Plant Light Database

The internet's source of plant light requirements

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  • African Violets

    Streptocarpus

    Find african violets' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 70 – 300 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Aglaonema

    Aglaonema

    Find aglaonema's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 20 – 40 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Alocasia

    Alocasia

    Find alocasia's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 80 – 500 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Aloe

    Aloe

    Find aloe's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 80 – 160 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Amaryllis

    Amaryllis

    Find amaryllis' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 150 – 300 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Anthurium

    Anthurium

    Find anthurium's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 80 – 400 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Aspidistra

    Aspidistra

    Find aspidistra's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 18 40 – 400 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Avocado

    Persea americana

    Find avocado's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    18 – 24 400 – 650 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Basil

    Ocimum basilicum

    Find basil's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    12 – 26 220 – 500 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Blackberry

    Rubus

    Find blackberry's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    8 – 14 200 – 300 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Blueberry

    Vaccinium

    Find blueberry's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    14 – 24 400 – 700 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Broccoli

    Brassica oleracea var. italica

    Find broccoli's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    15 – 35 300 – 700 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Bromeliad

    Bromeliaceae

    Find bromeliad's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 80 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Calathea

    Goeppertia

    Find calathea's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 15 80 – 400 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Cannabis (Flowering)

    Cannabis

    Find cannabis (flowering)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    30 – 40 500 – 1050 11 – 13
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Cannabis (Seedling)

    Cannabis

    Find cannabis (seedling)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    12 – 16 100 – 300 12 – 24
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Cannabis (Vegetative)

    Cannabis

    Find cannabis (vegetative)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 45 250 – 600 12 – 24
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Chrysanthemums

    Chrysanthemum

    Find chrysanthemums' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    10 – 14 200 – 300 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Cilantro

    Coriandrum sativum

    Find cilantro's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 28 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Citrus (Various)

    Citrus

    Find citrus (various)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 28 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Croton

    Croton

    Find croton's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 16 80 – 160 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Cucumbers

    Cucurbitaceae

    Find cucumbers' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 30 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Cucumbers (Seedling)

    Cucurbitaceae

    Find cucumbers (seedling)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    5 – 15 100 – 300 10 – 24
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Culinary Herbs (Small)

    Various

    Find culinary herbs (small)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    10 – 12 150 – 250 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Cyclamen

    Primulaceae

    Find cyclamen's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    6 – 8 70 – 150 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Desert Cacti

    Various

    Find desert cacti's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    9 – 30 500 – 2000 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Dill

    Anethum graveolens

    Find dill's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 28 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Dracaena

    Dracaena

    Find dracaena's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 20 – 40 8 – 10
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Dragon Tree

    Dracaena

    Find dragon tree's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 20 – 40 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Dwarf Banana

    Musa acuminata

    Find dwarf banana's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 100 – 350 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Eggplants

    Solanaceae

    Find eggplants' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 30 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • English Ivy

    Hedera

    Find english ivy's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 8 40 – 80 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Ferns

    Pteridaceae

    Find ferns' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 6 80 – 120 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Ferns

    Asplenium

    Find ferns' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    5 – 15 20 – 40 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Ficus

    Ficus

    Find ficus' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    6 – 12 80 – 160 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Fuchsia

    Fuchsia

    Find fuchsia's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    10 – 12 150 – 250 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Garden Lettuce

    Lactuca

    Find garden lettuce's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    14 – 16 250 – 350 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Grapefruit

    Citrus

    Find grapefruit's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    22 – 30 500 – 700 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Hibiscus

    Hibiscus

    Find hibiscus' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 80 – 500 12 – 14
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Hoya

    Hoya

    Find hoya's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 12 40 – 400 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Jasmine

    Stephanotis

    Find jasmine's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    5 – 16 200 – 400 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Kalanchoe

    Kalanchoe

    Find kalanchoe's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    9 – 30 60 – 120 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Kumquat

    Citrus

    Find kumquat's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    22 – 30 500 – 700 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Lemon

    Citrus

    Find lemon's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    21 – 28 300 – 600 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Lime

    Citrus

    Find lime's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    21 – 28 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Mint

    Mentha

    Find mint's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    10 – 20 200 – 400 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Money Tree

    Pachira

    Find money tree's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 40 – 300 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Monstera

    Monstera

    Find monstera's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 12 80 – 500 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Olive

    Olea

    Find olive's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    18 – 40 400 – 1000 6 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Orange

    Citrus

    Find orange's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    22 – 30 500 – 700 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Orchids (High-Light)

    Orchidaceae

    Find orchids (high-light)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    8 – 18 150 – 350 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Orchids (Low-Light)

