One of the key elements that indoor plants need is light. During photosynthesis, plants convert the energy of light into chemical energy, allowing them to grow strong and healthy.

When growing outside, you can harness the power of the sun, but in an indoor setting, sunlight is simulated by using grow lights, which are designed to display the same spectrum as the sun.

Some grow lights are more expensive than others, but are also more efficient, saving you money in the long run. Some lights are bulky and have many parts, some are lightweight, and some are better for young or mature plants.

There are so many different kinds of lights out there that it can be daunting not knowing where to start. People often think that you need expensive grow lights to make up for a lack of natural light, but they’re wrong. You can indeed grow plants indoors using regular light bulbs.

How to Determine the Number of Light Watts You Need to Grow

The number of light watts you need to grow plants depends on two things: the number of plants you are growing and the size of your growing space.

Each indoor plant needs at least 1 square foot of space to grow. This allows the plant room to reach its full potential without being obstructed by surrounding plants. For LED and HID grow lights, the minimum recommended wattage per square foot of space is 50 watts. For fluorescent lights it can jump up to 150w.

So to calculate the wattage you’ll need, you’ll need to calculate the square footage of your growing space and multiply that by 50 or 150 depending on the type of lights you have.

GrowPros HM660 LED Grow Light

Features:

Compared to traditional HID and HPS light sources, the GrowPros LED grow light saves about 50% energy, and you can save a lot of energy over time. Without CO2 supplementation, the same results will not be produced. The HM660 lighting system is a complete pre-assembled LED grow light that reduces installation time with a variety of wiring techniques and connectors. HM660 series systems run cooler with passive cooling thermal management, meaning your lighting system can last longer while maintaining high light output levels. Longer life means you can grow crops for years without having to replace your lighting system, reducing costs. Indoor plants grow best under full-spectrum lights that replicate the sun’s natural spectrum. The HM660 series lasts longer than traditional grow light sources, resulting in healthier, happier plants.

Maxibright JUNO PRO — 720W LED Grow Light

Features:

The Maxibright LED Grow Light is an affordable and powerful 720 watts, has an output of 1800 micromoles per second (PPF), and is optimized to cover an area of 1.5 m x 1.5 m. 6 LED strips to provide uniform full spectrum light with added red spectrum for enhanced blooming. The whole luminaire folds in half, is very easy to transport, and unlike other LED units on the market, it is truly plug-and-play and requires zero assemblies of any kind. At only 40mm high, it maximizes the usable height in any growing space. Juno uses all-new MaxiLED chips. These high-quality chips are hand-picked by Maxirow and will provide the perfect spectral output for high-yielding plants. Each unit comes with a remote dimmer that allows you to adjust the light from 25% — 50% — 75% — 100% power. This is especially useful for growing young plants that don’t require as much light as more mature flowering plants.

How Do I Choose the Best Grow Lights for Plants?

Consider these basic factors when shopping for grow lights to get the most out of your purchase.

1. Lighting type
Start by choosing the type of grow light that is conducive to plant growth. There are four types of grow lights, you can choose according to the type. Every grow light has some different parameters, such as growing temperature and power consumption.

2. Material
Grow lights should be durable enough to stand the test of time. In addition, plants will be surrounded by moisture, so grow lights should also be resistant to corrosion. Choose grow lights made from stainless steel or any other sturdy material.

There are also some waterproof grow lights available that can be purchased if the budget is right.

3. Color Spectrum

Each plant requires a different spectrum during its growth stage, so you can make your decision based on this. Additionally, there are grow lights that provide full spectrum light for efficient growing.

If you have some specific kinds of plants that require separate spectra, then you can choose accordingly.

4. Dimming level
The availability of dimming levels will help your plants grow better as you can adjust the light intensity according to the conditions and requirements of your plants. Grow lights with dimming capabilities are versatile and a good investment compared to standard grow lights.

Not every grow light allows you to adjust the intensity level, so decide wisely.

5. Easy to install
Admit it, you’re not a pro, which is why you need grow lights that are easy to assemble. Also, make sure that the grow lights you plan to buy have the option to connect a daisy chain cable so that you can connect multiple grow lights together.

All the grow lights reviewed in this article are easy to assemble, and you can pick any of them without worry.

6. Timer
If you’re a professional, you can’t sit next to your grow lights all day turning them on and off. In this case, you need grow lights that either have a timer function or allow you to connect a separate timer.

With these grow lights, you can set specific times, such as how long you want the lights to stay on. Plus, it’ll save your energy and keep your plants in great shape.

Overall, grow lights with timers are very convenient and the right investment.

7. Adjustable position
Every plant requires a different intensity of light, and they will grow better if the light source is placed at a certain distance. Grow lights with adjustable positions may be a better choice because you can adjust the position according to the type of plants you have.

8. Budget
Finally, it’s a good idea to consider your budget to avoid overspending. Grow lights come in a variety of options and in different price ranges, so you can buy one according to your wishes. This article contains the best budget, as well as some high-end grow lights, so making the right choice will be easier for you.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the best LED grow lights for your indoor cultivation is essential to guarantee excellent fruiting and healthy growth of your plants. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, there’s a garden LED light that fits your needs and budget in our top best lights for indoor growing.