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10 Best Heating Lamps For Plants in 2023 & Their Impact On Plant Health

Grow lights and heating lamps made indoor gardening a reality for most gardeners. It’s one of the greatest innovations in agriculture technology that has changed the way we farm our food and propagate plants.

Discover the best heating lamps for 2023 and their difference with grow lights in this post so you can invest in the right gadget for your plants.  

Before you go ahead and buy some stuff for your plants, it’s essential to know how it affects your plants. Heat lamps and growing lights are usually categorized as the same but they have different functions.

Table Of Contents


Heating Lamps vs. Growing Light: What Is The Difference?

Heating lamps and growing lights are meant to simulate the solar radiation from the sun. Solar radiation is the emission of light and heat from the sun essential for the photosynthesis of plants. They both emit sun-like light but on different levels in the spectrum which affects plants differently.

Sunlight, though it seems like it only emits white and yellow light, emits a full spectrum of light. The first end of the spectrum emits blue rays while the other side of the spectrum emits red rays. These parts of the spectrum are classified into three:

  • Ultraviolet light: It contains wavelengths between 100 nm and 400 nm. It has three types which are UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. Too much exposure of plants and phytoplankton in water to UV-A and UV-B can affect their optimal photosynthesis by 8%. The most common type of device that mimics the ultraviolet light from the sun is the UV sterilizer used for disinfecting tools and rooms. 
  • Visible light or Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR): The visible part of the sunlight that falls within the range of 400 nm to 700 nm. It is the light that we see and used by plants in photosynthesis. It is also the kind of light that you will find full-spectrum growing lights where there are different colors of lights provided for plants. 
  • Infrared light: It is the part of the solar radiation that contains wavelengths from 700 nm to 1 mm and above. It is responsible for the heat from the sun from which heating lamps take its features. 

To conclude, heating lamps produce infrared light where they emit heat while growing lights at full spectrum produce the range of lights needed by plants for photosynthesis.

A heating lamp is ideal for use during the winter season when the indoor temperature has become less ideal for your plant’s needs. 

Heat lamps consist of incandescent or LED bulbs with a red color to emit infrared light. Though they can warm up the room they don’t have the necessary light spectrum to sustain the photosynthetic demands of plants.

However, the red light waves that they produce can help support the flowering and fruiting of plants grown under a grow light with the full spectrum of lights. 

To make the best out of the heating lamps, you should pair them with a growing light to give your plants the light they need to grow.

So, in this post, we are not only sharing about heating lamps but also the growing lights with full-spectrum that you can use with them.

10 Best Heating Lamps For Plants & Grow Lights [Best Picks for 2023] 

Here are the heating lamps for plants and the grow lights that can help boost the health of your plants indoors.

There are different types of heat lamps in the market ideal for plants, reptiles, and poultry. The ones we have in this list are purely suitable for plants only. 

Now, let’s begin!

Infrared Light Source: Heat Lamps and Bulbs For Plants

Here are the best options for heat lamps if you live in a cold area and want to support the flowering and fruiting of your plants:

1. VIVOSUN Clamp Lamp Light + GE Grow LED Light Bulb (Red light spectrum)

VIVOSUN Clamp Lamp Light + GE Grow LED Light Bulb (Red light spectrum)

The combination of the simple clip-on lamp from VIVOSUN and the red-light spectrum bulb from GE is already an ideal package for growing your indoor plants. The lamp operation is straightforward. You can clip it on any surface near to your plants or fix it on top of your grow tent. 

The lamp has an adjustable head and a 6-foot cord, which helps when the socket is far from your grow room. The lamp shield is made of aluminum and the bulb socket has a built-in switch, so you no longer need to plug and unplug the lamp on every use. 

The red-light bulb, on the other hand, is an economical option since it is made of LED. It has a high Photosynthetic Photo Flux (PPF) of 15 micromoles per second which ensures that your plants will receive more light at a given time.

It also provides low heat that reduces the risk of burning your plants and getting into drought stress. It does not emit a purple light like you usually see in other heating and grow lights. It only casts a pink shade that is gentle to the human eye.

Pros

  • Easy to use and assemble
  • Plants and flowers thrive under this heat lamp combination
  • Energy-saving
  • Cheap
  • Built-in switch
  • Adjustable head 
  • Strong clip
  • Long cord
  • Low-heat red light bulb

Cons

  • Not dimmable 
  • Might confuse other indoor gardeners into thinking it is a full spectrum white. 
  • Might not give your plants the extensive heating that they need during the winter months.

