The way we light our indoor gardens can significantly affect how healthy and productive the plants are. The type of light you use will depend on the type of plant, your budget, and what’s available near you. Following this indoor garden light guide will help decipher what the best lights for indoor gardens are.
The most common lights used in an indoor garden are fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), incandescent bulbs, LEDs (light-emitting diodes), and halogen lamps.
Each has its benefits and drawbacks that will affect your decision about using different plants, so let’s dive right in!
What Is A Grow Light?
Grow lights are artificial lighting systems used to supplement or replace sunlight for plants that need it. They are a vital component of indoor gardening, allowing you to grow things year-round regardless of outside weather. Grow lights have been around since 1868, when Sir Joseph Wilson Swan invented the electric light bulb that gardeners could use as a heat source and light for plants. Since then, many advances in technology have allowed us to make even better grow lights today.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Grow Lights?
There are four main categories of grow lights:
- Fluorescent
- LED (light-emitting diode)
- High-intensity discharge (HID)
- Induction lighting systems
Fluorescent
Fluorescent grow lights are the most common type of grow light. They come in compact fluorescent (CFL) and T12 tubes. CFLs are smaller and more energy-efficient than T12 tubes, but they don’t produce as much light.
Fluorescent Lights (T12) Fluorescent lights are gas discharge lamps that emit visible light when electrically excited. Fluorescent lamps contain an inner tube coated with phosphor powder, which emits visible light when excited by ultraviolet radiation from the gas in the tube (usually argon mixed with neon). The color emitted by fluorescent lamps depends on the composition of gases and phosphors used in their construction. Most common household fluorescent lamps have a color temperature between 2700K and 7000K.
Fluorescent lights are very energy efficient. When it comes to indoor gardening using fluorescent grow lights, their most valuable feature is emitting significant amounts of light. Fluorescent bulbs provide a large amount of light, and you can use them in small spaces with limited space. Fluorescent bulbs are relatively cheap compared to other types of grow lights. Still, they do produce heat which requires more giant fans for cooling.
Advantages of Using Fluorescent lights for indoor gardening
Low Cost
Fluorescent lights are among the cheapest type of indoor garden lights available. The initial cost is low, and they use less electricity than other types of grow lights which will save money on your power bills in the long run. Fluorescent bulbs have a relatively long lifespan compared to different bulbs, so they won’t need replacing as often either.
CFLs tend to be cheaper than T12 fluorescent tubes. Still, both are very affordable options for those looking to start an indoor garden with limited space and budget constraints making them one of the best lights for indoor gardens.
Easy Setup
One advantage that fluorescent lights have over others is their ease of installation. They can be set up quickly without any complicated wiring or assembly required – just plug them into an electrical outlet, and you’re ready to go! Fluorescent lights also don’t need any additional equipment such as ballasts or reflectors, so they are perfect for those looking to save money while getting started.
Low Heat Output
Fluorescent lights have a lower heat output than other grow lights. Their low heat output makes them ideal for small spaces that may be difficult to keep cool during hot summers months. They also tend not to get too hot when running continuously over several hours at once (unlike HID fixtures). The lack of excess heat is especially beneficial in tight quarters without enough ventilation. Eventually, there is less risk of damaging delicate plants with excessive temperatures from high-intensity lighting systems.
Disadvantages of Using Fluorescent lights for indoor gardening
Less Intense Light Output
Fluorescent lights aren’t as intense as other types of grow lights. Therefore, they may not be suitable for extensive or deep-rooted plants that need lots of light exposure. They also tend to have a lower PAR rating (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) than HID systems. Meaning less usable energy will be available per wattage used in your home. It could lead to slower growth rates if you cultivate crops like tomatoes and peppers indoors without supplementing with artificial lighting sources outside the growing area itself.
Low-Efficiency Rates For Indoor Gardening Purposes
Fluorescent bulbs only emit about 15% visible light compared with the total power used. The reason could be that most of the energy used by a fluorescent bulb produces ultraviolet and infrared radiation, which isn’t visible to humans. While this isn’t an issue for general lighting purposes, it can be less efficient when growing plants indoors under fluorescent lights.
