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    Hydroponics

    Indoor Grow Lights Beginner’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know

    This post will investigate everything you need to know about selecting the best growing light system for your indoor growing needs.
    Hollie CarterBy Hollie CarterJuly 25, 2020
    Indoor Grow Lights
    Indoor Grow Lights Beginner’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know
    Affiliate Disclosure: We independently test & research all products reviewed on the site. We may earn a small commission if you buy through one of our links. This does not affect our reviews or placement of products on the site.

    Are you planning on growing vegetables at home? Setting up a hydroponic or organic garden indoors is a great way to grow fresh veggies to feed your family this year.

    Growing indoors means that you don’t have to concern yourself with changing weather conditions. Not to mention, the chances of pests and disease attacking your plants is much lower than in an outdoor garden.

    However, growing indoors means that you’ll need to simulate the growing environment using technology. The most challenging part about growing indoors is finding the right grow light for your garden. There are plenty of benefits and uses for indoor grow light systems.

    • Grow your plants from seedling to harvest, without any sunlight
    • Start seedlings early before transplanting to the garden in early spring
    • Use specialized lighting systems for propagating and flowering
    • Finish outdoor plants that don’t have enough light left in the season
    • Propagate your plants and your root cuttings
    • Grow plants inside all year-round

    These are a few examples of the benefits of using a grow light and indoor growing system for your vegetables this year. So, what is the best indoor grow lamp for your garden?

    This post will investigate everything you need to know about selecting the best growing light system for your indoor growing needs.

    Table of Contents

    Toggle
    • Grow Lights – Vital Concepts
      • The Light Spectrum
      • Light Intensity
      • Grow Light Power Consumption
      • Lighting Footprint
      • Plant Photoperiods
    • Best Selling Indoor Grow Lights
    • What are the Types of Indoor Grow Lights?
      • Fluorescents
      • Light Emitting Diode (LED)
      • Metal Halide (MH)
      • High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)
      • Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH)
      • Plasma
    • Cooling and Heating Effects
    • How Do You Maintain Your Grow Lights?
      • Watch Out for Bulb Light Degradation
      • T5 Fluorescent Bulb Degradation
      • LED Bulb Degradation
      • When Do I Replace My Bulbs?
    • Indoor Grow Light FAQs
      • How much light do indoor plants need to thrive?
      • How close can fluorescent bulbs come to my plants?
      • How often must I replace HID lighting like HPS and MH bulbs?
      • Is growing under LEDs worth it?
    • Wrapping Up – Get Professional Advice

    Grow Lights – Vital Concepts

    Before you settle on a grow light for your indoor garden, we need to go over a few concepts regarding how light affects plants and growth. Understanding these basic concepts will give you everything you need to choose the right lighting system.

    The Light Spectrum

    All light waves, both visible and invisible, fall somewhere on the spectrum. Science measures these wavelengths in nanometers, corresponding to the specific wavelength on the spectrum.

    The light we’re interested in using for our indoor growing falls on the 400nm to 700nm spectrum. Light waves of this intensity are also known as Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). PAR refers to specific wavelengths that plants use for photosynthesis processes to inspire growth.

    Within this PAR bandwidth, there are wavelengths plants use for specific biological functions.

    • 400nm to 490nm – This wavelength produces blue light used by your plants during the vegetative state as they grow.
    • 580nm to 700nm – This “orange-red” wavelength mimics the sunlight in the later summer and early fall, signaling your plants to start fruiting.

    For those that are math geniuses, you’re probably wondering why we skipped over the light waves in the 490nm to 580nm range. The chloroplasts in plant cells reflect light at these wavelengths since its mostly green in the 510nm to 570nm range.

    Light Intensity

    Now you understand PAR and the types of light required to boost growth and flowering in your plants. The next step is to understand how much of that light we need to use to grow healthy plants and increase harvest yield.

    The amount of light produced by the light source reaching your plants refers to its “intensity.” The type of light plays a significant role in the intensity of the light waves. The positioning of your light also plays a vital role. The closer it is to the canopy, the shorter the distance to the light, and the more intense the light waves.

    Therefore, the proper positioning of your grow light is critical. Too close to the canopy results in the burning of your crops. Having the light too far away from the canopy means that the plants don’t get the light they need for optimal photosynthesis.

