To grow plants indoors, you will almost certainly need artificial light. Natural light, preferably from a south-facing window, is always good for houseplants, but there isn’t always enough natural light indoors. That’s when your plants will need the right amount of artificial light.

Plants use light to grow. They convert light into food energy through photosynthesis. Plants need 12 to 16 hours of light per day for optimal growth. Use artificial light when there is no sunlight.

How much does it cost to run LED grow lights?

When calculating the cost of grow lights, there is more to consider than just lighting. Depending on the types of plants you grow and the types of lights you use, you may need additional heating or cooling systems.

All of these kits require electricity, which means growing them indoors can quickly add to your energy bills.

LED grow lights are popular because they are more energy efficient than their predecessors. This means you’re less likely to need additional cooling.

We found this equation to be the best way to calculate the cost:

Total kW x cost per kWh x hours per day x 30 days

ECO Farm FLD 320W Full Spectrum Dimmable LED Grow Lights

Features:

Equipped with SMD 3030 chip, this ECO Farm LED grow light has a maximum yield of 2.5 grams per watt, 30% higher average PPFD, and 50% higher yield and quality compared to other similar lights. Consumes only 320W. This LED grow light has a Yield Max spectrum (3000k, 6000k, 660nm red, 730nm IR LED), which can make the light more uniform, truly simulate the sunlight, and perfectly meet the entire growth cycle of all plants from seed to harvest, including Medicinal plants, flowers, vegetables, etc. Newly designed fast heat dissipation material aluminium with 4 slim cooling strips, produces less heat and saves 50% energy than other old grow lights! The whole plant grow lights are waterproof. No need to worry about wet growing conditions. LED grow lights can be folded 180°, easy to install and move.

Maxibright Daylight 300W PRO LED Grow Light

Features:

Maxibright LED grow lights provide the same full spectrum of light in a single energy and thermally efficient unit. They are perfect for smaller grow spaces/tents of 1 x 1 meter. This LED light gives your plants all the light they need from seed to harvest. These units feature dimmable light output, so you don’t need to change the light fixtures depending on the growth stage of your plants. The 300W Pro version is able to control multiple units via an iLink cable or DAYLIGHT lighting controller, which means you can tailor your lighting needs, including sunrise and sunset settings, specifically to your plant. The 300W LED brings you onboard dimming to ensure full spectrum while maintaining the enhanced red region of the PAR curve for consistently high levels of quality and yield every harvest.

Buyer’s Guide

Before buying an LED grow light, read our buyer’s guide below to learn about important factors that’ll help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Coverage
Grow lights typically give you measurements for how much vegetative and flowering coverage they offer. Be sure to choose a light that matches the amount of light and type of coverage you need for your growing area such as an indoor garden or a plant wall.

Wattage
A grow light’s wattage determines how much light it produces. Different plants require different amounts of light, so don’t just choose the light with the highest wattage to ensure optimal plant growth. Instead, match the wattage to the plants you’re growing. For example, if you’re growing tomatoes, choose a grower that offers about 32 watts of light per square foot.

Adjustability
Several features of your LED grow light should be adjustable.

Color

Plants need a different color light for every step of their growing cycle. The best grow lights offer red lights, blue lights, and white light color options.

Conclusion

If the best option for keeping your plants alive is to keep them indoors, then it all depends on your artificial lighting. Seedlings, for example, need extra care and bright light, as lack of light can make them weak and thin. Even placing them on a windowsill that receives the most sunlight may not be enough. No matter what kind of houseplant you have, there are different brands and LED grow lights to choose from. Some may be too intense, while others may not provide enough light, so be sure to read the details for each product.