Is an LED Grow Light Panel Good for Growing Plants Indoors?

LED grow lights produce less heat and last longer than other types of bulbs.

LED grow-light panels connect a number of small light-emitting diodes to a single power source so they can be used for gardening. LED lights do not require a ballast, so they take up less space than comparable high-pressure sodium or metal halide grow lights.

Light Spectrum

Plants need blue spectrum light during the vegetative phase and red spectrum light during the flowering phase. LED grow panels allow you to combine red and blue light bulbs in a compact and efficient unit.

Long Life

LED bulbs can burn for up to 50,000 hours, depending on the brand and energy consumption. They can also withstand vibration better than other types of grow lights and do not flicker as they burn out.

Low Heat

You can place LED grow lights close to your plants because the bulbs do not produce enough heat to burn their tips.

Disadvantages

LED grow-light panels cost more than comparable high-intensity discharge or fluorescent lights. Because of their long life, LED bulbs may still be a more economical choice if you plan to keep your indoor garden for more than two years.

References

• University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: Growing Plants Indoors Under Supplemental Lighting
• University of Florida Folta Lab: LED Light Sources For Plant Research
• Indoor Gardening Guide: LED Grow Lights