    Orchidaceae

    Find orchids (low-light)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 6 40 – 80 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Orchids (Moderate-Light)

    Orchidaceae

    Find orchids (moderate-light)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 8 80 – 150 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Oregano

    Origanum vulgare

    Find oregano's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 28 300 – 600 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Oxalis

    Oxalis

    Find oxalis' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    2 – 10 150 – 250 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Palm Trees

    Various

    Find palm trees' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    10 – 40 80 – 1200 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Parsley

    Petroselinum crispum

    Find parsley's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    10 – 20 200 – 400 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Peace Lily

    Spathiphyllum

    Find peace lily's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 20 – 40 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Peach

    Prunus

    Find peach's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    8 – 14 200 – 300 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Peas

    Pisum sativum

    Find peas' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    9 – 12 150 – 300 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Peperomia

    Peperomia

    Find peperomia's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 12 40 – 300 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Peppers

    Capsicum annuum

    Find peppers' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 30 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Peppers (Seedling)

    Capsicum annuum

    Find peppers (seedling)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    8 – 18 150 – 350 10 – 24
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Petunias

    Petunia

    Find petunias' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    16 – 18 300 – 400 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Philodendron

    Philodendron

    Find philodendron's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 40 – 80 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Pineapple

    Ananas

    Find pineapple's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    15 – 30 350 – 700 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Polka Dot Plant

    Hypoestes

    Find polka dot plant's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 40 – 80 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Pothos

    Epipremnum

    Find pothos' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 40 – 600 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Pumpkins

    Cucurbita

    Find pumpkins' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    18 – 28 300 – 650 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Rosemary

    Rosmarinus officinalis

    Find rosemary's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 28 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Roses

    Rosa

    Find roses' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    18 – 22 350 – 450 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Sage

    Salvia officinalis

    Find sage's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    10 – 20 200 – 400 8 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Schefflera

    Schefflera

    Find schefflera's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    7 – 30 40 – 800 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Seedlings

    Various

    Find seedlings' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    6 – 8 70 – 150 8 – 24
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Snake Plant

    Dracaena

    Find snake plant's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 40 – 600 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Spider Plant

    Chlorophytum

    Find spider plant's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 40 – 80 10 – 12
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Strawberry

    Fragaria

    Find strawberry's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    17 – 28 400 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Succulents

    Various

    Find succulents' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    30 – 50 500 – 2000 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Syngonium

    Syngonium

    Find syngonium's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    4 – 14 40 – 600 12 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Tangerine

    Citrus

    Find tangerine's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    22 – 30 500 – 700 7 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Thyme

    Thymus vulgaris

    Find thyme's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    20 – 28 300 – 600 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Tomatoes

    Solanum lycopersicum

    Find tomatoes' DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    22 – 30 350 – 800 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Tomatoes (Seedling)

    Solanum lycopersicum

    Find tomatoes (seedling)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    8 – 18 150 – 350 8 – 24
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • Zucchini

    Cucurbita pepo

    Find zucchini's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    22 – 28 400 – 650 10 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • ZZ Plant

    Zamioculcas

    Find zz plant's DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    2 – 10 200 – 400 9 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

  • ZZ Plant (Propagation)

    Zamioculcas

    Find zz plant (propagation)'s DLI, PPFD, and photoperiod requirements below:
    DLI mol/m²/d PPFD µmol/m²/s Photoperiod hours
    1 – 3 20 – 40 9 – 16
    Sources Expand / Collapse

How To Light Your Plant Optimally

Optimal plant lighting means that your plants receive the right kind of light (PAR), with the right intensity (PPFD), for the right duration (photoperiod), and the right amount (DLI) of it. Ideally, you provide all of these factors at an optimal level where it’s not too much and not too little. Doing so allows your plants to grow tall and healthy whilst also using just the amount of electricity needed, and not more.

Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)

Plants use and perceive light differently than humans. In order to provide the light your plants use for photosynthesis, your light should provide photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) i.e. light with wavelengths between 400 nm (blue light) and 700 nm (red light).

Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD)

PAR intensity, or how much usable light reaches the plant's leaves, is measured as photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in the unit of μmol/m²/s i.e. light per area per second. This means that PPFD specifically measures the light available to plants for photosynthesis and thus, impacts their growth.
Don't measure lux or foot candles as those are units to measure light for humans, and not for plants.

Photoperiod

Most plants are photoperiodic, meaning that they require a cycle of light and dark periods during a day. The photoperiod describes the duration of light within a 24 hour window. If you run your lights on a timer, set its "on" cycle to the desired photoperiod.

