How to Use LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

Are your house plants chasing the sun around your home? Have you run out of windowsills to put that plant you just couldn’t resist buying? We’ve been there. Before you start installing more windows in your home, we can help. We’re here to introduce you to the power and practicality of using grow lights, specifically LED lights, for healthy, strong indoor plants.

What are LED Grow Lights?

LED, light emitting diode, grow lights are designed to emit the appropriate light to help plants grow. They act a lot like sunlight, helping plants to photosynthesize to make their food. You can also use grow lights with incandescent, fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (HID) lights, but the benefits of using LED grow lights have made them a popular choice for indoor growers.

Why Use Grow Lights?

There are many benefits to choosing LED grow lights for your plants, including:

They are inexpensive. Not only are they cost efficient to buy, but they are also durable and last for a long time, so you won’t have to keep shelling out money to buy more.
They work great. LED grow lights can give your plants all the light they need to grow and thrive. They also come in different light colors helping to give your plants what they need as they grow.
They are energy efficient. We are often asked, “Do grow lights use a lot of electricity?” Not LED grow lights! Considering how long you use grow lights for indoor plants (eight to 12 hours a day!), your electric bills will thank you for using LED grow lights.
They emit low levels of heat. You can place the lights closer to your plants when using grow lights that are LED, without having to worry about frying your plants, burning your loved ones or pets, or starting a fire.

How to Make LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

So, how do you make grow lights for indoor plants? Here are some tips:

Where to put your grow lights: The closer the light is to your plant, the more it will receive. If you are using a small light, try setting it about six inches away from your plant and adjust as needed. For a larger light, start with 24 inches. It’s best to hang the light above the plant to avoid encouraging it to grow sideways if the light is next to it.
What colors to use: Red light helps with flower growth while blue light promotes structure and leaf growth. White light gives you a full spectrum of colors in one.
When to use: Plants need a period of dark as much as they need light. If they were outside, your plants would have darkness overnight. A good rule of thumb is to split the day – 12 hours of light and 12 of dark. You may want to set a timer to make sure your lights turn on and off at the right intervals.

You will probably have to experiment using grow lights to see what works best for the plants you have. Be sure to monitor your plants closely so you can make any needed changes.

Buying LED Grow Lights

When deciding where to buy grow lights for your plants, it’s important to keep in mind there are many different types and sizes, so it is a good idea to research and seek guidance from experts to ensure you pick the right LED grow lights for your indoor garden. Monster Gardens has a wide selection of LED grow lights, filled with both top of the line and affordable items, and the knowledge to help guide you in choosing what’s best for you. Shop our LED grow lights today.