Lighting — FAQ
What plants can I grow with a sub-$15 LED grow light?
These lights excel at seed starting, leafy herbs (basil, cilantro), lettuce, spinach, and maintaining houseplants. For fruiting plants like tomatoes or peppers, you'll need multiple units or higher-wattage fixtures. Flowering plants require more intensity than most budget lights provide.
How far should I hang my grow light from plants?
Start 6-8 inches above seedlings. Monitor for leaf bleaching—if you see white patches, raise 2 inches. For established plants, 4-6 inches maximizes growth. Lights without dimmers require more distance adjustment. Use the hand test: if it feels hot on your skin, it's too close.
Can I run these lights 24/7 for faster growth?
No. Plants need dark periods for respiration and hormone production. Running 24/7 stresses plants and reduces yields. Use the built-in timer for 16-18 hours of light daily. Some seedlings do well with 14 hours, while vegetative growth peaks at 16-18 hours.
Are budget LED grow lights safe to leave unattended?
Quality units with proper thermal management are safe. Our tests focused on fire risk—winners stay under 100°F. Avoid lights with exposed circuitry or flimsy plastic housings. Always plug into a surge protector and never cover the fixture with fabric or paper.
How long do sub-$15 LED grow lights typically last?
Expect 15,000-25,000 hours (3-5 years of daily use). The LED driver usually fails before the diodes. Units with separate drivers last longer—easier to replace. Our teardown revealed Rocoking and VIVOSUN use higher-grade capacitors than no-name brands, suggesting better longevity.
Can I connect multiple lights together on one plug?
Only linkable models like VIVOSUN and Barrina support daisy-chaining. Check specs before buying—most budget panels require separate outlets. Overloading a single outlet risks tripping breakers. For large setups, distribute load across two circuits or use a dedicated grow tent power strip.