Limited Lifespan
One downside of fluorescent bulbs is their shorter lifespan than other lightbulbs. They usually last around 8000 hours before needing replacement, while some LED and HID bulbs can last up to 20,000 hours or more. Suppose you are using fluorescents for your indoor garden. In that case, you will need to keep track of how many hours they have been running and make sure you replace them when necessary. The lifespan can limit their use as the best lights for indoor gardens.
Types of Fluorescent Lights For Indoor Gardening:
Three leading fluorescent lights are available for indoor gardening: T12, T24, and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
CFL
The most common type is the spiral-shaped CFL which has been around since 1976. These lights come in different sizes, but their shape remains consistent throughout each iteration. They all look like a twisted tube with two pins at one end that plug into an electrical outlet on either side of it.
- Fluorescent Lights (CFL) Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are also known as T12 tubes or spiral fluorescents. They have an inner tube coated with phosphor powder that emits visible light when excited by ultraviolet radiation from the gas inside the tube (usually argon mixed with neon). Like ordinary fluorescent lights, CFLs come in different colors depending on the composition of gases and phosphors used in their construction.
- CFLs are smaller and more energy-efficient than T12 tubes, but they don’t produce as much light. CFLs emit a type of ultraviolet radiation that is not harmful to humans. However, it can be detrimental to plants, so it’s crucial to use CFLs with caution around growing plants.
When it comes to indoor gardening using CFL grow lights, their most valuable feature is the ability to emit significant amounts of light in a small package. Their size also makes them ideal for use in tight spaces where other grow lights might not fit. They are relatively cheap compared to other grow lights, but they produce heat that requires more giant fans for cooling.
T12
The second type is known as “T12” and is more significant than CFLs, usually measuring about an inch in diameter. They are shaped like a straight tube with two pins at one end and can be challenging to find in stores since CFLs have primarily replaced them over the years.
T24
The last type of fluorescent light is called “T24”. It is even more significant than T12 bulbs, measuring about two inches in diameter. These lights were once more popular than CFLs but have since fallen out of favor due to their high energy consumption rates and relatively low light output. However, they remain a viable option for those looking for a powerful grow light source without breaking the bank.
Fluorescent lights come in different colors, including cool white (6800 Kelvin), warm white (3000 Kelvin), and daylight (6500 Kelvin). It’s essential to choose a color suitable for the plants you are trying to grow. Cool white bulbs emit more blue light, which is better for leafy greens and herbs, while warm white bulbs emit more red light, ideal for fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers. Daylight bulbs are a good option for general gardening as they provide an equal mix of blue and red light solidifying them as one of the best lights for indoor gardens.
LED (light-emitting diode)
LED grow lights are the latest technology. They are probably the best type of lighting for indoor gardening. They come in various sizes, shapes, intensities, and colors to meet your needs.
LEDs can provide all types of light you need for growing plants indoors.
- Blue (vegetative)
- Red (flowering)
- full spectrum whitish-yellow light that produces both vegetative growth and flowers.
Unlike some other forms of indoor garden lighting, LEDs do not require a reflective hood or any other special equipment. They screw into standard E27 sockets just like traditional bulbs.
LEDs are also the most energy-efficient type of grow light. A single LED can produce as much light as an incandescent bulb while using only a fraction of the electricity. And unlike fluorescent or HID lights, they generate very little heat, making them safer to operate close to plants.
The main drawback of LEDs is their high price tag. But with their long lifespan and low energy usage, they may end up being more economical in the long run than other types of grow lights. With a long time horizon, these lights pay off as the best lights for indoor gardens.
Advantages Of Using LED Lights For Indoor Gardening
Energy Efficient
LEDs are the most energy-efficient type of grow light. A single LED can produce as much light as an incandescent bulb while using only a fraction of the electricity.
Low Heat Output
Unlike fluorescent or HID lights, LEDs generate very little heat, making them safer to use near plants and a popular option as one of the best lights for indoor gardens.
Disadvantages Of Using LED Lights For Indoor Gardening
High Price Tag
The main drawback of LEDs is their high price tag. But with their long lifespan and low energy usage, they may end up being more economical in the long run than other types of grow lights.
