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What's The Difference Between LED lights And LED Grow Lights?

Milosh Potikj | March 09, 2023 | 7 MIN READ

Are you confused about the difference between LED lights and LED grow lights? With so many options for lighting on the market, it can be difficult to determine which type is right for your needs. In this article, we explain the main differences between these two types of light sources.

LEDs have become more popular over the past few years due to their energy efficiency and long life span. However, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes with each one designed specifically for its purpose. This is especially true when it comes to LED grow lights, which are made specifically for plant growth and photosynthesis.

What Is The Difference Between Normal LED Lights And LED Grow Lights?

LED lights and LED grow lights both use the same technology, but their applications differ. LED lights are often used as a replacement for incandescent bulbs in homes or businesses to provide general lighting. LED grow lights, on the other hand, use specific light options that are designed to encourage the photosynthesis of plants.

The main difference between these two types of lights is the light intensity, spectrum, and color temperature. Regular LED lighting typically has lower brightness levels than what would be required for optimal plant growth. In addition, regular LEDs offer limited control over the type of light output needed for healthy plant development. Grow lights can provide more intense illumination with adjustable settings that allow you to fine-tune your desired level of light for optimum results when growing plants indoors.

Grow lights also emit different spectrums of light than traditional LEDs. The special light produced by grow lamps enables plants to absorb necessary nutrients which helps promote healthy growth and flowering cycles within an indoor environment. This creates a perfect balance for successful indoor gardening all year round without having to rely on natural sunlight alone.

Do LED Lights Work The Same As Grow Lights?

Standard LED bulbs typically emit more light with a broader range of colors in comparison to standard incandescent or fluorescent lights. While general-purpose LED lighting will give off white-light illumination, grow lights will produce greater amounts of red and blue spectrums which are ideal for stimulating photosynthesis in plants. Furthermore, when it comes to power efficiency, grow lights tend to consume less energy than traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent tubes or high-intensity discharge lamps usually found in commercial settings.

When choosing an appropriate LED fixture for your plants there are some important aspects you should consider such as the specific needs of your plant species, the size and shape of the area where you need coverage, and any additional features that might make installation easier or improve performance such as programmable timers or adjustable brightness levels. When looking at LED options specifically designed for growing, remember that higher wattage does not always mean better results. It's all about providing the right kind and amount of light tailored to your particular setup!

Read More: How To Hang Your Grow Lights?

What Type Of LED Is Best For Growing Plants?

When it comes to growing plants, LED grow lights are often the preferred option compared to normal LED lighting. This is because LED grow lights provide a more tailored spectrum of light that enables plant growth better than traditional fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Specifically, LED grow lights give off specific amounts of blue and white light which supports healthy photosynthesis in plants. Additionally, they contain green and red visible light as well as other non-visible spectrums such as infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV).

LED lights, on the other hand, don't have this same level of customization when it comes to providing the right kind of light for plants. They contain one type of color temperature like cool white or warm white but lack many wavelengths necessary for healthier plant growth. Compared to natural sunlight, these limited colors can cause stunted growth or even death if used too long without proper rest periods.

In comparison to regular LEDs, using LED grow lights provides far greater energy efficiency while still giving your plants all the nutrients required for them to thrive. With careful consideration over wattage output, beam angle, and coverage area, you will be able to get the most out of your LED grow light setup with minimal power usage.

Do Plants Grow Faster With LED Lights?

While regular LED lights may provide adequate light for some growth stages, LED grow lights are specifically designed to help nurture the growth process. Plants need both natural sunlight and artificial light to survive and thrive. For example, fluorescent bulbs emit blue wavelengths which can be beneficial in promoting healthy plant growth.

However, when it comes to providing a more comprehensive spectrum of light that is tailored toward different stages of plant development, a LED grow light system is a better solution than regular LED lights. LED grow lights will ensure that your plants receive just the right mix of colors and intensities needed for optimal health at each particular stage of their growth cycle!

