Blog

Do I need a Grow Light?

January 22, 2021

The easy guide to grow lights

When do you know that you need a grow light? What signs do you look for? How do you know its time to get a grow light? Don’t worry, I did the research do you don’t have to.

Do I need a grow light?

Look at your plants and look for signs like:

  • Pale green
  • Searching for the sun
  • Stretching to reach the light
  • Slow, to no growth

If you are seeing those signs, no need to buy a grow light just yet. Frist asses your plants current location. Can you simply just move your plant(s) to a different window? If this is not possible due to space constrictions or other fashion reasons. Then its time to get a grow light.

Okay, you have determined that you need a grow light, moving your plant is not possible and you have accepted your life as a crazy plant person.

Welcome.

Now its time to figure out what kind of grow light you are looking for. There are many different options on the market with lots of confusing verbiage, so I will do my best to simplify.

PAR/PPF Value 

PAR or Photosynthetic Active Radiation is the range of light that helps plants with photosynthesis. The higher the PAR the more the light produced in your plants absorption range. This also means the higher the PAR number the further away your plant can be from the light.

PAR can be expressed in units of 100s or 10s EX: PAR 32 or Par 320

Same can be said for PPF Value or the Nanomicrons of light per second. The higher the PPF value the more absorbable light your bulb will give off.

Wattage

Wattage does not matter for the growth aspect of the plant. This is simply personal preference.

Guide to Grow lights
50 PPF GE Natural Grow Bulb

Color

Grow lights come in a range of colors or spectrum from red to blue to natural day light. Each color also helps with different areas of growth.

  • IR (730-735nm) — good for flower and fruit.
  • UV LEDs(390-395nm) — seeding and sterilization.
  • BLUE LEDs(460-470nm) — help plants with chlorophyll synthesis.
  • WHITE LEDs(6500k) — increase temperature and enhance photosynthesis.
  • RED LEDs(620-660nm) — contribute photosynthesis, germination, flowering and results.

Distance

The most common misconception is that you can mount your light wherever. I see it often a low par grow light about 6 feet from the plant, this does nothing.

You have to mount your light for the distance that its rated. This is usually stated on the box but a high PAR is usually 2-3 feet. A small LED from is 6-12 inches from the plant.

Shape

Grow lights come in many different shapes from classic bulb to a strip light. The shape you choose it depends on the area you are trying to cover.

Biased Opinion

I love GEs LED Grow lights. They are a natural light color and are easy on the eyes, no harsh Red or Blue light or glare. I have mine on as a background light for my house they are bright and look natural. GE also makes grow bulbs that have great PAR and PPF scores so you can mount them about 2 feet above the plant. They also come in standard shelf sizes so you can mount them to your current shelfs. Perfect for low light areas.

Grow Light guide
Find these lights here
GE Grow lights
50 PPF GE Natural Grow Bulb- mounted 2 feet above plants

Looking to grow some plants of your own? Check out my Esty shop . Looking for more tools to make plant care easy check out the Moisture Meter.