    Grow Light Power Consumption

    Your grow light draws electricity to operate the ballast and bulb. Grow lights can vary in wattage, from as little as 50-watt NIR bulbs to 2,000-watt HPS or LED setups. Some growers use multiple lights in series, boosting the power capacity of their setup to meet the harvest needs.

    Some lights have higher wattages than others. For example, LED lights have lower wattages than HPS or metal halide bulbs. Therefore, these light sources consume more power than LEDs, cutting down on the costs of operating your indoor garden.

    Lighting Footprint

    Each growing light has a specific design to cover a growing area. Trying to grow outside of this light footprint will produce lackluster results. The wattage of the bulb, and it’s operating height are the two most significant factors to consider when deciding on the right light footprint for your garden.

    For example, a 1,000-watt globe operates at three to six feet above the canopy, and it’s suitable for a growing footprint of up to 3-square feet. When setting up your grow light, we recommend you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for distance from the bulb to the canopy.

    You can tweak these settings with small tests during your first harvest. It might take you the entire growing season to find the right setup for your garden. Finding the proper placement to provide optimal heat, intensity, and footprint takes some time and testing.

    Plant Photoperiods

    The photoperiod of your light refers to how much light you give your plants over 24-hours. If you’re growing outdoors, you have a limitation on the photoperiod, thanks to the sun. In the height of summer, you can get up to 12-hours of light each day, while the wintertime may shorten daylight to 6-hours.

    When growing plants indoors, you can change the photoperiod to whatever length you desire. You can run a 24-hour photoperiod with consistent lighting if you want.

    Some plants experience a change when they start to experience a shortening in the photoperiod window. This shortening of the photoperiod mimics the days of the harvest season, and the plants begin to flower.