 2. BONGBADA 2 Pack Heat Lamp Red Infrared Bulbs

BONGBADA 2 Pack Heat Lamp Red Infrared Bulbs

Red incandescent bulbs are the traditional bulbs used for heat lamps. It has a multi-purpose use not only for keeping outdoor plants during the winter season but also for keeping pets warm.

If your grow light is not emitting enough heat, you may purchase this red lamp to sustain the heating needed by the plants.

BONGBADA heat Lamp Red Infrared Bulbs are suitable for E26 or E27 light sockets. It runs at 127 watts and has a bulb diameter of 4.87 inches. Unlike other red infrared bulbs, they can sustain the heat without exploding and have been tested to be fireproof.

Pros

  • Flexible to use on heat lamps with replaceable bulbs
  • Fireproof
  • Emits heat that can help warm plants and pets
  • Multi-purpose

Cons

  • Does not come with a lamp
  • Some batches broke out immediately

3. Buddy Puppy Reptile Heat Lamp + Infrared Light Bulb Red Light Device

 Buddy Puppy Reptile Heat Lamp + Infrared Light Bulb Red Light Device

Most gardeners are willing to invest in fancy gardening and growing tools as long as they will last and provide all the features that they need. One of the best buys that you can have in the heat lamp category is from Buddypuppy Reptile Heat Lamp.

Initially, this heat lamp is intended for reptiles. However, by replacing its bulb it also works efficiently for warming your plants. So, we paired it with an Infrared bulb that fits its E27 socket size.

The best thing about the Buddy Puppy heating lamp is it has control features that allow you to:

  • Dim the light
  • Set a timer for the light for 2, 4, or 8 hours. 
  • Switch on/off

The lamp’s base is made of a clip-on so you can attach it to any surfaces around your grow room. The neck of the lamp is also adjustable in any direction. Most growers love this heat lamp because it’s versatile and can be used for other purposes aside from being a heat lamp. 

The red bulb runs on 150 watts. It heats up right away which is perfect for a chilly night for plants and pets. Some people also use it for red light therapy to alleviate sore muscles.

Pros

  • The bulb heats up immediately
  • The lamp can dim the light
  • The lamp also has a timer which can help maintain the right light exposure time for plants
  • The lamp is versatile and can be used for other purposes by just changing the bulb. 

Cons

  • The bulb may only warm up a few plants because it is small.

PAR Light Source: Growing Light For Plants

In conjunction with heat lamps, you can also use a grow light to nourish your plants with the full spectrum of lights that they need to build foliage, roots, and flowers.

Here are the best grow lights for your indoor plants:

1. Barrina T5 Grow Lights, Full Spectrum

Barrina T5 Grow Lights, Full Spectrum

If you are planning to grow vegetables and microgreens indoors in a shelf setup, Barrina Grow Lights is the best option for you. It is made of Led lights that provide the full spectrum of light including red, PAR, and blue light. The pack includes 8 pieces of grow lights that extend up to two feet when combined. 

The whole setup contains 400 LED lights which run at 80 watts. What is good with this grow light setup is it is complete with connectors, power cords, and installation clips. You only need to install it and you’re good to go.

Here’s the inclusion of the package:

  • 8 pcs Barrina T5 Grow lights
  • 4 pcs Power cords with ON/OFF switch, 
  • 7 pcs Connecting Cords(20 inches each)
  • 8 pcs Small Connectors 
  • 16 pcs Installation Clips
  • 24 pcs Double-sided Tapes
  • 24 pcs Cable ties

With all the materials in one package, the only problem you have to deal with is how you will build the series setup of the lights. The shade of the lights is white with a subtle hint of pinkish to purple hue. 

Though the lighting material used is LED it is highly suggested that you keep your plants or microgreens at an 18-inch distance from the light because they still emit heat. You also have to check for exposed wires upon arrival to prevent any instances of shocks.

Pros

  • Complete grow light setup
  • Energy-saving
  • Easy to install
  • Can light up a whole rack of plants

Cons

  • Does not emit heat as much as a heating lamp

2. KingLED Newest 1000w LED Grow Lights 

KingLED Newest 1000w LED Grow Lights

If you want a grow light that has one of the most durable parts, you can count on KingLED 1000w LED Grow Light. It has a Samsung LM301B LED with 10 times optical condenser to provide high PAR light output. The technology provides high energy efficiency with 2.8 umol/J consequently improving light penetration in plants. 

The dimension of the grow light is 12.6“ x  8.9” x 2.8 inches which produces a 2.5’ to 3’ x 3’ coverage. The grow light only consumes about 145 Watts which is cost-efficient regardless of the technology that it uses. 

