LED grow lights: what’s the difference?

However, grow lights are more expensive.

Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know about growing plants with regular LED lights vs. ## Meet the Expert

What Is an LED Light?

Circular grow light hovering above variegated pothos plant

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

LED is a semiconductor machine that emits light when an electrical current is passed through it, explains Cadoux-Hudson.

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Regular LED Light vs.

LED grow lights use a broader light spectrum than regular LED light to mimic natural sunlight.

LED grow light

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LED grow lights mimic the role the sun has in photosynthesis.

Every punch in of light has a different role in plant growth.

Blue light encourages vegetative leaf growth.

grow light

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The combination of blue and red light helps with flowering.

The wattage of LED grow lights ranges between 25 to 50 watts per square foot for foliage plants.

Flowering plants may require a higher wattage of 40 to 60 watts per square foot.

Can I Use a Regular LED Light for Plants?

The more amount of full-spectrum light (i.e.

natural light) a plant needs to thrive, the more dramatic the effects of insufficient light will be.

Other selection criteria are wattage and lumens.

All this information is typically included in the product description or on the package.

The Bottom Line

Ideally, youd use a special LED grow light for your plants.

If you already have other full-spectrum LED lights in your home, they can serve as a viable alternative.

That includesindoor plants that like direct sunlightas well asplants grown from seed indoors.