    Best Selling Indoor Grow Lights

    SaleBestseller No. 1
    Bloom Lume LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum - Features Multi-Mode Color Spectrums, Dimmable, Auto Timer, Clip on Goosneck Plant Lamp
    Bloom Lume LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum - Features Multi-Mode Color Spectrums, Dimmable, Auto Timer, Clip on Goosneck Plant Lamp
    • BLOOM LUME: NATURAL LIGHT SIMULATION - The Bloom Lume full-spectrum LED lighting closely mimics natural light, supporting the photosynthesis process with its range of colors, much like regular sunshine. High-quality tubes are mounted on a sturdy clamp with a flexible gooseneck for portability and easy adjustment, enabling direct or indirect lighting at a wide range of angles.
    • EFFICIENT LED: LOW ENERGY, HIGH OUTPUT - LED lighting offers low energy usage and efficient high-output performance. These tubes consume only 10 watts, producing a total output of 765 lumens, equivalent to approximately a 60-watt incandescent light bulb. Each tube features a strip of 44 beads, including 36 white 6000K LED 2835 chips, 4 red chips (620-660 nm), and 4 blue chips (455-460 nm).
    • VERSATILE CONTROL: POWER, INTENSITY, TIMER - The Power button toggles between both tubes or individual tubes. The Dimmer button adjusts Full Spectrum LED light intensity across 10 levels. The Timer button sets durations of 5, 10, or 15 hours, retaining memory for daily activation.
    • RED AND BLUE ENHANCED LIGHTING - The combination of additional red and blue lights at specific stages is essential for controlling plant growth and flowering during the photosynthesis process. Blue light stimulates foliage, vegetative growth, and strong root development, enhancing plant quality. Red light promotes flowering, fruiting, and budding, increasing yield in quantity, density, and size.
    • MULTI-MODE COLOR OPTIMIZATION - Utilizing an agronomically balanced combination of additional red and blue color wavelength strengths, the lighting is technologically optimized for indoor plant growth. Choose from various modes including full spectrum white, white and red, white and blue, or white, red, and blue to regulate and prolong growth effectively.
    $11.95 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 2
    GooingTop LED Grow Light,6000K Full Spectrum Clip Plant Growing Lamp with White Red LEDs for Indoor Plants,5-Level Dimmable,Auto On Off Timing 4 8 12Hrs
    GooingTop LED Grow Light,6000K Full Spectrum Clip Plant Growing Lamp with White Red LEDs for Indoor Plants,5-Level Dimmable,Auto On Off Timing 4 8 12Hrs
    • 6000K White Light - equipped with 10 Red + 74 White LEDs, this growing Lamp is similar to the full-spectrum sunlight at noon,that is professionally designed for indoor garden plants.Moreover, its color rendering index is as high as 95, the light is soft and flicker-free, which is very suitable for reading lamp
    • Timer Function & Multiple Settings - this growing light offer the timer function with 3 options that is 4Hrs or 8Hrs or 12Hrs, it is based on a 24 hour cycle from the time you set the timer.For example,when keeping power ON, if you select 8 Hrs,it will turns ON for 8 hours per 24 hours.The other two timer settings are the same.
    • Easy to Install - with flexible Gooseneck & strong clamp,it allows you to place the growth light in any direction to provide the best lighting angle for your plants,meet the cover around the plant.Powered by USB or AC Power Plug
    • High Efficiency LED Lamp - as for LED power draw this seedling lights just comsume about 10 w and is equivalent to a 50 watts Halogen Bulb.Estimately monthly cost roughly $2 in electricity (12 hours a day). It is a great gift if you growing some small house plants.
    • 【365 Days Warrantty】GooingTop service team offer 365 days warrantty and 24h friendly customer service. If there are ever any issues about the product, please feel fre e to contac t us and we will send you a new replacement.
    $23.49 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 3
    yentbokj Grow Lights for Indoor Plants,5 Heads Red Blue White Full Spectrum Plant Light with 15-60' Adjustable Tripod Stand, Indoor Grow Lamp with Remote Control and Auto On/Off Timer Function
    yentbokj Grow Lights for Indoor Plants,5 Heads Red Blue White Full Spectrum Plant Light with 15-60" Adjustable Tripod Stand, Indoor Grow Lamp with Remote Control and Auto On/Off Timer Function
    • Adjustable height and angle: This grow light lamp with a tripod stand can be extended from 15” to 63”. The flexible goosenecks can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing you to easily adjust the desired height and angle to suit your plants' needs
    • 3 spectral modes / 10 levels of brightness: This 4-head grow light for indoor plants full spectrum can be set to Red+Blue, White, or a mix of White+Red+Blue. There are 10 dimming modes that can be adjusted to the desired brightness level, from 10% to 100%, to meet the lighting needs of plants at different growth stages
    • Timing function and dual controller: This plant light comes with both an inline controller and an RF controller (effective up to 30 meters away). You can set them up for automatic lighting intervals of 4H / 8H / 12H, with auto on/off, eliminating the need for daily manual operation. Each LED head can be controlled independently
    • Easy assembly and operation: You can assemble the plant lamp in just 2 minutes. Simply place the grow light on the stand and tighten the screws until secure. There's no need to hang it with a rope or attach it to a window or table
    • Designed Specifically for Plants: Our grow light features an aviation-grade heat sink and high-quality aluminum shell, providing excellent heat dissipation to minimize light loss and extend the lifespan to 50,000 hours. It's ideal for balconies, greenhouses, dark rooms, offices, and more—especially when plants need extra light during rainy, snowy, or dark indoor conditions, offering your plants the care they deserve
    $29.99 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 4
    Aokrean Plant Grow Light, 48 LEDs Full Spectrum Grow Lights for Indoor Plants, Height Adjustable Small Halo Grow Light with Base, 3 Optional Spectrums, Auto Timer 3/9/12Hrs, 10 Brightness, 3 Pack
    Aokrean Plant Grow Light, 48 LEDs Full Spectrum Grow Lights for Indoor Plants, Height Adjustable Small Halo Grow Light with Base, 3 Optional Spectrums, Auto Timer 3/9/12Hrs, 10 Brightness, 3 Pack
    • NOTE: The product stand needs to be pressed down by the flower pot to be stable. Not wireless style. 2 Installation Methods: Specially designed plant light for indoor plants, which can be inserted in the soil or stand for lighting.Unique and easy to assemble and disassemble.
    • 3 Lighting Modes and 10 Brightness: The full spectrum plant grow lights offers 10 levels by pressing the button. 3 lighting spectrum “white light, warm white and red, Mix Lighting”. you have more options to meet different illumination requirements.
    • Timer Adjustment: This small halo grow light have set up timer with 3 modes cycle timing function which stay on for 3H, 9H, 12H. When keeping power, it can automatically turn on and off every day according your settings.
    • Height and Angle Adjustment: The pole of grow lights can telescope up and down to accommodate different plants. Provide the right amount of light intensity. Rotate 90 degrees the pipe and height can be up to 26 in, which more plants will be covered.
    • Widely Used: This plant halo grow light also stylish decoration for any home space, and with color box. Suitable for all types of locations such as hangings, floor planters and more. the gardeners and plant lovers tending to their plants and vegetables.
    $27.99 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 5
    Plant Grow Light,yadoker LED Growing Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants,Height Adjustable, Automatic Timer, 5V Low Safe Voltage,Idea for Large Plant Light
    Plant Grow Light,yadoker LED Growing Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants,Height Adjustable, Automatic Timer, 5V Low Safe Voltage,Idea for Large Plant Light
    • 72 LED Grow Light Full Spectrum - Compact grow light with high quality super bright LEDs, offer full spectrum 380nm-800nm, including white5000K/36 LEDS,warm white 3000K/28 LEDS,red/6 LEDS,blue2 LEDS to effectively promote indoor plant growth any time of year, beneficial to entire growth period.
    • Height Adjustable Up to 61.1" - The height range is 13.7"-61.1", The pole does telescope up and down as well which is handy it can grow the plant to stay at a reasonable height,also it will cover a pretty larger space to shine light on more plants in close proximity when it is fully extended.
    • 10-level Dimmable - The brightness can be adjusted, 10 brightness settings ranging from 10% to 100%, you can choose the most suitable brightness for your plants growth.
    • 13ft Long Cord - Now you can easily use this grow light for your favourite hanging plants or larger plants,no worry about additional extendable cord.
    • Automatic Timer,On/Off Switch - The lamp operates from a built-in timer with 3 modes cycle timing function which stay on for 8/12/16 hour and off for 16/12/8 hours. The timer sets itself when one plugs-in,full control when the light turns on and off, simply by on/off switch as you needed,no need to unplug/re-plug.
    $17.99 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2025-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    What are the Types of Indoor Grow Lights?

