Laura Walters
Winter can be tough on all of us, including plants. The days of basking in the sun's warm light won't come back around for months and the hours of light that are available during the day are often limited.
For this reason, many plant owners consider investing in grow lights – artificial light sources designed to mimic sunlight using specific wavelengths to aid plant growth. These lights aren't the same as a regular lamp or other indoor lighting. So if you're like me and don't own some, winter is a great time to invest in grow lights to help plants survive the dark months ahead.
I talked to plant pros to find out which grow lights are the best for beginners like me. The products they recommended are all top of the line and will help you (and me) grow lush plants all winter long. Let's take a look at the pros' picks for best beginner grow lights.
1. LEOTER
The first recommendation comes from plant and lawn care expert Steve Corcoran of Lawn Love. He bought a new grow light early in the year for last winter and plans on using it again this winter because it worked so well.
"I bought the LEOTER grow light early this year to try and it ended up being fantastic," says Steve. "Of all of the grow lights I’ve tried, this one is by far the most customizable in any way, and that’s super helpful when growing different plants."
The LEOTER features adjustable arms, timers, three different lighting modes and 10 dimmable modes, designed to suit any houseplant. So if you're growing lots of different greenery or feel unsure about what to buy to get started, this is a solid option.
2. Gavita CT1930e
If you're looking for a full-coverage grow light to shine on lots of plants, Yamen Mahfoud of Bees Lighting loves the Gavita CT1930e, which you can find at Walmart for a whopping $700. This is a top of the line grow light and that's actually a really good price compared to other online retailers who are selling Yamen's pick for over $1000.
If you are looking for something comparable, but with a much smaller price tag, try the KingLED full spectrum grow light from Amazon. This light boasts multiple feet of surface area coverage as well as a full spectrum of plant-healthy light.
"A large grow light like this is perfect for taking care of lots of plants and making sure no hot spots of light gather that could lead to spoiling of plants or produce," says Yamen. "It isn't harsh on energy usage either compared to similar systems doing the same sort of thing."
Simply mount the grow light to the ceiling using some heavy-duty hooks like the SMARTOLOGY 8-pack bike hanger hooks from Amazon and you're all set.
3. Aspect Gen 2 LED by Soltech
Shane Pliska of Planterra isn't just a fan of plants. He's the author of Planterra's guide for Lighting and Interior Landscape Design and knows more than a thing or two about grow lights.
He recommends using the Aspect Gen 2 LED grow light by Soltech or a similar model, like this hanging grow light from Amazon, to look after your plants and help sustain them through the winter's darkest days.
"This kind of light is a great solution for anyone with an indoor tree or other plants as it's an overhead fixture that provides light from above," says Shane.
This can prevent tangles of wires getting in the way and ensures that all of your plant receives the light it needs instead of just the parts next to the light.
4. Bstrip Grow Light Floor Lamp
Nikki Norris of Root & Reach Botanicals is personally a fan of the Bstrip 55" floor lamp light from Amazon when it comes to grow lights. She loves how simple it is to use, as well as space-saving.
"Though I believe you can never beat natural sunlight for plants, my absolute favorite grow light is the Bstrip 55" floor lamp," says Nikki. "It's 5000K, so it gives off that warm natural lighting, while also giving the plant the full spectrum it needs to thrive.
"I always recommend this one to my customers because it's affordable and it blends in seamlessly into any living space." This floor lamp is the ideal solution for houseplants in dark and moody rooms that need a little extra light.
Buyers of this light also love how easy it is to adjust, its one-push on/off switch, and how it can double as a piece of room decor.
5. Happy Leaf LED
If you're looking for a hangable grow light that covers a narrow surface area, any of the Happy Leaf Procyon LED grow lights will do the trick. Similar to the Hlite 16-inch 4-pack LED grow lights on Amazon, the rectangular shape of these grow lights is ideal for providing light to seedlings planted in a row.
Monica Putnam, master gardener and owner of Hidden Timer Gardens in Illinois, uses 20 of these lights to run her business and swears by them.
"After trying various systems over the years, nothing has matched the consistent, professional-quality results we get from Happy Leaf. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, these lights make indoor seed starting more successful, more predictable, and much more enjoyable."
If you're confused about how to use your light, the company's customer service is reportedly incredibly helpful.
