Best UV LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants in 2022

 UV grow lights can greatly improve your plants’ development if used appropriately. Too many “full spectrum” lights are not truly full spectrum. Don’t be tricked by marketing hype. Read below to learn more about the best UV grow lights on the market.

When used incorrectly, UV frequencies can bleach the color right out of your crop. However, when it is used properly it can increase pigmentation, which will give your crops a beautiful color. It can even be used to increase flavor and aromas.

Below you will find our recommendations.

Is UV Light Good For Indoor Plants?

If you want to increase THC production, then yes. Specifically, increased levels of UV-B light, used correctly, will increase the THC content of your plants — some claim by as much as 28%!

Levels of other cannabinoids, such as CBD, are not affected by increased levels of UV-B, nor are the plant’s physiological and morphological structure. Interestingly, research suggests that the increase of THC that occurs in the plant may be similar to an increase in melanin (the hormone that causes skin to darken) in humans. It has been found that plants with a higher THC content have a greater resistance to the harmful effects of UV-B radiation. This implies that when plants increase THC content, they are essentially getting a tan!

PROS OF UV LIGHT FOR PLANTS
As stated, using UV-B light can enhance the (THC-related) strength of your plant by up to 28% — although perhaps aim for a slightly more moderate enhancement if growing at home.

CONS OF UV LIGHT FOR PLANTS

There are a couple of downsides to using strong UV lights in a plant grow.

The first is that it is very easy to slip over into an excess of UV light, either due to too much power or lights being too close to the plants. If this happens, you can easily damage or kill your plants, making it more trouble than it is perhaps worth.

Likewise, UV-B lights can be expensive, as it is advised to buy them from a specialist. Because the frequency and strength of the light need to be tailored to the specific needs of plants, any old UV-B bulb may not cut it. It’s one of those additions that if you’re going to implement, you’re going to have to do so properly.

Finally, UV-B light can not only damage your plants, but you and your equipment. You will find that things placed beneath it will bleach and degrade over time, meaning you will need to replace them more often. Also, it is advised to wear sun goggles specifically designed for working in grow rooms, as sunglasses may not be strong enough for the intensity of the light. If you have a big grow room, it is also advised to cover your skin to protect it from prolonged exposure to harmful ultraviolet light.

Those things being said, if you’re serious about growing and want to make your plants as potent as possible, these steps may seem well worth it to achieve super-strong plants!

ECO Farm ECOM 30W UV Supplemental Grow Light Bar

Features:

ECO Farm UV LED grow lights come with easy and quick bolt-on installation. With good heat dissipation and a sturdy body, it is a durable LED grow light designed for a 12-hour plant growth cycle. It covers the UV range between 385nm and 395nm. Ultraviolet rays promote the overall growth of plants, and are especially suitable for plant nursery and sterilization. It also increases the plant’s resistance to insects, bacteria and fungi. In safe doses, UV light helps produce oils that produce the wonderful smell and taste you’re looking for in your crops. This is what plants produce to protect themselves from more UV exposure. This grow light is suitable for hydroponics and indoor plants, mainly for microgreens and small plants.

TotalGrow UVA Bar 30W LED Grow Light Bar

Features:

TotalGrow UVA strips produce 385nm UVA light with superior efficiency and reliability in an ideal form factor for ease of use. Standard grow lights emit little or no UVA radiation. UVA stimulates several plant photoreceptors, enhancing hardiness, coloration, taste, odor, density and potency. Combine with sunlight and/or TotalGrow full spectrum lights for ideal growth! About 5% of the solar radiation reaching Earth is ultraviolet A (320–400nm). These light wavelengths drive relatively little photosynthesis, but trigger other responses in plants, primarily defense mechanisms. 

Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 30 UVA Supplement

Features:

The HLG 30 Watt UVA LED Strip Light contains 365nm + 385nm UV-A which increases plant yield and makes plants resistant to fungal infections. UVA light has been shown to induce increased resin yields in the final stages of plant growth. This waterproof grow light can withstand wet and humid conditions. The passive cooling design of the lamp makes it energy efficient and lowers your electricity bill. UVA and near ultraviolet light (365–385nm) are very beneficial for plant development. Scientifically proven to increase resin production in plants. It features a passively cooled LED light bar that provides even light intensity across the entire canopy while reducing noise. 

Best Uv Grow Lights For Plants: Buying Guide in 2022

If you have no idea how to pick the Best Uv Grow Lights For Plants to buy, we have 4 simple tips to help you narrow it down. Check the following factors carefully and pick the right option for your demand.

1. Price
Smart consumers want to shop wisely and save where they can. However, they do understand that cheaper isn’t necessarily always better if it means a sacrifice in quality.

So before you purchase anything, take a good look at the cost. In some cases, you may need to spend a little more money to get what you think is a great item. To do that, you should: (1) keep your eyes on the sales; and (2) follow your favorite websites to make sure you don’t miss any great deals.

2. Necessity
Ask yourself if you really need this item. Will it be useful in your life? Sometimes we just want to purchase items for entertaining or reducing stress purposes, that’s okay. But to prevent you from spending too much money on things you don’t need, try to investigate the item’s value to you. Be a smart shopper and be better spent elsewhere.

3. Reviews
Reading reviews is a great way to help you find a great product. Of course, reviews can only be meaningful if they can be trusted. Verified reviews can help you know how the companies treat their customers. Reputable reviews let you know which products to avoid, saving your time and hard-earned money, two very valuable resources. In other words, reviews give you a true idea of companies and products before parting with your money.

4. Brands
When it comes to consumer choices, brands matter. Brands help us save decision-making time, create differences, provide peace of mind and safety.

Important Guidelines to Follow When Using UV Grow Lights

UV light is harmful to humans. It can cause skin damage and cancers. You should use UV lights in an enclosed growing space and wear protective material while working around or under them.
Exposing your plants to UV light for long periods can harm them. For this reason, you need to keep it on for few hours a day only. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations to know how long you should keep the light on each day.
Keep enough distance between your plants and the light to avoid damaging them.
Don’t use any UV light for your plants. Some UV lights can be very intense, and they can destroy your growth.

Conclusion

UV lights can help you improve your growth and yield.

However, you need to know how to use them properly, or else you could damage your plants.

Always follow the recommendations by the manufacturer and do your own research before using UV grow lights.

You can also test your UV lights with different plants before using them with your main crop.

And finally, we cannot overemphasize the importance of taking the necessary precautions while working around these lights.

Happy growing. Please share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more help!