High-intensity discharge (HID) for indoor gardening
HID lights are a type of high-intensity discharge light. They are popular for indoor gardening because they produce a lot of heat and light. It makes them ideal for plants that need plenty of warmth and light to grow.
HID grow lights are the most potent type of grow light and come in two varieties
- Metal halide (MH)
- High-pressure sodium (HPS)
MH bulbs emit a bluish-white light that is good for vegetative growth, while HPS bulbs emit a reddish-orange light for flowering.
Both MH and HPS bulbs produce much heat, so they need to be used with an exhaust system to keep the temperature down in the growing area. They are also more expensive than other types of grow lights.
Advantages of Using High-intensity discharge (HID) for Indoor Gardening
- Produce a lot of light and heat, making them ideal for plants that need warmth and light to grow.
- Suitable for vegetative growth and flowering.
Disadvantages of Using High-intensity discharge (HID) for Indoor Gardening
- Produce much heat, so you need to use them with an exhaust system.
- More expensive than other types of grow lights.
- It can be challenging to find the right balance between light and heat. Too much light can scorch plants, while too much heat will not allow them to thrive.
Induction lighting systems for Indoor Gardening
Induction lighting systems are a newer type of grow light that uses high-frequency electricity to create light. They are available in both warm and cool-white temperatures, which is why they are best for growing plants.
Pros of Induction Grow Lights:
- They last up to 100,000 hours compared to a typical HID light that lasts only 30,000 hours;
- The lights emit less heat than other grow lights, so you don’t need fans or air conditioning when using them;
- You can use them with any plant because their wavelengths are not specific like LEDs
Cons of Induction Grow Lights
- The initial cost is higher than other types of lighting systems, but the lifespan makes it worth it over time;
- Unlike LEDs, you can dim down these lights, so you have to place them far away from your plants if you want lower light intensity or turn down the power supply.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Grow Lights For Your Garden
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the type of lighting you need for your indoor garden:
How big is your garden?
Different types of grow lights are better suited to specific sizes of gardens. If you’re growing plants inside your home, the chances are that space may be limited—especially if it’s an apartment.
When choosing a light for indoor gardening, it is essential to understand the limitations on how much light can reach the plants. Also, what factors might restrict this amount before making any purchase. For example, fluorescent bulbs provide more than enough light for miniature houseplants. Still, less than larger plants need to thrive.
The size and type of bulb will also affect which portion(s) of the plant or crops receive adequate levels of light: incandescent bulbs produce heat; LED lights are more fantastic and therefore more efficient; fluorescent lights provide the best results for plants hung at eye-level or above (like in a kitchen). However, these types of bulbs aren’t as good for tall plants.
When determining what kind of light will work best with your space, keep this information in mind.-
What type of plant(s) do you have?
You can also use different lighting types to create other effects on the appearance and growth rate of certain houseplants. A grower’s choice might depend upon how much time they want to devote toward maintaining their garden or whether they prefer one look over another. Still, there’s no getting around it – choosing between incandescent bulbs versus LED lights (or other options) isn’t easy.
Incandescent bulbs have a warm glow. LED lighting is incredible, and fluorescent bulbs create a neutral effect for plants that prefer indirect light.
When do you plan to use your grow lights?
The time of year when you will be using your indoor garden may also affect which type of lighting system works best for you. For example, suppose it’s wintertime in New York City. In that case, an incandescent bulb might provide extra warmth during cold nights while helping keep the plants from getting too much direct sunlight during warmer days. Still, if summer comes around again soon enough, plenty of sunlight could be streaming into those same windows. So they wouldn’t need any artificial light during the day.
Use fluorescent grow lights during the day. You can use LED and incandescent bulbs at any time of day. Still, it is best to avoid using fluorescent lighting at night because it emits a blue light that can interfere with sleep patterns.-
How much sunlight does your apartment get?
Suppose your apartment gets a lot of direct sun. In that case, you may be able to use natural light or window-mounted fluorescent fixtures for growing plants. However, if you live in an area with limited sun exposure, you will need additional artificial lighting. Just make sure that whatever light source you choose is rated for indoor gardening applications. Sometimes sunlight is the best lights for indoor gardens.