    Now that you understand the basics of indoor lighting, it’s time to discuss the types of grow lights available. This topic is confusing for many indoor gardening newbies. Understanding the difference between the lights helps you choose the right light to match your needs.

    Fluorescents

    Fluorescent bulbs are a popular choice for starter gardens. The blue-white spectrum of the light is ideal for starting seedlings and growing young plants. Best of all, these fluorescent globes are cheap to run, using hardly any electricity.

    CFL bulbs are an excellent choice for vegetative gardens, and there’s no chance of this light spectrum burning your plants. You can leave the bulbs within a few inches of the top of the canopy, and the tips of your young plants won’t burn.

    The CFL bulbs don’t put out much heat, and if the leaves of your plants touch the lamps, it won’t result in a burn. Both commercial and hobbyist farmers use fluorescents to start plants before moving them into the flowering phase.

    Some plants, such as leafy greens like spinach and kale will do well under these lights, and they don’t require any transition to another light source for additional growth. T5 bulbs are the most popular type of CFL bulb available.

    You’ll need several of these lights over one growing area, and we recommend packing in as many as you can fit.

    Light Emitting Diode (LED)

    LED grow lights are the new gold-standard in indoor growing. These lights were the next evolution from the high-pressure sodium and metal halide globes. However, LED costs a fraction of the price to operate when compared to HPS and MH globes. LEDs produce less heat and consume less electricity.

    The early stages of LED technology were skeptical, and many growers were hesitant to use them due to the technology’s unproven nature. However, over the last 10-years, LED technology has made remarkable progress, and todays LED lighting systems are as effective as HPS or MH, without the sizable energy bill.

    Some LED models also feature dual-spectrum output. You can start your plants on a vegetative light spectrum, and they turn them to flowering with the click of a switch. These lights are typically more expensive, but the dual operation comes in handy.

