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LED grow lights are pretty popular for growing plants indoors and grow light strips make it easy to grow plants anywhere where natural light doesn’t shine.
I’ve been using LED strips in all kinds of my indoor plant setups, from my DIY propagation box to my plant shelf with lights.
I’ve had quite a bit of experience with LED strips so I thought I’d review my favorites and some great contenders here for you.
Our top picks
I quite like light strips because it restricts how much light your plants get compared to the usual red and blue lights you see for commercial grows. These are my favorite light bars for hobbyists.
1. BEST OVERALL: Barrina 1-foot LED T5 Grow Light Strip
The plant lovers’ favorite. Barrina’s 1-foot version easily fits small shelves and provides the right light and heat to make plants thrive.
Product Specs
- Wattage: Consumes 20W, ensuring energy efficiency.
- Light Spectrum: Full spectrum, mimicking natural sunlight for optimal plant growth.
- Length: 1-foot, making it suitable for small spaces and shelves.
Barrina’s LED T5 Grow Light Strip is a game-changer for indoor plant enthusiasts. Its compact 1-foot design ensures it snugly fits even the tiniest of shelves, making it perfect for those with limited space.
The light emitted mimics natural sunlight, ensuring your plants get the best possible environment for growth. However, while it’s a top pick for many, some users have pointed out a few downsides.
Pros
- Easy to Install: No complicated setups; plug and play.
- Trusted Brand: Barrina is known for its quality and durability.
- Energy Efficient: Consumes less power, saving on electricity bills.
Cons
- Slightly Pricey: A bit on the higher side compared to other brands.
- Limited Coverage: Might need multiple strips for larger areas.
- No Dimming Feature: Cannot adjust the light intensity.
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mosthink LED Plant Light Dimmable and with Timer
The Mosthink LED Plant Light offers a dimmable feature with a built-in timer, ensuring optimal lighting for indoor plants.
Product Specs
- Weight: Lightweight design ensures secure mounting.
- Installation: Comes with screws and a sticky strip for versatile mounting options.
- Timer Settings: Offers 2, 4, and 8-hour timer settings for varied plant needs.
The Mosthink LED Plant Light stands out as a versatile and user-friendly option for indoor plant enthusiasts. One of the notable features of this LED grow light is its lightweight design, which, combined with the provided screws and sticky strip, ensures a secure installation. This is especially beneficial for those who’ve had issues with heavier lights falling on their plants.
The light’s efficacy is evident in its ability to provide much-needed illumination during the darker Oregon winters, as one reviewer mentioned.
However, while the product has garnered positive feedback for its performance, some users have pointed out the need for a more intuitive control system and a more extended timer setting.
Pros
- Easy to Install: The lightweight design combined with multiple mounting options ensures a hassle-free setup.
- Effective Lighting: Provides adequate light even during darker seasons, promoting plant growth.
- Dimmable Feature: Allows users to adjust the light intensity based on plant requirements.
Cons
- Limited Timer Settings: Lacks a 12-hour timer setting, which some users might find restrictive.
- Non-intuitive Controls: Requires a glance at the instructions for first-time users.
- Bright Indicator: The blue light indicator on the controller can be distracting, especially at night.
3. BEST BUDGET LIGHT: TVTUTPWY 1.4-feet Full Spectrum Plant Light Strip
Product Specs
- Length: 1.4 feet, making it versatile for various pot sizes and shelves.
- Light Type: Full Spectrum, ensuring all necessary wavelengths for plant growth.
- Power Source: USB powered, offering convenience and flexibility in setup.
The TVTUTPWY Full Spectrum Plant Light Strip is a game-changer for indoor plant enthusiasts on a budget. This 1.4-foot strip offers full spectrum light, ensuring your plants get all the wavelengths they need for optimal growth.
Whether you’re propagating seedlings or giving your mature plants an extra boost, this light strip has got you covered.
Pros
- Easy to Install: No need for a DIY degree; it’s plug and play.
- Trusted Brand: TVTUTPWY has a reputation for reliable plant growth products.
- Energy Efficient: Consumes less power while providing optimal light.
Cons
- Limited Length: Might need multiple strips for larger setups.
