Which Grow Lights Are Best? – Part 3

Which grow lights are best depends on quite a few factors as we’ve seen in Part 1 (light quality) and Part 2 (light quantity). It also depends on what you are wanting to achieve with the setup and whether primary or supplemental lighting is necessary. Most of the material covered in this series focuses on grow lights as primary light sources and this requires a broad spectral output.

For quick reference, we’ve compiled a list of several types of lights below that provide relatively wide spectrums along with PPFD measurements, lumen ratings, and other details when available. The list is by no means exhaustive but does represent several affordable and readily available options. Along with the rest of the information covered in this series, we hope it will give you a good starting point to make more informed decisions about which grow lights will work best for your setup.

Note: All Spectral Distribution Curves provided have been adapted to fit a 300-800nm graph range for a more standardized comparison. However, remember to check the Y axis before making any close comparisons as these values can differ from one graph to the next.

T5-HO Bulbs and Fixtures

T5-HO lights are more expensive than T8s but they produce slightly more light for the amount of energy consumed. This may be a good option if you live in an area where electricity is more expensive. T5-HO lights usually run a little hotter than T8s.

Compact LEDs

Compact LEDs are good for a small grow space such as a terrarium or single pot. They are energy efficient and produce less heat that most other single-bulb options.

Linear LEDs

Linear LEDs are an energy efficient option that can cover a grow space similar in size to that of a T8 or T5-HO setup while typically generating less heat. While these can be great benefits, it should be noted that the light output of Linear LEDs is usually less than that of fluorescent bulbs so more LEDs will be needed to achieve comparable strength.

LED Panels

While they can have a slightly higher cost upfront, LED lights are the best option if you are going for maximum energy efficiency. Manufacturers are more likely to list PPFD measurements for LED grow lights as well so it can be easier to estimate whether they will work for your plants. Heat output varies depending on the size of the light, but LEDs tend to run cooler than fluorescent fixtures.

Metal Halide (MH) & High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Bulbs

Metal Halide (MH) bulbs are nice because they usually have a more even spectral output than that of fluorescent lights and LEDs. They also produce a fair amount of IR and UV light which can also be good for plants. Downsides are they produce quite a bit of heat, use more energy, and can burn out more quickly than most of the other technologies listed here. These negatives may not be so bad though considering how large of a grow space MH bulbs can cover while still maintaining adequate light levels for plants.

High Pressure Sodium (HPS) bulbs are commonly used to induce flowering in plants or as a supplement if another source lacks light in the red range. HPS bulbs produce a lot of heat which may be good or bad for a particular plant’s needs. They also consume quite a bit of energy but can cover a much larger grow space than most fluorescent and LED lights.

That’s all folks, we hope you’ve enjoyed this series on light for carnivorous plants. We understand it’s one of the more complex topics to grasp though so feel free to leave us questions or comments if you would like clarification anywhere. We’d be glad to help. Thanks for reading and happy growing!