat such as tropical
species. Other indoor plants such as snow peas or lettuce might prefer a cool
environment. Crops grown under lamps that get hot to the touch should not be
allowed to come into contact with the bulbs. Hot bulbs will burn plants and ruin the
crop.

Footprint

Unlike the sun, whose footprint is most of the Earth during daytime, grow lights have
a significantly smaller footprint. Footprint refers to the area that is blanketed in light
coming out of you grow light. The further away your light is from your plants, the
greater the footprint — but the lower the intensity. The interplay of footprint and
intensity is a critical balancing point in a grow light.

There are 3 main types of grow lights:

- HID (High-Intensity Discharge): Includes Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium

- CFL: Compact Fluorescent (Includes T5, T8, etc)

- LED: Light Emitting Diode

LED's are cheaper in terms of electricity usage and bulbs last much longer. Buying an
LED unit can be more expensive though, but most buyers state the fact that long
term they reduce costs. Low energy usage and high in efficiency.
There are 3 best led grow light recommend for you:

NextLight Veg8 190 Watt LED Grow Light

The NextLight Veg8 is a full spectrum, bright white LED grow light designed to
efficiently replace a fluorescent 8 tube T5. This unit uses half the power, produces
minimal heat and is silent. The Veg8 only draws 190 watts, covers a 2 ft x 4 ft veg
footprint and eliminates the need to ever change a bulb again. It is part of the
NextLight Commercial Series. This distinction means each unit is covered by a 5 year
full manufacturer’s warranty, has a 100,000 hour life rating and is UL listed.

PHOTOBIO T 300 Watt LED Grow Light

HOTOBIO • T represents the apex of LED Top lights. PHOTOBIO • T can be applied
indoors or greenhouse as a direct 600W HID alternative or retrofit. Patented PHOTO•
PRO Photon Regulating Optics ensure the most efficient delivery of plant biologically
active radiation (PBAR) to the plant canopy. PHOTO•LOC Light Output Control allows
precise control over the photons that are delivered to the plant canopy when used in
conjunction with a 0 – 10V controller. In greenhouse facilities, PHOTOBIO delivers
consistent optimal PPFD levels throughout the day while saving energy. Just pair
PHOTO•LOC with an environmental control system that utilizes a quantum sensor to
measure light entering the greenhouse and automatically regulate light output in real
time. The specific power cable is sold separately based upon your requirements.

SpecGrade LED Verta LED Grow Light

The finely-tuned A1 'Entire Life Cycle Spectrum' has proven at universities and
various grow environments to improve the trichomes and taste while cutting
operational costs and shortening grow cycles. Our grow light simulates the sun based
on proven spectra and runs at a sustainable energy-efficient intensity. It’s designed
to successfully augment the photosynthesis process for the optimum plant from
propagation to flowering.

Indoor gardening can be rewarding and cost efficient if you choose the right light for
your location and understand the needs of your plants.