A little bit of artificial sunlight can give them the boost they need.
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Little natural light in your home doesn’t have to mean living without plants — if you invest in an LED grow light. These lights deliver a full spectrum of light, replicating what plants would get from sunlight. They can be used to sprout seeds, grow healthy seedlings in early spring, encourage abundant blooms, or just keep your plants lush and healthy year-round.
While the best LED grow lights tend to be a bit more expensive than standard grow lights, there are a few benefits that make them worth spending extra. For one, LED lights are long-lasting and use minimal energy, so you’re likely to recoup your initial investment. Another is that they come in a variety of styles to suit different setups. For example, there are under-shelf strip lights, large LED panels for more coverage, and countertop models designed for growing herbs.
If you’re ready to give your plants a boost, these are the best LED grow lights we recommend, along with everything you need to consider before making a final decision.
Most commonly, grow lights hang from the ceiling and can be raised or lowered to the appropriate height for your plants. When selecting a hanging light, be sure to check its weight, installation requirements, and cord length for mounting.
If a hanging light isn’t feasible for your space, there are other styles of grow lights to consider. Stick-on LED grow light strips are handy for installing underneath cabinets, and there are also lights that have a clip to attach to a shelf or desk. If you only have one plant that needs a light, you might consider a stake light, which can be installed directly into the planter.
There are also more technical aspects of LED grow lights to get a handle on. Most LED grow lights have full-spectrum bulbs, which give off both cool and warm light to replicate natural sunlight. Knowing each product’s light output is essential, which is indicated by its PPF rating.
PPF is the number of photons that a light produces per second, and different PPF levels are better for different types of plants. For instance, low-light plants and seedlings only need a PPF of 100–200, while fruiting vegetables need a much higher PPF of 400–500. If you plan to grow plants at multiple stages, you may want to look for a light that allows you to change its PPF settings.
Dimmable grow lights offer several benefits—both for you and your plants. Some plants actually prefer lower levels of light, and a full-strength grow light may end up scorching their leaves. The same holds true for extra-tall plants. In these instances, it’s beneficial to be able to turn the light’s brightness down to a safe level.
As an added bonus, dimmable lights can also help you save money on electricity. When their brightness level is turned down, the lights use less energy. It may not be a noticeable impact if you just have one grow light, but for large commercial setups, the savings can be substantial.
Depending on how they’re being used, grow lights typically need to be left on for between eight and 16 hours a day. You can turn them on and off manually, but it’s more convenient if lights have a built-in timer. Some models even allow you to create a custom schedule, turning on and off as needed to keep your plants happy.
In addition to my career as a product tester, I also run a small homestead where we sell vegetables and flowers, so I’m quite familiar with LED grow lights. Every spring, I use two large LED grow lights to sprout hundreds of plants and start seedlings, which we then plant out in the gardens.
To find the best grow lights to suit different setups, we looked for top-rated products in a wide range of styles. We evaluated each product based on factors such as its size, installation requirements, energy use, and bulb life, prioritizing options that are easy to use for gardeners of all skill levels.
Looking for more ways to grow and showcase your plants? Check out our stories on the best greenhouse kits, the best plant stands, and the best raised garden beds.
While slightly expensive, this LED grow light is a worthwhile investment to help your indoor plants thrive. The light is a 3-by-3-foot square with more than 350 LED bulbs that delivers wide-angle light coverage, and its PPF ranges from 150