The grow light has built-in multiple high-speed mute fans that allow the lights to work at temperatures 50°F to 60°F. Unlike other grow lights, KingLED has two switches that automatically select the lights ideal for the vegetative phase and blooming phase of plants. 

The whole grow light comes with the following installation inclusions:

  • Adjustable rope
  • Hanging kit
  • LED growing eyeglasses
  • Power cable

In case of defective parts, the manufacturer offers a 3-year professional service and free return for 90 days. Most indoor growers can attest to the durability of this grow light. Its feature is also beginner-friendly and does not require extensive reading to understand how it operates.

Pros

  • Durable grow light
  • Ideal for indoor plants in grow tents with high ceiling
  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to use
  • Built-in fans
  • Switch for the blooming phase and vegetative stage of plants
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Runs for 12 hours and longer without any problems

Cons

  • Not ideal for indoor plants on racks

3. Elaine Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum

Elaine Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum

If you’re done having the purple hue inside your house, then maybe it’s time to switch to a grow light with white light but offer the full spectrum.

Elaine Grow Light is one of the best options in the market that offers a white light with a shade of pink hue. It has 132 LED lights that only consume 68 Watts. 

The whole grow light has an assembled dimension of 20 cm. x 40 cm. x20 cm. The light can illuminate at a 120° beam angle through its adjustable 18-inch gooseneck. You may adjust the light in any direction because you can turn the headlight up to 360°. 

The whole grow light has three heads that produce a high par value (120 μmol/m2·s at 12in) and emit a wave of light from 380 nm to 820 nm. It also comes with a light comptroller where you can set the timer for 3,6 or 12 hours and a memory timing setup where you only need to set it once and leave the lights to turn on and off on their own. 

The whole lamp can be attached to surfaces using a C-clamp that can be tightened to keep the lamp from getting wobbly. 

It is the most ideal option for seed starting and growing succulents indoors.

Pros

  • Ideal for succulents and seeds starting
  • Smart controller
  • Built-in timer with 3,6 or 12-hour setting
  • 5 dimmable modes
  • Built-in memory timing function
  • No wobbling & turning after setting in place
  • Easy-to-use clamp
  • Helps produce calculated methods to produce healthy plants

Cons

  • Can only cover a few plants

4. Ldmhlho LED Plant Lights with Small Stand

Ldmhlho LED Plant Lights with Small Stand

Ldmhlho LED Plant Lights is an ideal option if you’re looking for a type of grow light that you can set up anywhere in the house. It is supported by a tripod and a gooseneck to adjust the beams in any direction. It is made of a strip made of 20 built-in LED lights which are divided into three:

  • 9 Red lights (630- 660nm): Promote the bloom and fruit production of plants. 
  • 4 Blue lights (400-520nm): Ensures that the plants get more energy during their germination and vegetative stage. 
  • 7 Warm white lights (3000-3500k): Helps with the simulation of the natural sunlight with the full spectrum of colors. 

The grow light has three modes where you can only have white lights, red and blue lights, or all of the lights at once. Unlike other grow lights, Ldmhlho has 10 dimming levels from 10% to 100% that help growers adjust the light based on the requirements of their plants. 

Due to its adjustable light and dim settings, this growth light makes an ideal tool for all the growth stages of plant growth from germination to the fruiting stage. What makes this grow light commendable is the amount of effort they put into explaining the light spectrum to growers like the chart below:

the light spectrum

The dimensions of the grow light when assembled is‎ 1.96 x 22.44 x 1.65 inches. It also comes with smart controls where you automatically set the timer for 3,9 to 12 hours.

With a memory timing function, you can also automate the light duration for your plants and just monitor their growth without checking on the lights from time to time. 

The whole grow light runs at 20 Watts per hour. The manufacturer also offers a 12-month warranty and 30 days satisfaction guarantee in case you change your mind about their products.

Pros

  • Ideal for small-scale indoor gardening
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Commendable light guides for growers
  • Mobile grow light that you can carry and set up anywhere
  • Smart control functions
  • Reliable when it comes to the memory timing function
  • Energy-saving

Cons

  • The cord is short
  • The light part is small. Not ideal for large-scale indoor gardening

5. Osunby LED Grow Light 75W UV IR Growing Lamp

Osunby LED Grow Light 75W UV IR Growing Lamp

Osunby LED Growlight is another ideal option if you want something bigger than KingLED. It has a square shape where each size spans 12.2 inches and is 1.4 inches thick. It is intended to be suspended from the ceiling for wider coverage. The whole package contains the following:

  • LED grow light
  • Power cord
  • Steel hanging kits (with 4 ropes)
  • User Manual

Osunby has one of the most complete spectrum of light that contains red, blue, UV, and IR  to provide the perfect wavelength for all growing stages of plants. The total LED lights in the grow light are 225 pieces which involve:

  • 163 Red lights
  • 58 Blue lights
  • 2 UV
  • 2 IR

The suggested distance of the grow light to the plants is 1 to 2 feet for an optimal growing environment for plants. The light coverage of the grow light is .3 x 3 ft. and works at temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F.