Daily Light Integral (DLI)

The one measure to express the total amount of light is called the daily light integral (DLI). The DLI combines light intensity (PPFD) with the lighting duration (photoperiod) over a 24 hour window and is measured in the unit of mol/m²/d i.e. light per area per day. Ultimately, providing the right DLI level for your plant is what you must do for optimal plant lighting.

How To Measure Plant Light

Our eyes can adapt to a high variety of different light intensities and colors. This unfortunately makes them a terrible ligt meter as we can't distinguish how bright something exactly is and thus a light meter is needed.

Using a PAR Meter

A PAR meter (sometimes also referred to as PPFD meter or quantum PAR meter) is a specialized light measurement device that measures PAR in PPFD.
The meter usally consists of a detector (with a white diffuser cap on top) and a display to read the PPFD values. Some PAR meters can also be integrated (e.g. via USB) for automated measurements or attached to a data logger that periodically stores measurements.

Recommended Products

Apogee MQ-500

Product Image

The Apogee MQ-500 is one of the best PAR meters that you can get. It is widely used amongst plant professionals and scientists alike. If you're looking for a professional hardware meter to last, this is the way to go.

Pro

  • Science-grade accuracy
  • Easy to use

Con

  • Quite expensive (around $500)
  • Only measures PPFD
  • No other usage possible
View on Amazon

SpotOn Quantum PAR Meter

Product Image

The SpotOn Quantum PAR Meter is similar to the Apogee MQ-500 but adds a few more features at a lower price. It not only allows to measure PPFD but also calculates DLI and is quite small.

Pro

  • Industrial-grade accuracy
  • Also measures DLI
  • Easy to use

Con

  • Quite expensive (around $300)
  • No other usage possible
View on Amazon

Using a Light Meter App

Apps can be a great way to replace hardware meters and light measurement is no different. There are, however, a lot of bad and inaccurate apps out there so be careful. We tested many of them and only recommend the following:

Recommended App

Photone - Grow Light Meter

Product Image

The Photone Grow Light Meter app is the best light meter app that you can get for plants. It packs many features like PPFD measurement, DLI calculation, and also correlated color temperature (CCT) measurement amongst much more information about plants and plant lighting. If you're looking for an app, this is the way to go.

Pro

  • High accuracy
  • Works on iOS and Android
  • Cost effective (free to $6)
  • Easy to use

Con

  • May not be used for science
Download

How To Adjust Your Light

Many plants require a lot of light to really thrive (the sun really is powerful) and if you find your measurements to be lower than recommended, you certainly aren't alone. This section contains tips and recommendations to increase the amount of light for your plants.

Tuning Your Current Lighting

If you're alreay using artificial lighting, it is highly recommended to use it with a timer. To provide a higher DLI with a given light intensity, you can adjust the timer to the maximum recommended photoperiod. Another possibility is to supplement your artificial lighting with natural daylight i.e. by placing your plants close to a window.

Upgrading To LED Plant Grow Lights

If you're really serious about providing more light for your plants, LED grow lights are the way to go. LED plant grow lights are very energy efficient and provide just the right light (remember: PAR) that plants need. They come in various shapes and sizes picking a one-size-fits-all can't be done. We tested many of them and recommend the following:

Recommended Products

For High Power Needs: ViparSpectra KS Series

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The ViparSpectra KS series grow lights provide all the power that you'll need usually reserved to more expensive grow lights. They pack an incredibla amount of LED chips into a widely used spider- or bar type design that fits perfectly intro grow tents or vertical grow shelves.

Pro

  • Optimized plant light spectrum
  • High energy efficiency
  • Available in many different sizes
  • Dimmable to match desired light intensity

Con

  • Too bulky for living spaces
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For Kitchen Gardens: HLG Quantum Board

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The Horticulture Lighting Group (HLG) Quantum Board is a great small but medium power LED light that is sufficient to grow many types of fruits and vegetables with artificial lighting. The quantum board design became very popular due to its ease of use and high efficiency that fits in many spaces.

Pro

  • Optimized plant light spectrum
  • High energy efficiency
  • Can be mounted in many ways

Con

  • Non-dimmable, only one light intensity setting
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For Houseplants: Soltech Solutions Aspect

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The Soltech Solutions Aspect light strikes the perfect balance between plant grow lights and aesthetically pleasing indoor lighting. Houseplants have traditionally been limited by environmental and architectural constraints. With the Aspect, you no longer have to settle for low light houseplants or resort to industrial grow lights.

Pro

  • Optimized plant light spectrum
  • High energy efficiency
  • Pleasing aesthetics

Con

  • Premium price point (around $150)
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If you didn't find your plant in our database, found something that may be wrong, or anything else, please let us know!

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