Can plants survive with only LED grow lights?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Plants can flourish solely under LED grow lights if set up properly. Full-spectrum LEDs emit all wavelengths necessary for photosynthesis. For example, I grew herbs and vegetables indoors for years without sunlight. Your indoor garden will be able to complete its life cycles, growing from seed to harvest.
Spectrum Configuration
- Full-spectrum white diodes: 4000K-5000K
- Supplemental red (660nm) for flowering
- Blue (450nm) for vegetative growth
Intensity Management
- PAR meter for μmol/m²/s measurements
- Adjustable height suspension system
- Dimmable drivers for precise control
Environmental Controls
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Humidity: 40-60% RH
- CO2: 400-1200 ppm enrichment
Full-spectrum lighting emulates sunshine. Recent advancements in LED technology have enabled the perfect replication of natural sunlight's wavelengths. I successfully ripened my tomatoes under both artificial lights and the sun, yielding identical results. You derive photosynthesis from both lighting alternatives without any reductions in quality or effectiveness. As a plant, the light doesn't care whether it's an artificial source or comes directly from the sun.
The daily light integral, or DLI, is what matters most. DLI assesses the amount of daily photons received by a plant. Lettuce needs 12-17 mol/m²/day of DLI, while peppers require even higher levels at 20-30 mol/m²/day. I actually can track DLI through Bluetooth PAR sensors. Your plants will indicate their DLI needs through overall growth patterns.
Supplemental spectrums enhance specialized phases of growth. For example, adding red diodes during flowering periods will increase production. I produced twenty percent more fruit from my strawberries. You can also customize the lighting based on the crop, allowing for a tailored approach that maximizes true yield potential.
Environmental balance completes the system. Maintain seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit consistently. My basil thrived at fifty percent humidity. You monitor conditions daily. Automated controllers prevent fluctuations.
It's best to start with simple leafy greens. Kale and spinach do really well when placed under LED lights. Next, I successfully ventured into tomatoes and peppers. From a small windowsill garden with herbs, the garden can expand into fruit trees, and commercial vertical farms have proven that it can work.
Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to LED Grow Lights for Plants
