Grow Light Guide — Which Light to Buy and How to Use It

Grow lights let you keep almost any plant thriving indoors, regardless of natural light levels. Here's what to buy and how to use it correctly.

LED grow lights have become affordable and effective enough for everyday home use. With the right setup, you can grow almost any plant indoors — regardless of how few windows you have.

What Light Spectrum Plants Need

Photosynthesis relies primarily on red light (630–660nm) and blue light (430–450nm). Red light promotes flowering and fruiting; blue light drives leaf and stem growth. Full-spectrum lights cover both.

Types of Grow Lights

Distance and Duration

Always Use a Timer

Plants need a dark period to rest and regulate their growth cycles. Running grow lights 24/7 actually inhibits growth. Use a timer outlet to automate the light schedule.

When introducing a grow light, start at 6 hours per day and increase gradually over a week. Sudden intense light can stress plants just as much as sudden darkness.