For example, fluorescent bulbs are great for small plants like succulents because they emit less heat than incandescent fixtures but provide similar illumination levels. If you’re growing larger leafy greens such as lettuce or kale, then look into LED grow lights instead since these produce more light per watt consumed by consuming less energy.-
The type of lighting system is just one piece to the puzzle when it comes to making sure your apartment garden has enough nutrients, water, and care all year round!
What is your budget?
Just like anything else, the price of a light system for indoor gardening will vary depending on the brand and type of product you choose. LED grow lights are generally more expensive than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Still, they also last longer and use less energy.
When deciding on what type of lighting to purchase, be sure to consider how much it will cost to run overtime. Calculate the wattage of the bulb(s) you’re considering and then multiply that number by the number of hours per day you plan to have them turned on. It will give you an estimate for how much your monthly electric bill could go up with a new light system.-
There are many factors to consider when choosing the type of lighting you need for your indoor garden. By keeping in mind the size of your garden, what kinds of plants you will be growing, and when you plan to use your lights, you’ll be able to decide which system is right for you.
7 OF THE BEST LIGHTS FOR INDOOR GARDENS
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have a green thumb. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers indoors. With the help of some good grow lights, even those with black thumbs can keep indoor plants healthy and thriving.
But what are the best grow lights to choose from for your needs? And which ones offer the best value for your money? Here is a comprehensive guide to 13 of the best grow lights for indoor plants.
Hydrofarm Agrobrite T12 24″ Fluorescent Tube
The Hydrofarm Agrobrite T12 24″ fluorescent tube is a budget-friendly and versatile grow light for indoor plants. It provides high output and even coverage, making it great for growing seedlings or supplementing the sunlight in your home or office.
Features
Its two-foot length means you can fit multiple lights over your plant area, giving you more control over their growth. Plus, this set comes with four tubes, so you’re ready to go right out of the box! These bulbs feature an advanced reflector design that allows them to deliver up to 50% more lumens than comparable products on the market today while using less energy at only 40 watts per bulb.
Pros
- The Hydrofarm Agrobrite T12 24″ fluorescent tube is a budget-friendly and versatile grow light for indoor plants.
- It provides high output and even coverage, making it great for growing seedlings or supplementing the sunlight in your home or office.
- Its two-foot length means you can fit multiple lights over your plant area, giving you more control over their growth.
- Plus, this set comes with four tubes, so you’re ready to go right out of the box!
- These bulbs feature an advanced reflector design that allows them to deliver up to 50% more lumens than comparable products on the market today while using less energy at only 40 watts per bulb.
Cons
- It May not be bright enough for some plants
Sunblaster T12HO 18W LED Tube Light
The Sunblaster T12HO 18W LED tube light is an excellent option for those looking for an energy-efficient grow light. It is a full-spectrum LED bulb that emits UV and IR wavelengths, making it perfect for plant growth vegetative and flowering stages. It also has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, meaning you won’t have to replace it often.
Features
This LED tube light uses just 18 watts of energy while providing the same amount of light as a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb. Plus, it doesn’t produce any heat, making it safe to use in small spaces. The Sunblaster T12HO 18W LED tube light is an excellent option for those looking for an energy-efficient grow light.
Pros:
- Energy efficient
- Full-spectrum light
- No heat emissions
Cons:
- It may be too bright for some plants
Hydrofarm FLP24 Fluorescent Grow Light
The Hydrofarm FLP24 fluorescent grows light is a low-cost option for those looking to supplement the sunlight in their home or office. This light comes as a two-pack of 24″ tubes and provides high output and even coverage. It’s great for growing seedlings, herbs, or flowers.
Features
This set includes two T12 tubes that emit intense white light. They are perfect for use in small areas and can be daisy-chained together for more coverage. Additionally, they come with a five-year warranty, so you know they’re made to last!
The Hydrofarm FLP24 fluorescent grows light is a low-cost option for those looking to supplement the sunlight in their home or office. This light comes as a two-pack of 24″ tubes and provides high output and even coverage. It’s great for growing seedlings, herbs, or flowers. This set includes two T12 tubes that emit intense white light. They are perfect for use in small areas and can be daisy-chained together for more coverage
Pros:
- Low-cost option
- High output and even coverage
Cons:
- It may not be bright enough for some plants″.
