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Using indoor LED grow lights to grow cannabis is becoming one of the main options for most marijuana growers. These types of lighting systems have three fundamental pillars: Larger yield, no heat emission (perfect for summer grows) and substantial energy saving.
What is LED technology?
LED lights are light emitting diodes that stand out for their energy efficiency and because they emit light through electroluminescence.
Their colors are determined by the width of the conductor material, and they are usually small, measuring less than 1 mm². They are also an ecologic option as they emit less CO2 than halogen bulbs.
Nowadays, there are different LED options for growing marijuana seeds:
- Purple light: This is the most basic one, which produces purple light by mixing blue and red.
- COB LED: These lights use hundreds of diodes that emit a white light that mimics the sun.
- Spread-Style: This panel features multiple diodes of different colors in spider-like arms.
Advantages of using indoor LED grow lights
Growing marijuana crops with indoor LED grow lights offers a series of advantages in comparison to other types of lighting systems.
- They can increase the production by up to 2 g/ per square watt in comparison to HPS bulbs; which produce 1 g/ per square watt.
- While traditional bulbs normally last for 2-4 grows of three months each; LED systems can last for up to 11 years.
- LED lights are cold, being perfect for crops taking place during the summer or in hot areas. It also saves money as you won’t need air conditioning systems.
- LED systems consume approximately 70% less energy than traditional HID grow lights.
- Due to the fact that they emit less heat, these lights can be placed nearer the plants. It is recommended to place them 30 or 40 cm (12 or 16 inches) from the tips during the growth phase and 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) during the flowering period.
- As they emit less heat, the substrate takes longer in getting dry, therefore, watering and fertilizing frequency should decrease to not drown the plants.
- Lastly, they are safer for both the cultivator and the plants, as it does not emit UV or infrared rays, which can damage the root tissue of marijuana plants.
Inconveniences
Although growing indoors with LED lights offers several advantages, we must also consider some aspects before starting:
- LEDs’ colors offer less protection against different insect plagues.
- Because they emit less heat, during winter or in predominantly cold areas, you’ll have to install a heater.
- If humidity is too high, it’s also advisable to use a dehumidifier.
Indoor LED grow lights for all the vital cycles of the plants
The plants’ growth is closely related to the type and hours of light exposure they receive. That’s why the usage of LED lighting systems varies depending on the different vital cycles of the plants.
Seedlings and vegetative stage
At the start, when they are still seedlings, you should lowerlighting intensit. If there is no such possibility, then place your plants should a bit further. As they enter the growth stage, lighting intensity should increase to an 18/6 photoperiod.
Generative growth stage
It’s time to harness the full power of LED indoor cultivation, where red diodes take the spotlight to achieve optimal flower formation. At this moment, red LEDs become very important in order to form optimum flowers. Some LED systems have a flowering mode. In such cases, all you need to do is set it in such mode and follow the constant 12/12 h photoperiod lighting cycle.
However, this lighting cycle does not apply to autoflowering plants as in their case they can be under lights for 18/24 h.
What to consider in indoor LED Cultivation
Several aspects of cultivation differ when switching from sodium (or HPS) bulbs to LED lighting. LEDs generate less heat in the grow space, which means that the pots will take longer to evaporate water, and the frequency or amount of water provided should be reduced.
That’s why professionals often recommend using substrates based on coconut fiber or those that are as airy as possible to prevent excess water around the roots.
Additionally, even though LEDs do not emit UV rays, it’s important to remember that, whether indoors or outdoors, you must germinate marijuana seeds in the dark.
Lastly, to optimize indoor LED cultivation, it’s advisable to invest in quality panels like Solux, whose prices are also very competitive.
Common mistakes when using indoor LED grow lights
Choosing the right lighting system is essential to obtain the best possible results from our crop. One of the main mistakes inexperienced growers make is choosing LEDs that do not adapt properly to the different growth and flowering vital cycles.
Using light spectrums that do not correspond to the plant’s growth stage can harm its development. Therefore, we recommend using full-spectrum LED lights, which emit both red tones (vegetative phase) and blue tones (growth phase).
Of course, one should not skimp on LED lighting, as less powerful lights may not emit the intensity needed for proper plant development, and they can also pose risks to the electrical installation.
As mentioned before, it’s important to consider the distance between the light systems and the tips of the plants at each stage and adjust both the height and photoperiod according to the phase: 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness during the growth stage and 12/12 during flowering for feminized seeds.
GB Lighting: efficient indoor LED grow lights
The installation of LED lighting systems has traditionally been thought as expensive, but certain brands offer excellent lighting systems at a very affordable price; like for example GB Lighting.
In fact, the LED Panel Pro V2 150W and LED Panel Pro 250 W stand out for their full spectrum thanks to a 3000K color temperature. Furthermore, they have a lifespan of approximately 60,000 hours, Samsung diodes with a CRI of 90, advanced technology supported by the Inventronics driver, and they allow for the adjustment of light intensity.
GB Lighting LED Panel Pro V2 150W
GB Lighting Dimmable 250W Pro V3.0 RESINX LED System
Without a doubt, LED indoor cultivation is revolutionizing the way we grow indoors. Thanks to these lights, cannabis growers achieve larger yields, lower energy consumption, and greater resource savings.