- USB Powered: Requires a nearby power source or extension.
- Not Waterproof: Caution needed around water sources.
4. BEST HIGH-END LIGHT: Monios-L T8 2-feet Full Spectrum Plant Grow Light
The Monios-L T8 is a high-end, full-spectrum grow light strip designed for optimal plant growth and health.
Product Specs
- Lightweight: made with aluminum
- Easy to install: no special tools are needed for installation
- V-shaped light slot: wider angle beam angle that covers an extensive area
The Monios-L T8 2-feet Full Spectrum Plant Grow Light is a game-changer for indoor garden enthusiasts. This light strip is designed to mimic natural sunlight, ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of light for photosynthesis.
Its full spectrum light feature means it covers all the essential light ranges, from blue to red, ensuring your plants thrive and flourish.
The build quality is top-notch, and it’s evident that the manufacturers prioritized durability. However, like all products, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Pros
- Efficient design: v-shaped light slot with two rows of full spectrum chips
- Easy to adjust: removable reflectors
- Quality lighting: bright, warm white light
Cons
- Doesn’t reach: short cables
- No replacements: no extra cords for sale
- Potential hazard: gets hot
5. BEST FOR SMALL PLACES: Sondiko Full Spectrum Grow Light Dimmable with Timer
The Sondiko Full Spectrum Grow Light offers a compact and adjustable lighting solution, perfect for tight spaces and varying plant growth stages.
Product Specs
- Small Footprint: 1″D x 13.2″W x 1″H, making it ideal for tight spaces.
- Dimmable Function: Comes with four dimmable levels, ensuring adaptability to various stages of plant growth.
- Timer Function: A convenient feature that lets you set the light duration and move on.
For those with limited space but a big love for indoor gardening, the Sondiko Full Spectrum Grow Light is a game-changer. Its sleek design allows it to fit snugly in tight corners, ensuring that every plant gets its share of light.
One of its standout features is the dimmable function, which boasts four levels. This means as your plant grows and its light needs change, this grow light can adapt seamlessly.
Plus, the timer function is a boon for those who have a forgetful streak – just set it and let the light do its magic. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users have pointed out issues with the adhesive pads and the timer’s duration. And if you have plants that thrive in bright light, this might not be the best pick.
Pros
- Easy to Install: No fuss, no muss. Get it up and running in no time.
- Adjustable Light Brightness: Cater to your plant’s specific needs with ease.
- User-Friendly: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, operating this grow light is a breeze.
Cons
- Adhesive Pads Issue: The included adhesive pads might not hold up as well as one would hope.
- Timer Limitations: The timer tends to shift and maxes out at eight hours.
- Not for Bright Light Plants: Plants that require intense light might not thrive with this product.
Our recommendations
| # | Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  |
BEST OVERALL: Barrina 1-foot LED T5 Grow Light Strip | View on Amazon |
| 2. |  |
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mosthink LED Plant Light Dimmable and with Timer | View on Amazon |
| 3. |  |
BEST BUDGET LIGHT: TVTUTPWY 1.4-feet Full Spectrum Plant Light Strip | View on Amazon |
| 4. |  |
BEST HIGH-END LIGHT: Monios-L T8 2-feet Full Spectrum Plant Grow Light | View on Amazon |
| 5. |  |
BEST FOR SMALL PLACES: Sondiko Full Spectrum Grow Light Dimmable with Timer | View on Amazon |
Our verdict
After thorough examination and testing, our top picks are the Barrina 1-foot LED T5 Grow Light Strip for its unparalleled performance and the Mosthink LED Plant Light for its exceptional value and features. These two stand out not just for their functionality but also for their reliability and user-friendly design, making them a must-have for indoor garden enthusiasts.
How we chose the best led strip grow lights
Choosing the best LED strip grow lights wasn’t just about picking the brightest or the cheapest. We delved deep, considering various factors.
Price played a role, but we also looked at brand reputation – some brands have a history of delivering quality products consistently.
Customer service was another key consideration; a product is only as good as the support behind it. The design of the lights, especially their adaptability to different plant growth stages, was crucial.
We also prioritized lights with higher output and those that mimic natural sunlight closely. Eco-friendliness was on our radar too; we leaned towards products that consume less power without compromising on performance.
