As indoor cultivation technology advances, more and more growers are transitioning from greenhouse to indoor environments for growing cannabis.
This means you can control the growing environment yourself, no longer dependent on the "weather". You can have sunlight when you want (using grow lights) and rain when you need it (by watering your plants properly).
Choosing the Right LED Grow Light
Now, let's take a look at the MVP of indoor cultivation—LED lights. Compared to previous HPS and CFL lights, LEDs consume less power, generate less heat, and have a longer lifespan, which is why they are the choice of the majority.
To make the right choice, you first need to consider the following key factors:
Spectrum Choice: Although LED grow lights can simulate natural light, full-spectrum LEDs cover most colors in the visible spectrum. For cannabis cultivation from seed to flowering, it's advisable to choose LEDs that include blue, purple, red lights, and a moderate amount of infrared (IR). Excessive far-red and ultraviolet may be harmful to plant health. Studies have shown that a combination of blue and red light is sufficient to support cannabis growth.
Light Intensity and Coverage: Ensure the light intensity of the fixture is enough to cover your entire growing area, and that the light distribution is even. Uneven lighting can lead to poor plant growth. Check the PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) value of the fixtures to meet the growth needs of your plants.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs: LED fixtures might have a higher initial cost, but due to their high energy efficiency and lower heat output, they can save a lot in terms of energy and maintenance costs in the long run. Heat sinks made of aluminum alloy can reduce heat output and also help reduce dependence on air conditioning and ventilation systems.
How to combine LED grow lights with your cannabis cultivation
Greenhouse planting
Recommended model: GLMX720C
Installation method: Hanging. We ship each GLMX720 LED fixture with a complete hanging kit that includes stainless steel wire rope, hooks, and an adjustable ratcheting rope sling.
Suspension height:
Early Growth Stage: It is recommended that the light fixture be 18 inches from the top of the plant canopy.
Late growth: adjust to 12-18 inches.
Blooming period: 6-12 inches to ensure sufficient light intensity to support flower maturation.
Number of fixtures and coverage area:
Each GLMX720C effectively covers an area of 5 feet x 5 feet, providing even light throughout the growth and blooming stages.
Photosynthetically active radiation (PPFD) levels:
Growth period: 600-800 µmol/m²/s recommended.
Blooming period: 800-1100 µmol/m²/s recommended.
Photoperiod:
Growth period: 18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness.
Blooming period: 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness.
Home growers use grow tents
For small-scale or individual growers, using a tent is a common and effective option.
Tent size: Recommended to be at least 150cm x 150cm.
Recommended model: GLMX1000C
Installation method: Hanging. Each GLMX1000C LED fixture also comes with a hanging kit, including stainless steel wire rope, hooks and an adjustable ratcheting rope sling.
Suspension height:
Early Growth Stage: It is recommended that the light fixture be 18 inches from the top of the plant canopy.
Late growth: adjust to 12-18 inches.
Blooming period: 6-12 inches to support adequate light for flower development.
Number of fixtures and coverage area:
Each GLMX1000 can effectively cover an area of at least 5 feet x 5 feet, suitable for the entire growing cycle inside the tent.
Photosynthetically active radiation (PPFD) levels:
Growth phase: 600-800 µmol/m²/s.
Flowering period: 800-1100 µmol/m²/s.
Photoperiod:
Growth period: 18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness.
Blooming period: 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness.
By setting and optimizing these parameters correctly, you can maximize the health, growth rate, and yield of your cannabis plants, whether in a greenhouse or a tent. Hopefully this information will help you make an informed choice when using LED grow lights for cannabis cultivation.
