Are you considering using LED lighting?

LED lighting has become a popular choice for indoor plant growth due to its energy efficiency, spectrum, lifespan, and flexibility. In this post, we'll compare full spectrum LED lighting to HID (high-intensity discharge) lighting and discuss some of the key benefits of using LED lighting, including how it can be optimised for plant growth.

Energy efficiency

One of the main benefits of LED grow lights is their energy efficiency. LED lights in general use less electricity than HID lights, which can lead to cost savings over time. In addition to saving money LED grow lights can also ensure optimised plant growth by providing high intensity light without the generated heat.

Good Quality LED fixtures can be very efficient and still deliver a huge amount of light to your plant. A great example of an efficient light fixture is The Lumatek Zeus 600w, 2.9umol light seen HERE. 

Spectrum

Full spectrum LED grow lights provide a more complete spectrum of light than HID lights, which can be beneficial for plant growth. Plants use different wavelengths of light for different stages of growth, and LED grow lights allow growers to fine-tune the spectrum to meet the needs of their plants. On the table below you will notice how the Migro Led lights provide a more balanced spectrum which is more suited for indoor plant growth

Here is an example that compares the spectrum output from the MIGRO FULL SPECTRUM LED Lights to the sun and other forms of lighting 

Lifespan

LED light fixtures have a longer lifespan than HID lights, which means they need to be replaced less frequently. This can be a significant advantage for growers who don't want to be changing light bulbs every 3-4 months as LED Fixtures can lasts for up to 50,000 hours or more if cared for correctly. Keeping your Led cool will lead to a long lifespan, excessive heat can lead to premature degradation of your LED.

Heat emission

Another advantage of LED grow lights is that they emit less heat than HID lights. This can be beneficial for plant growth as it reduces the risk of overheating and plant stress. Lower heat emission can help optimize plant growth by providing a more comfortable growing environment. People who use HID lighting in grow tents normally struggle with heat and tend to run equipment such as Cool Tubes to help reduce the heat 

Diagram of LED vs HID heat distribution courtesy Lumatek, read the full article HERE

Flexibility

Full spectrum LED grow lights are more flexible than HID lights in terms of placement and intensity. This allows growers to fine-tune the lighting conditions for their plants and create the optimal environment for growth. This flexibility can help optimize plant growth by allowing growers to customize the lighting conditions for their specific plants and needs. LED fixtures can be placed vertically or horizontally which allows the user to use LED fixtures in a number of different configurations.  

Vapor pressure deficit - LED LIGHTS

VPD is the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the amount of moisture that plants transpire. It's an important factor in plant growth, as high VPD can lead to slower plant growth and reduced crop yields.

Full spectrum LED grow lights can help to optimize VPD by emitting less heat than other types of grow lights. This can help to create a more comfortable growing environment for plants, which can lead to improved transpiration and better plant growth.

Different wavelengths of light are used by plants for different stages of growth, and LED grow lights allow growers to fine-tune the spectrum to meet the needs of their plants. 

Diagram courtesy of Lumatek, see the full article HERE

Overall,

Full spectrum LED lighting is more energy efficient, has a longer lifespan, emits less heat, and is more flexible in terms of placement and intensity. These factors all contribute to improved plant growth and development which result in bigger yields and healthier plants. 

Need advice on which LED to buy?

Ask us for help, we have experience and can help guide you to the light that best suits your needs. Shoot us an email or jump on socials if you want advice before buying your next light! 

Cheers

Ryan