A Comprehensive Guide to Light Meters for Houseplants and Indoor Gardening

Are you a houseplant parent or an indoor gardener looking to step up your game and provide the best possible light conditions for your plants? If so, you may have heard about the benefits of using a light meter to measure luminosity and ensure your plants are getting the right amount of light.

But with so many options available, ranging from simple models under $20 to sophisticated PAR meters that cost hundreds of dollars, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we will walk you through 11 different light meters, highlighting their features, pros, and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Before we dive into the details of each model, let’s discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a light meter for houseplant care or indoor gardening.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Light Meter

Table of Contents

Types of Light: Are you primarily measuring natural sunlight, artificial grow lights, or a combination of both? Choose a meter that is suitable for the types of light sources you are working with.
Measurement Range: Consider the range of light intensity you need to measure. Some meters are suitable for low-light conditions, while others can handle high-intensity light sources.
Accuracy: Look for a meter with a low margin of error to ensure precise measurements.
Ease of Use: Consider the buttons and functions of the meter to ensure that it is easy to operate and provides the information you need.
Additional Features: Some meters offer extra features like data logging, DLI calculation, and the ability to measure specific colors of light. Decide which features are important to you.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in a light meter, let’s explore our list of top picks for houseplant gardeners and indoor growers.

1. Amprobe LM-200

The Amprobe LM-200 is a versatile LED light meter that is suitable for measuring luminosity from LED grow lamps. It features a digital display with a measuring range of 0 to 20,000 foot candles or 0 to 200,000 lux. The device is powered by a nine-volt battery and comes with a detached sensor connected by a coiled cord. It has a hold button to freeze readings and a maximum hold button to capture peak readings. The LM-200 is most accurate when measuring white LED lamps, making it ideal for indoor growers using LED lights.

Pros:
Battery cover slides off
Detached sensor with protective cap
Measures luminosity from white LEDs accurately
Mountable on a tripod
Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
Coiled sensor cord
Less accurate for other light sources
Does not calculate DLI
No data logging

2. Apogee Instruments MQ-500

The Apogee Instruments MQ-500 is a lightweight and accurate PAR meter suitable for measuring light from all sources, including photosynthetically active radiation in the range of 400 to 700 nanometers. It features a measuring range of 0 to 4000 micromoles per second per meter squared and is powered by a CR2320 coin cell battery. The MQ-500 comes with a detached sensor with a straight 78-inch cord and offers data logging capabilities. It is made in the USA and comes with a 4-year warranty.

Pros:
Lightweight and accurate
Separate sensor with protective cap
Straight sensor cord with optional telescoping wand
Enables data logging on PCs
Made in the USA with a 4-year warranty
Cons:
Battery cover requires a screwdriver
Fairly expensive
No data logging for Mac users

3. Dr. Meter LX1330B

The Dr. Meter LX1330B is an affordable and dependable option for measuring foot candles and lux. It features a digital display with a range of 0 to 20,000 foot candles or 0 to 200,000 lux. The LX1330B is powered by a nine-volt battery and comes with a detached sensor on a coiled cord. It is most suitable for measuring luminosity from sunlight and various types of electric bulbs but is not recommended for LEDs. The device has a hold button to freeze readings and a plastic fold-out stand for easy use.

Pros:
Separate sensor with protective cap
Folding stand for ease of use
Budget-friendly
Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
Coiled sensor cord
Less accurate for LED sources
Does not calculate DLI
No data logging

Conclusion

These are just a few of the top light meters available for houseplant gardeners and indoor growers. We’ve covered a range of options from simple and affordable models to sophisticated PAR meters with advanced features. Before making a decision, consider your specific needs, budget, and the types of light sources you are working with.

Investing in a quality light meter can help you optimize your indoor gardening environment, providing your plants with the ideal light conditions for healthy growth. With the right tool in hand, you can take the guesswork out of plant care and ensure that your houseplants thrive in any setting.