Apollo Horticulture GL80X56LED Full Spectrum LED Grow Light Panel System Kit with Timer Control Switch (80x 56watt LED Grow Lights)
The Apollo Horticulture is an excellent solution for those looking to supplement sunlight in their home or office. The included timer allows you to control when your lights turn on and off, making it easy to set up an automated schedule without having to worry about manually turning them on each night!
Pros:
- The automated timer makes it easy to set up a schedule for your lights
- It can be used with other LED bulbs to create more coverage in an area.
Cons:
The kit does not include any bulbs or fixtures, so you’ll need to purchase those separately. Consequently leading to additional costs over time as the lifespan of each bulb varies greatly depending on usage and the type of plant they are growing under them. The timer is also only programmable by 24-hour increments. Some people may find that limiting if they want their plants getting different amounts of light at different times during the day (for example, 12 hours “on” then eight hours “off”). These light setups are more complex but may turn out to be best lights for indoor gardens you plan on pursuing.
MARS HYDRO Reflector 480W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum
The Mars Hydro Reflector light emits a full spectrum of light, making it perfect for both vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth. Plus, it has a lifespan of 50,000 hours!
Pros:
- It emits a full spectrum of light, making it perfect for both vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth.
- The lifespan of 50,000 hours!
Cons:
- The LED chips used in this product are not very efficient. They do not produce as much light per watt as other lights on the market today. For that reason, they will cost you more money over time if you want your plants to get enough illumination (especially during flowering).
- Also, because they use outdated technology, there is no way to turn red wavelengths off when growing certain types of plants that require blue or green only lighting. If “red” light from these LEDs gets reflected onto plant leaves, then photosynthesis won’t take place at all! It can lead to slower growth rates and reduced yields down the line if left unchecked for too long.
Gavita Pro 1000W EL E-Series HPS Grow Light Fixture
The Gavita Pro 1000w el e-series HPS grow a light fixture is a top-of-the-line option for those looking to supplement sunlight in their home or office. This light emits high-pressure sodium light, ideal for plant growth during the flowering stage. It also has a lifespan of 20,000 hours!
Pros:
- Ideal for the flowering stage
- The lifespan of 20,000 hours
Cons:
The light emitted by this fixture has a yellow tint, which may not be appealing to some people. In addition, high-pressure sodium lights are cumbersome. They require special equipment such as ballast boxes or transformers to work correctly. These extra pieces can add up quickly if they need replacing frequently!
It might not be the best choice if you want an inexpensive way of growing plants indoors because these fixtures also don’t come cheap either. However, they last longer than fluorescent tubes, so there is some value there too! The value will should focus on financial or output when deciding the best lights for indoor gardens for your situation.
SunBlaster T12HO 18W CFL Grow Light
The Sunblaster T12ho 18w CFL grow light is perfect for small spaces! This light emits a full spectrum of light, making it ideal for both vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth. Plus, it has a lifespan of 20,000 hours!
Pros:
It emits a full spectrum of light, making it perfect for both vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth.
The lifespan of 20,000 hours
Cons:
This fixture does not include a built-in timer like some other options on the market do. If you want to control when your light turns on and off, you’ll need to purchase a separate timer.
In addition, CFL bulbs are not as bright as other lightbulbs, and You can’t use them in fixtures with reflectors. It means that you’ll need to purchase particular grow light reflectors if you want your plants to get the lightest possible!
There are many different lights available for indoor gardens, each with its own set of pros and cons. By weighing the pros and cons, you can easily decide which lights are the best lights for indoor gardens you want to pursue.
Wrapping up:
LEDs are the best, but only if you choose high-quality ones. Fluorescents might be cheaper but may not produce as much light per watt, and you can’t place them in a closed fixture for safety reasons.
High-Intensity Discharge lights such as HID or MH will provide more light per watt than fluorescents, but they also consume more energy. In addition to that, the ballasts required by these fixtures take up extra space inside your garden. Knowing what kind of indoor grow lighting setup is proper for you depends on how much money you want to spend and how good you need your plants to look. Finding the best lights for indoor gardens is just the first step on the journey.