What Are The Difference between LED Lights and LED Grow Lights

Have you ever thought about what kind of LED lights grow plants? Or how can you have a better plant result using lights?

If not, it’s high time you gave it a thought!

Just consider the fact that if all kinds of light work at the same pace, then why do all the plants grow the same?

The answer is– there are a variety of specifications of light. Some are specially made keeping in mind the wavelength to help grow your plants. But the most common confusion arises when it’s time to choose between regular lights and LED grow lights.

Both lights have some specific characteristics that are helpful for the plants. But in the end, you have to be perfect in terms of choosing one. We will talk about those little “What to do” things and make it clear to you.

So, keep on reading to know more about the differences between LED lights and LED grow lights.

Differences Between LED Lights and LED Grow Lights

Why are LED Lights Used?

LED or Emitting Diode lights are designed to be used to start room decoration for industrial purposes in every aspect of your life. These types of lights are different from other ones in terms of size, energy consumption, and lighting application.

When it’s connected to the power supply, a microchip receives the electrical signal. This ignites the small LED source, and we get to see it as visible light.

LED lights have a separate heatsink method where all of their heat is distributed into the environment. So, the possibility is significantly less of burning out the lights due to overheating. Hence, these lights are long-lasting and durable.

Instead of falling out, they suffer from a term called “Lumen, depreciation.” In this process, the brightness slowly decreases with time when the microchip starts using its capability. That’s why we can call it another way as a “Lifetime” energy-saving light!

The regular LED lights emit brightness in one specific direction. That’s why the light it gives off doesn’t get distributed in different areas and doesn’t get distracted. But if you use it as the only source of growing your plants, it might not be a good choice!

These lights only have a definite color wave, or white webs mostly, which proves beneficial to some extent. Also, they would require more cash layout that causes problems on a tight budget.

Some Standard Regular LED Lights

Most of the lights we see in our regular day-to-day life are normal LED lights. Following our 3 significant types of these lights considering the color it gives-

White LED Bulbs (Same as Halogen Bulbs)

It’s actually a subcategory of incandescent bulbs. The base of these white bulbs gets in touch with the current flowing from the socket. The current enters and directly closes up to the tungsten filament, resulting in the light we see. The filament in these lamps is sealed in a quartz capsule filled with halogen gas.

This category of bulbs is specially used to decorate rooms and outdoors.

Cool White Bulbs (Same as Fluorescent Bulbs)

Among many other affordable lights, these are the most common you’ll find. It produces a short-wave light and uses fluorescence to give off a natural cool white color. Mercury- vapor gas is the main element of this glowy bulb.

As you’ll get the most decent quality of brightness with no “burn-out” risks, the cool white bulbs are used for residential purposes, heat lamps, classroom lighting, and so on.

Daylight Colored LED lights

This specific category is the most popular one among the people around. We will get to see a small glimpse of blue strike on these lights. But those slight hints are usually for highlighting the actual color of the bulb.

These bulbs produce an intense warm color rather than yellowish ones. Great for home- workshop, craft room, or any other hands-on activities.

Essential Things you Need to Know about LED Grow Bulbs

The purpose of an LED grow light is to help plants grow. The LED grow light is designed to mimic the natural lighting provided by the sun. They add more red and blue light sources and infrared (IR) to accelerate cell division. Also, ultraviolet (UV) prevents excessive development.

Plants can photosynthesize better and develop quicker with this artificial light source, and they can even escape pests. They make it easier to grow inside or when there isn’t enough sunshine.

On the other hand, all the countries don’t need LEDs to grow lights. These are useful in temperate-zone countries, particularly in regions far north or far south where sunshine is scarce for half the year. Plants that generally do not develop or hibernate due to a lack of light can benefit from “Grow Lights,” which supply light in the required wavelength.

Most Common Types of LED Grow Lights

Apart from the white and yellow bulbs, grow lights give us colorful brightness for sufficient growth of the plants. Ensuing are 3 common categories of those-

Blue Light

This type of light is directly related to the chlorophyll of the plant. If you give your plants a minimal amount of blue light, that’s enough to force them to open their leaves and stomata. As we know, when stomata open, the plant will be able to absorb more sunlight and conduct photosynthesis.

This light is the leading cause of growing plants quickly and having solid stems. It is helpful mainly for vegetative parts like- foliage and roots.

Red Light

Red lights generally help the plants to produce fruit. As both photosystems (PS I and PS II) absorb light with wavelengths in the red range, red light is more effective in photosynthesis. It absorbs light in 680 and 700 nm, respectively. Blue light is also absorbed by carotenoids, which then transmit the energy onto chlorophyll. But finally, red light is the cause of production.

Seed germination, root growth, and bulb development are some of the main advantages red lights offer to your plants.

Green Light

When everyone is strict to the thought of “green light is useless,” top researchers of Utah State University say that when a light spectrum contains up to 30% green light, it performs similarly to red and blue light in plant biomass gain. Blue lights are needed for the greener parts of the plant, in the same way, green light is preferable for lower parts.

Gallium nitride is the most crucial component in green LEDs (GaN). Light is created when positively charged holes and negatively charged electrons mix. A significant element named phycoerythrin also can absorb green light effectively enough to fuel photosynthesis.

Can a Regular Light Bulb Help Plants Grow?

It’s hard to answer it in one word. But yes, you can use it to grow lights sometimes.

When you see your plants suffering from any disease, then it’s better to use grow lights. But in case you don’t have any, then try to use regular LED lights with fluorescent elements. Because this category of lights is more efficient and gives off a standard temperature with blue light effects.

But make sure to place at least 3 to 4 LED lights to have a better result.

Final Words

Each type of light is beneficial at the same rate if you try to compare. But as we are talking about plant growth, nothing can beat the place of LED grow light. We have already discussed all the specifications and why you should buy one.

Comment below if you still have any questions. Remember, we are always here to help!