    SaleBestseller No. 1
    GooingTop LED Grow Light,6000K Full Spectrum Clip Plant Growing Lamp with White Red LEDs for Indoor Plants,5-Level Dimmable,Auto On Off Timing 4 8 12Hrs
    GooingTop LED Grow Light,6000K Full Spectrum Clip Plant Growing Lamp with White Red LEDs for Indoor Plants,5-Level Dimmable,Auto On Off Timing 4 8 12Hrs
    • 6000K White Light - equipped with 10 Red + 74 White LEDs, this growing Lamp is similar to the full-spectrum sunlight at noon,that is professionally designed for indoor garden plants.Moreover, its color rendering index is as high as 95, the light is soft and flicker-free, which is very suitable for reading lamp
    • Timer Function & Multiple Settings - this growing light offer the timer function with 3 options that is 4Hrs or 8Hrs or 12Hrs, it is based on a 24 hour cycle from the time you set the timer.For example,when keeping power ON, if you select 8 Hrs,it will turns ON for 8 hours per 24 hours.The other two timer settings are the same.
    • Easy to Install - with flexible Gooseneck & strong clamp,it allows you to place the growth light in any direction to provide the best lighting angle for your plants,meet the cover around the plant.Powered by USB or AC Power Plug
    • High Efficiency LED Lamp - as for LED power draw this seedling lights just comsume about 10 w and is equivalent to a 50 watts Halogen Bulb.Estimately monthly cost roughly $2 in electricity (12 hours a day). It is a great gift if you growing some small house plants.
    • 【365 Days Warrantty】GooingTop service team offer 365 days warrantty and 24h friendly customer service. If there are ever any issues about the product, please feel fre e to contac t us and we will send you a new replacement.
    $23.49 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 2
    Barrina Plant Grow Lights, 4FT 5000K Full Spectrum Daylight White, 252W(6 x 42W, 1400W Equivalent), T8 LED Grow Light Strips, Growing Lamp Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, Greenhouse, 6-Pack
    Barrina Plant Grow Lights, 4FT 5000K Full Spectrum Daylight White, 252W(6 x 42W, 1400W Equivalent), T8 LED Grow Light Strips, Growing Lamp Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, Greenhouse, 6-Pack
    • Please note that we have a brand new upgrade.This product is compatible with Barrina GM Series Cords. If you need to connect new and old products, make sure to use the new male-female connector cables. The second generation is designed to be safer, preventing accidental electrical connections caused by human error
    • 5000K White Full Spectrum LED Grow Lights: Barrina T8 grow lights 4ft provide indoor plants with full-spectrum sunlight replacement. It provides the most reasonable grow light wave based on the ratio of the absorption of the plants. Best for plants seeding, growth and bloom
    • Super Bright and High PPFD:Consuming only 252W with 1152 LEDS totally, replace 1400w general grow light bulbs. Over 95% light energy can be absorbed by plants. 5000K white color temperature makes your eyes feel comfortable. It works extremely well for your plant grow tents, plant grow shelves, seedling cultivation, hydroponic rooms, greenhouses, etc
    • V-shaped Reflector Design: The indoor grow lights efficiency can be increased by 17~20% with reflector, providing you with best light intensity. The shell of our LED plant growing light was made of 100% aluminum which provides the high-efficiency heat dissipation. Ensuring the longer service life of the led chips
    • Easy Installation: With included tape, clips and cable ties, you could install the lights by yourself in minutes. Just plug in and light up, and you could link up to 6 grow light strips in a series
    $89.99 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2025-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Metal Halide (MH)

    MH lighting is a favorite choice for indoor gardeners during the vegetative phase. This light produces the growing spectrum, providing plenty of power and intensity to supercharge the growing period.

    However, these lights consume plenty of power, making them an inferior choice to CFL in terms of value for money. MH produces the blue light plants that need to grow, and they are suitable for wattages up to 2,000-W

    High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)

    The HPS bulb produces light in the red range between 600nm to 700nm. This spectrum mimics the waning days of summer and spring, and the daylight hours start to get smaller. If you’re growing vegetables that rely on changes to photoperiods to flower, turning on your HPS bulb after the vegetation cycle will induce flowering.

    These lights push out plenty of heat, and you’ll need an external ballast you can set up outside the growing area to keep the temperature down. HPS is an intense light and comes in power ranges from 400-watts to 2,000-watts.

    These bulbs are notoriously expensive to run. Many growers decided to leave their HPS systems in favor of LEDs in recent years.

    Bestseller No. 1
    GRUOTVSZAK HPS 1000 Watt Grow Light Bulb E39 60% Increases on RED Spectrum 1950μmol 136000lm Ultra Bloom Flowering High Pressure Sodium 2-Pack
    GRUOTVSZAK HPS 1000 Watt Grow Light Bulb E39 60% Increases on RED Spectrum 1950μmol 136000lm Ultra Bloom Flowering High Pressure Sodium 2-Pack
    • 【HIGH YIELD】: 1950μmol/s industry high, give 13% more PPF to the grow. Yield greater. 136000 lumens superior brightness performance.
    • 【BIGGER BUDS】: 60% more PAR focus on RED to improve light utilization for photosynthesis designated for blooming bigger buds on flowering stage.
    • 【Long Life】: Over 24000 hours total life time, premium 90% output maintenance for 5000 hours efficient grow, quality guaranteed.
    • 【Warm Up Time】: Allow 5 mins for full bright; Wait at least 7 mins before striking again after use.
    • 【Compatibility】: Compatible with electronic and magnetic ballast, E39 base.
    $61.99 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2
    Generic Raylux Grow Light System Kits with Controller Port,1000 Watt DE Double Ended HID 2100K DE HPS Bulb,Open Style Reflector with Digital Dimmable Ballast
    Generic Raylux Grow Light System Kits with Controller Port,1000 Watt DE Double Ended HID 2100K DE HPS Bulb,Open Style Reflector with Digital Dimmable Ballast
    • High Quality: 1000W HID grow light kit is made by using quality hardware components and high standard QA process; The system operates both HPS and MH light bulb with controller port ready for multiple deployment, making growing easier and harvesting better
    • High-Tech Ballast: adjustable output power at 600W, 750W, 1000W, 1150W; Support dual voltage Input 120V-220V; Unique graduating fin design for more efficient cooling; Advanced safety protection against short circuit, power surge, ignition failure, overheat
    • High Reflectivity Rating: Sturdy reflective hood is made of Italian VEGA aluminum at 98% reflectivity, closed style designed reflector concentrates light distribution towards center, eliminated dead spot; recommended coverage 5x5 sq ft
    • The system will produce heat when it is used in an enclosed area without ventilation; adequate ventilation is advised to prevent over temperature, we recommend the use of an SunStream inline fan
    $85.72
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2025-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH)

    These globes offer indoor growers the best of HPS, and MH roiled into one platform. These lights have a balanced spectral output, providing a mixture of red, orange, and blue light. As a result, you can grow with one bulb year-round without the need to switch to different spectrums.

    Plasma

    Plasma bulbs are the new evolution of LED. These systems are gaining traction with growers due to the efficiency claims around the power consumption of these models. They offer the same one-size-fits-all growing spectrum, but they are considerably more expensive to purchase than most LED systems.

    SaleBestseller No. 1
    Meonum Mushroom Grow Light with 3/6/9 Hour Timer, 360° LED Hanging Grow Lights Bulb for Mushroom with 6.5ft Extension Cord, 6000K Blue&5000K White Lamp for Indoor Plants Growing Kit Supplies (1 Pack)
    Meonum Mushroom Grow Light with 3/6/9 Hour Timer, 360° LED Hanging Grow Lights Bulb for Mushroom with 6.5ft Extension Cord, 6000K Blue&5000K White Lamp for Indoor Plants Growing Kit Supplies (1 Pack)
    • Precision Timing for Customized Growth: This mushroom grow light bulb features 3/6/9 hour timer to simulate natural light cycles essential for mushroom growth. By controlling exposure at specific intervals, can synchronize the light with the mushroom's growth stages, promoting balanced pinning, fruiting, and development. It has is widely used for the growth of psilocybin mushroom, shiitake mushroom, lion mane mushroom, oyster mushroom, enoki mushroom, morel mushroom, lion's mane mushroom, etc
    • 10W LED Mushroom Light: Engineered with 48 LEDs(24 blue at 6000K and 24 white at 5000K), the dual spectrum creates an environment close to natural light, essential for different stages of mushroom cultivation. The 6000K blue LED grow light stimulates early pinning and cellular expansion, while the 5000K white LED grow light mycelium growth and maintains natural circadian rhythms, ensuring steady growth. With a 10W power rating, it prevents overheating while still providing the right intensity
    • Heat Control and Durable Construction: The aluminum housing efficiently dissipates heat, maintaining an ideal temperature environment that supports mushroom health without stressing the fungi. This design ensures that the lamp doesn't overheat, even during prolonged use. Additionally, the silicone sealed exterior protects against moisture and rust, ensuring the light remains durable and reliable for long term indoor use
    • E26 Grow Light Bulb for Various Grow Environments: Equipped with an E27 base for easy installation and a 2.0m (6.5 ft) extension cord, this grow light fits seamlessly into multiple growing setups from shelves to tents and DIY mushroom kits. The on/off switch provides additional convenience, allowing quick access to adjust lighting as needed without unplugging. Whether working with a small batch of gourmet mushrooms or running a larger grow system, this light offers unmatched adaptability
    • 360 Degree Illumination for Consistent Development: The 360 degree design ensures that mushrooms in every part of the container receive equal light exposure, preventing uneven growth. This uniform coverage is critical for species that require balanced lighting to develop properly, supporting steady fruiting from all angles. Whether used for personal cultivation or professional mushroom farming, the light ensures healthy yields with minimal intervention
    $14.99 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2
    Meonum 1 Pack LED Mushroom Grow Light, Dual Spectrum Grow Light with 4.9 ft Extension Cord, 360° Hanging Mushroom Growing Lamp with White Blue LEDs for Indoor Plants
    Meonum 1 Pack LED Mushroom Grow Light, Dual Spectrum Grow Light with 4.9 ft Extension Cord, 360° Hanging Mushroom Growing Lamp with White Blue LEDs for Indoor Plants
    • [Optimized Dual Spectrum Technology for Mushroom Growth] Our mushroom grow light is engineered with a dual spectrum design, combining 6000K blue light for mushroom growing to stimulate early pinning and cellular expansion with 5000K white light to support mycelium growth and maintain natural daylight cycles. This tailored spectrum provides optimal growth conditions for every phase of mushroom cultivation, ensuring steady and controlled development from spores to harvest
    • [Optimized for Indoor Mushroom Cultivation]Perfectly designed for cultivating light sensitive mushrooms like oyster mushrooms, shiitake, enoki, and reishi, this mushroom grow light enhances growth efficiency and quality in controlled indoor environments. Whether you're growing gourmet mushrooms for culinary purposes or medicinal fungi like reishi, this mushroom grow lights indoor solution provides unmatched support for various growth phases
    • [360° Uniform Illumination for Balanced Growth]The innovative 360° design of the mushroom growing light ensures that mushrooms in every part of the grow container receive equal exposure. This eliminates uneven growth and promotes balanced fruiting from all angles. Whether working with small batches or larger grow systems, the mushroom light delivers healthy, uniform yields with minimal intervention
    • Energy Efficiency: Our LED mushroom grow lamp has a lifespan of up to 6 years, and the upgraded mushroom light consumes only 5 watts of power; It ensures the ideal brightness for healthy growth of mushrooms, and more advantageously reduces energy costs and waste, making it the nice choice for every mushroom lover
    • [Convenient and Flexible Setup]Featuring a standard E27 base, a 6.5 ft extension cord, and an easy to use on/off switch, the mushroom grow lights indoor offer seamless compatibility with various grow setups, from shelves to tents and DIY kits. Lightweight and versatile, the mushroom light adapts to any growing environment, making it suitable for cultivators at all levels
    $11.99 Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2025-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Cooling and Heating Effects

    One of the byproducts of running indoor growing lights – is heat. CFL bulbs and LEDs put out very little heat during operation. As a result, you’re not going to notice any changes in your indoor growing temperatures.

    However, MH and HPS bulbs do produce significant amounts of heat. As a result of the light intensity produced by these bulbs, you might notice that the temperature inside your growing room may increase by up to 12-degrees. The increase depends on the size of the lamp and your growing conditions.

    To mitigate this effect, you’ll have to install fans or an air-conditioner to lower the heat back to reasonable growing temperatures.

    How Do You Maintain Your Grow Lights?

    There are a few basic principles you can follow to maintain your lights. In most cases, the ballasts will only require some minor cleaning, and you might have to open the ballast once a year to blow out the dust.

    Watch Out for Bulb Light Degradation

    All grow bulbs will start to lose efficiency and power over time. A degraded bulb doesn’t produce the necessary amount of light to create the best crop effects. As a result, you’ll need to swap out bulbs at least once a season to prevent degradation.

    However, different types of bulbs provide different service life, depending on the type, wattage, manufacturer, and use in the garden.

    T5 Fluorescent Bulb Degradation

    Fluorescent light degrades the slowest out of all the options you have. These bulbs will lose around 10% of lumen capacity for every 20,000-hours of working time.

    LED Bulb Degradation

    LEDs degrade the slowest. For example, an incandescent bulb using filament, lasts for around 6 to 9-months, depending on your frequency of use. In contrast, a LED will last you between 15 and 20-years.

    Most manufacturers will rate LED systems at 50,000 to 100,000-hours of operation before the diodes require replacement.

    When Do I Replace My Bulbs?

    You’ll have to replace your bulbs sooner or later, and we recommend sooner than later. Replace MH and HPS bulbs after they reach 50% degradation – we recommend after each harvest season, or every 8 to 10-months.

    Indoor Grow Light FAQs

    Do you have a few more questions about using indoor grow lights? Check out this FAQ for the answers you need.

    How much light do indoor plants need to thrive?

    Some plants are different than others. We recommend you run your lights for 16 to 20-hours on vegetative crops. You can use an MH or CFL bulb for this purpose. If you’re flowering vegetables or fruits, you’ll need to drop the photoperiod to 12-hours on, and 12-hours off.

    Try to avoid running your lights for 24-hours; plants need time to rest and recover – just like you. We recommend you buy a timer and link it to your lighting system. You can use the controller to nominate your lighting hours, without the need for manual intervention.

    How close can fluorescent bulbs come to my plants?

    CFL bulbs won’t damage your plants. Even if the foliage ends up sitting on the lamp directly, you shouldn’t notice any burning or damage to the leaves or flowers of your plants. However, we recommend that you always keep the lights around 2 to 3-inches away from the top of the canopy.

    Don’t move them any higher than that, or you’ll start to experience a slowdown in your plants’ growth. As mentioned, change your CFL bulbs at least once a year to avoid bulb degradation and keep your garden thriving.

    How often must I replace HID lighting like HPS and MH bulbs?

    It depends on how often you use the light and the duration of the photoperiod you’re trying to emulate. As a good rule of thumb, we recommend replacing MH and HPS bulbs after each season for the best results.

    HPS and MH bulbs are expensive, so you’ll need to account for the costs of the bulbs in your gardening budget. Ceramic metal halide bulbs last a bit longer than the other HPS and MH variants. You might get away with two growing seasons before you notice severe bulb degradation occurring.

    Is growing under LEDs worth it?

    Many indoor gardeners swear by LED systems, while others steer clear of this tech. When selecting your LED grow light, make sure you look at the PAR, lumens, and the wattage of the light before finalizing your purchase.

    Follow the directions and guidelines for growing under these lights, placing the light too close to the canopy results in the burning of the plants. For seedlings and sprouts, we recommend you keep the light at least 24″ to 28″ above the canopy. You can drop the lights to 18-24″ overhead during the transition phase, and 12″ to 18″ during the flowering cycle.

    Wrapping Up – Get Professional Advice

    If you’re thinking about starting an indoor garden this year, you need to get the best advice possible. We recommend signing up for a forum.

    You’ll find plenty of experienced growers willing to give you some advice. Get recommendations on the best equipment brands and avoid making the same mistake novice gardeners make in their first season.

    There are dozens of grow lights out there to choose from. However, only a select few provide the best light for your garden. Make sure you select a device that suits your gardening needs and your budget.

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    Hollie Carter
    Hollie Carter
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    Hollie is a life-long gardener, having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5. Since then she has gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit in her garden. She has an affinity with nature and loves to share her knowledge gained over a lifetime with readers online. Hollie has written for a number of publications and is now the resident garden blogger here at GardenBeast. Contact her at hollie@gardenbeast.com or follow on twitter https://twitter.com/greenholliec

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