Lastly, ease of use – because no one wants to spend hours figuring out how to operate their grow lights. Each product on our list excelled in these areas, ensuring you get the best for your indoor garden.
Who this plant light strip is for
Grow light strips are a fantastic solution for indoor garden enthusiasts who want to provide their plants with consistent and adequate light, especially in areas with limited natural sunlight. Whether you’re looking to boost the growth of your succulents, herbs, or ornamental plants, these light strips can be a game-changer. They’re particularly beneficial for those living in apartments or homes without a lot of window space.
However, if you’re working with an extra small space, like a tiny shelf or a cramped corner, the Sondiko Full Spectrum Grow Light Dimmable with Timer might be your best bet. It’s compact and designed to fit snugly in tight spots. On the other hand, if you have allergies or are sensitive to bright lights, you might want to consider placing these lights in an area where you don’t spend prolonged periods.
What to know before you buy an LED grow strip
Before diving into the world of LED grow strips, it’s essential to understand their unique features and how they can benefit your indoor plants. These lights are designed to mimic natural sunlight, providing plants with the necessary spectrum of light they need to thrive.
But not all LED grow light strips are created equal. Here are some key features to consider:
Spectrum of Light
The spectrum of light is crucial for plant growth. Different stages of plant growth require different light spectrums. For instance, blue light is vital for vegetative growth, while red light is essential for flowering and fruiting. A full-spectrum LED grow light strip ensures that your plants get a balanced light, similar to natural sunlight. This balance promotes healthy growth throughout all stages, from seedling to maturity.
Adjustability and Control
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to plant lighting. Some plants may require more light, while others thrive in low-light conditions. Adjustable LED grow strips with dimming features allow you to control the intensity of the light. Moreover, some advanced strips come with timers, ensuring your plants receive light for a specific duration, mimicking the natural day-night cycle.
Energy Efficiency and Lifespan
LED grow strips are known for their energy efficiency. They consume less power compared to traditional grow lights, which means savings on your electricity bill. Additionally, the lifespan of the LED strip is a crucial factor. A good quality LED grow strip can last for several years, providing consistent and reliable lighting for your plants. Always check the estimated lifespan and energy consumption before making a purchase.
Tips for using a grow light strip
Grow light strips have become a popular choice for indoor gardeners, and for good reason. They’re versatile, energy-efficient, and can fit in places where traditional grow lights can’t.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, using a grow light strip can make a world of difference in your indoor garden.
But to get the most out of them, it’s essential to know a few key tips.
- Placement Matters: Ensure your grow light strip is positioned at the right distance from your plants. Too close and you might scorch them; too far and they might not get the light they need.
- Understand Your Plants’ Needs: Different plants have different light requirements. Some might need more blue light, while others might thrive with more red light. Make sure your grow light strip matches the needs of your plants.
- Don’t Overdo It: Just like plants can get sunburned outside, they can get light burn from grow lights. Monitor your plants and adjust the light duration and intensity as needed.
- Consistency is Key: Try to maintain a consistent light schedule, mimicking natural day-night cycles.
- Water Wisely: With increased light, your plants might need more frequent watering. But be careful not to overwater.
- Clean Your Lights: Dust and dirt can reduce the efficiency of your grow light strip. Regularly wipe them down to ensure maximum light output.
Remember, while grow light strips are a fantastic tool, they’re just one part of the puzzle. Proper watering, soil quality, and other factors also play a crucial role in your plants’ health.
FAQs
Are these grow light strips suitable for all types of indoor plants?
Yes, they are designed to cater to a wide range of indoor plants, but always check the light’s spectrum.
How long should I keep the grow lights on for my plants daily?
Typically, 12-16 hours a day is ideal, but it varies based on the plant’s needs.
Can I use these light strips in a humid environment like a terrarium?
While most are designed for indoor use, always check the product’s water and humidity resistance.
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Marquis *wants* to know how to keep happy and healthy plants, but had a hard time finding information that wasn't written by just another copywriter. After nearly losing one too many plants, it was time to take matters into her own hands. A team of plant scientists and nursery hands was brought together and The Indoor Nursery was born.
