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Technology has provided indoor plant growing enthusiasts with an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly grow light. LED plant grow lights are extremely long lasting and generate very little heat which makes them easier on the gardener and the plants than other types of grow lights. Since setup cost of LED plant grow lights is higher than fluorescent or metal halide grow lights they are used primarily in large commercial and industrial nurseries although serious indoor home gardeners are making use of the technology in greater numbers.
LED stands for light emitting diode lamps. They were invented in 1962 by Nick Holonyak and have been put to work in countless ways in the years since. In grow lighting the blue LED lamps emit light comparable to the intense light of blue metal halide bulbs or daylight grade fluorescent bulbs. The red light spectrum required for plants that bloom or produce any type of ripe food commonly provided through high pressure sodium light bulbs is emitted from red LED lamps. LED plant grow lights are available in more than just red and blue and therefore more closely simulate natural sunlight. The lamps themselves do not contain any mercury or other harmful metals found in the other lighting solutions.
Amazingly, LED bulbs from 1970 are still working. The average LED plant grow lights give over 50,000 hours of service. That is three times more than a fluorescent bulb burns and an astounding thirty times longer than regular household light bulbs. While providing the needed light in the right light spectrums the LED plant grow lights do not generate near the heat other grow lights produce. LED plant grow lights can be hung anywhere from 5 to 20 inches over the top of plants depending on the plants full, partial or deep shade preferences.
The most common formula for configuring LED plant grow lights is 80% red LED's with either 20% blue or a combination of white and blue LED's. The white LED bulbs provide the green, yellow and orange spectrum of light that natural sunlight has and that can be seen by people. The wattage LED plant grow lights can be purchased in are 2 to 15 watt increments with a 5 watt LED plant grow light running around $35 and a 45 watt panel costing at least $150. The initial setup can be high but the benefits are worth the outlay if long term, serious cultivation is going to be taking place.
The good news is that LED plant grow lights do not require any special fittings, fixtures or wiring. They can be used in any standard bulb socket. Not having to have ballasts or any type of unique electrical setup is another reason for using this lighting solution.
Modern science continues to improve the quality of life and easy with which we live it for mankind. With LED plant grow lights modern technology is improving the lifespan and ease in which plant-kind can enjoy indoor living environments. Efficient and environmentally friendly to all LED plant grow lights deserve consideration.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about gardening equipment and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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