The suggested working time for the grow light is 10 to 12 hours per day and let it rest for another 12 hours. The manufacturer provides a warranty within 12 months and 30 days of satisfaction if the item has any damage or defects.

Pros

  • Easy to use and works wonderfully on plants
  • Full-spectrum of lights with UV and IR
  • Covers a bigger area than other  grow lights
  • Durable materials
  • Energy-saving
  • Handy hanging system

Cons

  • Short power cord 
  • Works best with a pulley system
  • Not dimmable and no control settings

6. Mosthink LED Plant Grow Light Strips Full Spectrum

Mosthink LED Plant Grow Light Strips Full Spectrum

Mosthink LED Light Strips is probably one of the most affordable and handy options you can try. It does not require any hanging or complicated setup in installing them at home. You simply need to attach the LED strip to the 13.2-inch light bar and attach it to a frame above your plants using a wire tie. 

The light from LED strips emits wavelengths from 380 nm to 800 nm. The LED strips also have control settings where you can set a timer to turn them off after 2, 4, or 8 hours.

Though it’s very simple and light, the LED strips are also dimmable in four brightness levels which are 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% to adjust the light based on your plants’ needs. 

The grow light package includes 2 pieces of 7.5 Watts and 48 LED chips. The only catch is it has a short power cord which is only 78 inches long. It’s an ideal growing light for small batches of succulents indoors.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight
  • Works on any surfaces
  • Energy-saving
  • Ideal for small growing areas
  • Control settings with timer
  • No need to find sturdy surfaces to hang the lights

Cons

  • Not ideal for large-scale indoor gardening
  • Does not have a distinct classification of solar radiation colors unlike other growing lights

7. AMBOR Grow Light With Stand

Grow Light with Stand, AMBOR Floor Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

Last on our list is the four-headed grow light from AMBOR that comes with a smart controller and an adjustable pole. It has a wider coverage for many plants inside your home. The smart controller comes in the form of remote control that can adjust the following settings:

  • Four lighting modes: This allows you to turn on one to four headlights based on your needs. 
  • 10 dimming settings: You can dim the lights from 10% to full light of 100%.
  • Timer: You can also adjust the duration of the light exposure of your plants from 4, 8 to 12 hours. 
  • Memory timing settings: You can now automate the grow lights of your plants using its memory timing settings. 

Though this grow light has a lot of flexibility when it comes to its features and adjustment settings, it only has blue, red, and blue & red light settings. If you are looking for a full spectrum growing light this is not the best option for you. 

The stand of this grow light is a tripod that can be adjusted from 15 to 63 inches. The heads also come with a built-in heat sink to prevent the lights from emitting too much heat on the plants.

Pros

  • Mobile grow light
  • Easy to use 
  • Easy to assemble
  • Intelligent control settings
  • 10 dimmable settings
  • 4 light settings
  • Remote-controlled
  • Wide coverage
  • Adjustable height

Cons

  • Not full spectrum of lights
  • May emit purple and red light in the house which irritates some indoor growers who want  full-spectrum white lights that are gentle to the eyes

Final Thoughts

We hope that this post helped give you a clearer understanding of how growing lights work and the best heating lamps for plants. The process may sound very scientific but without a full understanding of how light affects plants, you may kill your plants along the way. 

Indoor gardening is becoming the new trend in indoor farming and urban gardening With the continuous effects of climate change, it seems that the indoor gardening niche is here to stay regardless of the season.

Spread the word to your friends about the misconception about heating and lamps to save more plants from being fried under heating lamps by uninitiated growers (haha!). 

Let us know in the comments, do you use a heating lamp for your indoor plants? When do you use it and how does it affect your plants?

About Jeanne Keith F.

Jeanne Felipe is a content creator of anything that can make this world a better place. She is a self-improvement junkie and a nature lover at heart. She loves to help people through her writing, either finding the right tools or doing the right thing to accomplish their goals. Quotes, sprouting plants, and cute dogs make her feel ecstatic. In her free time, she loves tending her garden and cooking Chinese and Mexican dishes. Connect her on Linkedin.

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