What Color LED Is Best For Plants?

White light: this is the most commonly used type of artificial lighting in gardens and greenhouses. Most white lights are a combination of wavelengths, including red and blue waves that support photosynthesis as well as other colors necessary for plant growth. Natural sunlight also contains all of these wavelengths, making white light a good option if natural sunlight isn't available.
Red light: red wavelengths are beneficial for increased flowering and fruiting in plants. They're incredibly effective at stimulating hormone production, thus helping enhance blooming and fruiting capacity in flowers and vegetables. This is why red lights are often found in greenhouses during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
Blue light: it is essential for proper leafy vegetation growth, such as grasses or herbs. Blue wavelengths stimulate chlorophyll production which helps create stronger stems, robust foliage, and denser overall plant structure. Additionally, blue lights help prevent foliar diseases like powdery mildew or other fungi by slowing down water uptake in certain species of plants.
UV-A/UV-B infrared lights: UVA/UVB infrared lights offer additional benefits to your plants' health. They support photosynthesis while also reducing bacteria buildup on leaves. This helps keep flowers healthy while increasing their longevity and avoiding diseases caused by parasites or fungal spores.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for choosing the best color light for growing plants – each situation calls for different lighting solutions depending on what type of results you’re looking for (elevated flowering vs more robust foliage). Finding the right combination of colored lights will maximize your garden's productivity while keeping pests away from delicate buds!

Will Any LED Bulb Grow Plants?

Not all LED bulbs are designed specifically for growing plants. They might just provide illumination without providing the necessary wavelengths needed by vegetation during its lifecycle. It's important to do your research before investing in any type of LED bulb so that you know exactly what kind of fixture will best suit your particular needs.

How Long Should Plants Be Under LED Grow Lights?

The amount of time a plant should spend under LED grow lights depends on its stage in the growth cycle. Generally speaking, younger plants need around 18 hours per day while mature plants require 12-14 hours daily.

Many manufacturers also recommend gradually increasing or decreasing exposure times according to each individual species’ needs during different phases in order to achieve maximum yields. Ultimately, how long plants remain under LED grow lights will depend upon the desired results – whether it's healthy foliage or high-yield flowers and fruits.

More: LED vs. HPS

Can Too Much LED Light Hurt Plants?

Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is a measure of intensity that determines how much energy can be absorbed by chlorophyll molecules in plants through photosynthesis so they can convert carbon dioxide and water into usable energy (sugar). Each LED emits different amounts and kinds of radiant energy, so researching which LEDs offer broad-spectrum coverage while maintaining high PAR levels will ensure your plant receives enough healthy light without overdoing it.

Related: Can Grow Lights Burn Plants?

What LED Wattage Is Good For Plants?

LED lights typically come in a variety of wattages, while LED grow lights are specifically designed with higher wattage outputs that can help support plant growth. When selecting an appropriate wattage output for your plants, there are several things to consider beyond just initial cost such as energy costs and usage over time, as well as what stage of growth you’re attempting to reach.

For example, if you’re looking to use LED lighting on houseplants or herbs in your home garden, then lower-powered bulbs may be enough depending on how close they're placed to the plants. On the other hand, growers usually require higher-powered LED lighting systems due to their specific needs at different stages of growth. In this case, more powerful LED fixtures are needed in order to provide intense light levels that enable healthy crop yields.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which wattage is right for your particular need depends on various factors including distance from the source, type, number of plants being grown, and projected length of use (will you be using them seasonally?). Taking all these components into account will ensure that whatever system you choose meets your needs now and in the future!

Shop For LED Grow Lights

LED grow lights are a great option if you're trying to grow indoor plants as they are energy-efficient and provide the right source of light for photosynthesis. If you're looking for the right light fixture for your indoor garden, Canada Grow Supplies has what you need.

We sell high-quality indoor and outdoor gardening equipment: