Why an LED Grow Light is Better Than Fluorescent Grow Lights For Indoor Plants

Having the right type of light, the right wavelength and for the right duration are all-crucial for indoor plants to flourish and grow healthily. Grow lights for plant that are kept in door should aim to produce the most advantageous light for the plant to be exposed to.


Fluorescent light bulbs are often cooler than incandescent bulbs, which makes them more favorable. In terms of cost and heat, fluorescent lights are a better choice than incandescent bulbs.

Fluorescent Grow Lights

Fluorescent lights are only useful during the first few stages of the plant's cycle and are more suited for leafy plants and vegetative plants. For plants which bloom or grow fruits of some kind, fluorescent lights are not the most beneficial as they do not produce the best light for flowering.

Fluorescent lights, similar to metal halide bulbs, do not shine at such a strong intensity when compared with other light bulbs. Although fluorescent lights are cooler and burn more efficiently, the light emitted is still not strong enough for the plant to be able to fully take advantage of the light that is emitted.

The lights could be placed closer to the plant to solve this issue; however the heat radiated from the light bulb may dehydrate the plant and subsequently effect its growth and damage it.

Another problem with fluorescent bulbs is that although they are safer to the environment than incandescent, they still contain Mercury and therefore need to be properly disposed.

LED Grow Light

LED bulbs are much more environmentally friendly than fluorescent bulbs. Though the LED plant light was initially used for display screens in electronics but have now been introduced to all kinds of settings, just at home use, office use and most of all, to grow indoor plants. They produce little or no heat at all and use up less energy which in turn can greatly lower electricity costs. They also happen to be as bright a halogen bulbs but lasts longer. In comparison to fluorescent bulbs, LED grow light. bulbs can last for approximately 60,000 hours, whereas the fluorescent bulbs can last up to 10,000 hours.

The LED grow lights costs more than the average fluorescent grow light however because the fluorescent light bulb uses up more energy and needs to replaced earlier than LED plant light bulbs, the LED grow light turns out to be cheaper in the end.

When choosing a light bulb or grow light for your plant is it important to buy one according to you intentions and aspirations. If you only need to move your outdoor plant inside or you live in a country where there is barely any sunlight during the winter times, then a cheaper fluorescent grow light would be more beneficial. On the other hand, if you are planning to grow your plant permanently indoor or you wish to nurture an exotic plant, then an LED grow light would be best.

About the Author

Robert is an expert on LED grow light.

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