Grow Lights

What Are Grow Lights and How Do They Work?

Time for some science. Plants need the correct wavelength of light to grow strong. Different wavelengths suit different stages of growth (blue for vegetative growth, red for flowering).

Artificial grow lamp lights provide exactly the right rays at exactly the right time. They allow growers of all kinds to produce without the hassle of unpredictable outdoor environments.

Types of Grow Lights

There are actually many different types of grow lights, and each one supports a unique circumstance:

• LED grow lights: The go-to for most setups. Energy-efficient and long-lasting, an affordable and versatile choice.
• Fluorescent grow lights (T5, T8, CFL): Growing seedling or herbs? These are ideal, being cooler and lower-intensity than LEDs.
• High-intensity discharge (HID) lights (MH & HPS): Metal halide (MH) blue lights for vegetative growth and high-pressure sodium (HPS) red-orange lights for flowering. 
• Full-spectrum grow lights: Drop the need to switch lights mid-cycle and use plant grow lights designed to support all growth phases.

Grow Light Use Cases

Grow lights aren’t just for high-volume commercial setups. All growers can benefit from grow lights for indoor plants:

• Seed starting indoors before moving outdoors when conditions are better.
• Year-round closet and kitchen-growing things like herbs for personal use.
• Flowering plants or cannabis cultivation (in states where legal).
• Giving greenhouse plants extra nourishment by supplementing natural sunlight.
• Maintaining tropical plants or succulents during cold winter months.

How to Choose the Right Grow Light

Want maximum value from your grow light? It's not all about the plants you want to grow. Consider your space and goals, too.

First, ask what you’re growing:

• Leafy greens/herbs = fluorescent or low-intensity LED
• Fruiting/flowering plants = full-spectrum or higher-intensity LED or HID

Next, think about your space:

• Small shelves/tabletop gardens = compact fluorescent or LED bars
• Grow tents/closets/full rooms = panel-style LEDs or HID systems

Consider your experience level:

• Beginner =  plug-and-play LED kits with built-in timers
• Experienced = customizable systems with dimmers and spectrums

Budget and energy use:

• LEDs cost more up front but use less energy in the long run.
• Fluorescents come cheaper but offer lower light output.

Sylvane’s customer support is on hand every day to help you make the right choice. Give us a call for expert grow light advice!

Benefits of Using Grow Lights

Still on the fence? Consider these benefits before deciding:

• Grow year-round: Grow your plants without depending on outdoor conditions.
• Optimize yield: Give your indoor plants exactly what they need and see the results when it comes time to harvest.
• Consistency: Enjoy consistent yields year-round.
• Space: You don’t need a garden or outdoor space to grow your favorites.
• No chemicals: Simply boost natural processes, no chemical fertilizers or synthetic growth boosters needed.
• Eco-friendly: Grow lights open the door to local food production and hobby gardening to all.

Why Choose Sylvane?

The first thing that sets Sylvane apart is its selection. Our experts hand-curate every product we offer, so you know, whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a seasoned grower, your grow lights have been carefully chosen. Enjoy top choices from brands AC Infinity, Horticulture Lighting Group, Gavita, and NextLight.

The next thing you’ll notice is our expertise. We’re more than a supplier. We’re experts. Our U.S.-based team is always ready to give personalized advice so you know you're in safe hands. And talking of safe hands, we also offer speedy shipping and comprehensive warranties.

Grow Light FAQs

How many hours a day should I run my grow lights?

Most plants need 12–16 hours of light per day on average. However, it depends on species and growth stage.

How far should the grow light be from my plants?

It all depends on the light type. We’d usually recommend between 12 and 36 inches. LEDs can be placed closer than HIDs.

Can I use any LED light as a grow light?

We don’t recommend it. True grow lights emit specific wavelengths that support photosynthesis. Regular LEDs don't.

Do grow lights use a lot of electricity?

LEDs are the most energy-efficient. HIDs consume more power but deliver higher output.

Are grow lights safe to use around pets or kids?

Usually, yes. But you should make sure they're fixed and out of reach. Some high-intensity systems may get hot.