Staff Answer
Oct 26, 2020 - 11:15 AM
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GROW LIGHT
Light Output
- Lumens are the main measure of light output or brightness you should consider. Our eyes are not very objective when it comes to measuring brightness, so it's important to read a grow light's specifications before purchase.
- Select a grow light that provides 300 - 800 lumens per square foot.
Wattage
- Wattage will only tell you how much electricity the lamp uses and does not describe the amount or quality of light produced.
- Lumens per watt, however, is a useful way to compare the energy efficiency of grow lights. The higher the lumens per watt, the more efficient the light.
Full Spectrum
- Light exists in a range of wavelengths that appear to us as different colors. Plants tend to use blue light to grow larger while red light can stimulate flowering.
- Grow lights that produce only red and blue light can be slightly more efficient, but full spectrum, white lights support healthy plant growth without the annoying purple light.
Color Temperature
- The appearance of "warmer" or "cooler" tones of light is measured in Kelvins. A lower Kelvin temperature indicates warmer, red light while high Kelvin values are for cooler, blue light.
- Succulents are fairly forgiving on this metric, and lights from 3,000K to 6,000K can support healthy growth.
WHICH GROW LIGHT SHOULD I GET?
With so many grow lights on the market, there are a lot of good options available for a wide range of growing conditions. We've tested out a bunch and three came out on top in different divisions. Our reviews are unsponsored and based solely only on our own experiences during trials.
For small setups: Sansi LED Bulb
- Dimensions: 4.5"W bulb in an 8.5"W reflector lamp
- Price: $26 bulb + $10 reflecting clamp lamp
- Brightness: 1,600 lumens
This is a versatile bulb of full spectrum, white LEDs that you can plug into the lamp of your choosing (we use this one). It is only big enough to light a few containers of succulents or several plants that already get some natural sunlight. We love the adaptability of this little bulb and how inconspicuously it works in the home.
For large setups: Durolux LED Panels
- Dimensions: 4.0'L x 1.9'W with adjustable chains for hanging and a 6.0'L power cord
- Price: $71
- Brightness: 14,000 lumens
If you want to keep a lot of succulents indoors, this is a high quality and affordable option. 8 square feet is enough room to accommodate a generous collection of plants. It works well hanging above a shelf, though all of the plants under it should have similar light needs. There is also a brighter panel available with twice as many LED pieces for $90. We like the brighter version for full sun varieties like Echeveria and cacti.
For classy setups: Soltech LED Aspect
- Dimensions: 5.8"L x 3.8"W x 3.8"H with a 15.0'L power cord
- Price: $150
- Brightness: 2,000 lumens
This small, hanging can light is one of the most stylish we've seen on the market. It provides enough light for a couple medium-sized plants and looks great doing it. Soltech also offers a larger light for $200 that produces 4,000 lumens of light.
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