Grow lights are a category of indoor lighting for plants that allow you to grow most succulents, herbs and houseplants during any time of year. This artificial light source is a compact way to stimulate plant growth, at all growth stages, by emitting blue light (which helps the plant grow) and red light (which helps with seed germination and blossom development). These lights range from professional grow lights for large commercial operations to small lamps for hobbyists and indoor herb gardens.
Every child knows that plants grow and thrive when they are watered, soiled and receive light. However, serious growers and gardeners know how to tailor the soil, lighting conditions and watering system to their plants’ needs. For instance, sunlight naturally contains a broad range of light wavelengths, many of which are lacking in your typical LED or incandescent bulbs. Likewise, plants respond to the natural rhythms of sunset and sunrise, and the best indoor grow lights include timers to mimic this natural cycle. While outdoor plants naturally receive all the spectrum lighting they need, indoor plants tend to lack proper lighting. This is where a grow light comes in handy.
There are a few different types of grow lights available and the size of the plant and/or area that needs lighting will determine the grow light needed. We’ve featured a few of the best LED grow lights that will allow your plants to flourish right before your eyes. Because all of the best grow lights are now LED-based, you also get the advantage of energy-efficient lighting, which means extra savings in your pocket.
1. SPIDER FARMER LED Grow Light
These grow lights from Spider Farmer are a premium option for dedicated home growers. They come with Samsung LM301B diodes and the lights have high-efficiency performance. The dimming knob makes it easy to customize the settings of your lights. The full-spectrum lights are great for different kinds of plants.
Pros: Premium option with Samsung diodes and Meanwell driver. Energy-efficient.
Cons: Some options may be more economical depending on your needs.
2. GE BR30 LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
You may not need to buy a whole new lighting setup — you can actually make do with the lamps you already have. This lightbulb from GE works like a regular lightbulb, except it’s specifically designed to help your plants grow. The full-spectrum light has a natural white glow that makes it a functional lighting solution for you, in addition to your plants. It’s available in either a balanced spectrum or a red reproductive spectrum depending on what you’re growing.
Pros: Works with lamps you might already have. Available in flowering or balanced spectrums.
Cons: These lights can’t be dimmed.
3. MARS HYDRO LED Grow Light
This option from Mars Hydro features a unique design. In addition to the lighting panel, there’s a reflective aluminum hood that amplfies the strength of the lights while reducing energy loss and improving efficiency. Since there are no fans, you won’t be bothered by distracting noise.
Pros: Unique aluminum hood increases light power while reducing energy waste. Fanless design for quiet operation.
Cons: Can run somewhat hot.
4. Phlizon 600W LED Plant Grow Light
The Phlizon LED Grow Light contains every kind of light that plants need including blue, red (promote plant growth), IR, UV (helps plants develop their defense mechanisms) and white light. It also comes with a double switch that gives you a different button that can be customized according to what it is you are growing and the stage of growth your vegetables or plants are in.
Pros: Promotes plant growth through a wide spectrum including blue, red, IR, UV and white light, and convenient switches allow you to control the amount of light your plant receives.
Cons: This is a good grow light for beginner growers, but if you need higher wattage lights, other options might be better.
5. Elaine 60W 130 LED Timing Grow Lamp
These lights from Elaine are designed to provide sun-like light in a full-spectrum wavelength. The dual lamps connect to a convenient clamp, which can be used to attach to the edge of a shelf or table. Both lamps are attached to individual metal gooseneck arms, allowing you to move them to your desired position. The three lighting modes allow you to switch between wavelengths, and the timer function lets you toggle between 3, 6 and 12-hour lighting cycles.
Pros: Affordable option with various settings to optimize results for your plant’s needs. Powered by USB compatible port, making it a convenient option for workspaces.
Cons: Not compatible with smart outlets or outlet timers.
6. EZORKAS Levels Grow Light
With nine dimmable modes and three cycle timing modes, this light makes it easy to set you preferred lighting performance depending on the needs of your plants. The space-saving lights are great for apartment growers, too — the clip-on design and adjustable heads make it easy to put these lights anywhere in your home. There are four separate adjustable heads that can be angled in a multitude of ways.
Pros: Five heads can be angled in a variety of ways. Space-saving design. Features clip-on design for easy placement.
Cons: Some options are more powerful.
7. Juhefa LED Grow Light
If you’re looking for a space-saving option for a few plants, this light from Juhefa features two adjustable gooseneck lamps that are attached to a clip that can be attached to a shelf or table edge. There are 10 dimmable levels and three timer functions. Plus, you can toggle between blue, yellow and red lights.
Pros: Blue, yellow and red lighting modes. Three timer functions. Space-saving design that works for desks or small apartments.
Cons: Not ideal for a large number of plants.
8. King Plus 1000w LED Grow Light
The King Plus LED Grow Light is a full spectrum, 1000W light that includes red, blue, yellow, and white light, IR and UV (similar to sunshine). This light is ideal for all kinds of indoor plants, vegetables and flowers at all stages of growth. It also comes with an efficient cooling system that saves you energy, thus saving you money. While this grow light is designed to cover a maximum area of 3 feet by 3 feet, the light is most efficient when covering a 1.5 by 1.5 area. As such, it’s better used as a supplemental light than as a primary lighting source in larger growing areas.
Pros: These are extremely bright lights that can be controlled on and off with a timer. Lights don’t give off much heat, even when placed close to a plant.
Cons: These lights do not come with adjustable hanging ropes.