As more and more growers are choosing LED grow lights for indoor growing, there have been many new products introduced on the market. While the advantages to growing with LED grow lights are remarkable, there are a few caveats to consider. These are not negative considerations, just considerations to make growing effective.
One of the benefits of LED grow lights is the decrease in temperature. While this is good for several reasons, you need to be ready to compensate. The ideal growing temperature is a range of 70-80 degrees. When making the change from traditional lamps to LED, plants may need an additional source of heat to maximize growth and blooming. This can be a heat mat underneath, or a slight increase in room temperature. The ideal soil temperature is about 73 degrees; Once this is reached, then plants should do well during indoor growing.
Growers also need to be aware that once the heat source from traditional grow lights has been eliminated, then evaporation is (almost) eliminated as well. Over watering is a common mistake of new LED growers. Over watering can cause nutrient intake issues. The best way to deal with this is to water plants, then let then let them get low on water. Maintain this water level, and let plants establish well. If the growing medium is constructed, the plants will have no need to establish a large root system. With minimal water, they will grow to seek out water and grow into healthy plants.
Indoor growing has specific effects on different types of plants. Research the type of plants you are growing to find out if grow lights need to be left on continuously, or if your plants need a dark period. Many plants thrive with LED lights on for 24 hours with good growing results.
Plants grown indoors also require about half the recommended amount of nutrients. On flowering plants, having reduced photo period equates to an increase in the plant stress. Much like low water, a reduction in nutrients can equate to more flowering.
Some plants may need a supplementary light source in the room. Tomatoes, for example, are specifically favored by a single soft white light. The LED lights emit a certain type of wavelength, and grow lights sometimes need to emit wavelengths specific to the harvest being grown.
If you are considering using LED grow lights, there are various uses where they can benefit you. Whether you are doing aeroponics, indoor hydroponics, or orchids, in addition to standard indoor gardening, LED lights are the new choice. LED lights can provide a longer grow period, save electricity, decrease water use, and eliminate overheating. It is the perfect choice for so many reasons.
Indoor growing makes it possible to grow where it is not currently possible. The potential benefits of low energy, water saving growing may be a solution to bigger worldwide problems than simply getting plants started.
There is one precaution to use when switching to LED grow lights. The light emitted is very high intensity. It may not seem like it at first, but one should never stare into the lights for long periods. It can cause damage.
The cost of changing to LED grow lights can be recouped within just a year or two with the savings on traditional bulbs, and electricity savings.
When replacing your indoor growing lights, why would you choose anything else?
