Under canopy lighting – placing LED grow lights beneath the plant canopy – these grow lights for plants are rapidly becoming a game-changer for indoor and greenhouse medicinal flower growers. Why? Under canopy lighting makes it possible to maximize production potential , which standard overhead lighting systems do not. Growers can enhance their buds' quantity and quality by using under canopy lighting to illuminate lower buds without expanding their growing space. Growers who fail to use under canopy LED grow lights will forfeit valuable weight because others achieve more A-grade colas (dense and potent top-shelf buds) from the same growing space. The experimental trend of under canopy lighting has developed into a critical requirement for competitive cultivation because it enhances plant growth and operational efficiency along with flower size and potency.

LED under canopy lighting consists of thin energy-efficient bars that fit under plant canopies for lower area illumination. The supplementary lighting directs photons upward to provide complete plant photosynthetic light exposure throughout the entire plant. The result? The lower-quality B-grade buds become thick A-grade buds, which results in improved crop uniformity and enhanced monetary value. Under canopy grow light for indoor plants performance tests from recent years demonstrate higher production yields and improved quality while reducing labor requirements. The following section presents research case studies and grower feedback and evaluates leading under canopy LED lighting systems. Additionally, it presents a sequential guide for selecting under canopy lighting, including spectrum selection and efficiency measurement (μmol/J), DLC certification , IP66 ratings , placement recommendations , and more. We will begin our exploration.

Several independent research studies and case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of under canopy LED lighting systems for medicinal flower production. The following section review three significant performance test studies with their measured outcomes:

Here are some comments from growers about the practical performance of these plant lights during actual cultivation.

Growers who incorporate under canopy lighting systems identify the practice as a simple and effective way to optimize their harvest outcomes. Here are real-world insights and success stories we collected from cultivators and consultants about what you should expect:

• Higher Yields and Better Quality: According to numerous growers, under canopy LEDs generate substantial yield increases and premium flower quality across every square foot of cultivation space. A Nevada cultivator added under canopy lighting led to a remarkable growth of approximately 8 grams per square foot of premium bud production. In commercial facilities, these supplemental lighting systems increase flower weight by 10–30% while removing all "popcorn" buds that form at plant bottoms. The plant directs most of its biomass towards creating dense marketable colas, which replace waste and trim material. The light exposure of lower sites enhances premium-grade bud percentage while providing full plant development and uniformity throughout the plant.
• Full Plant Development and Uniformity: The lighting system enables growers to observe improved plant development while maintaining equal growth across all plant sections. Light penetration through the LED canopy allows lower branches to synchronize their growth with the upper parts of the plant. One expert stated that under canopy lighting produces A-grade nugs throughout the entire LED canopy since it eliminates the need for popcorn bud bags. Plants that receive light from beneath the canopy develop into stronger and more compact plants because they no longer need to extend their stalks in search of illumination. Plants develop improved structural characteristics, which could result in increased medicinal content spread uniformly throughout the entire plant. Research showed that under canopy lighting resulted in a 5% concentration boost of certain medicinal properties in the whole crop, producing stronger flowers throughout the plant.
• Labor and Efficiency Gains: Implementing grow lights for plants, specifically under canopy LEDs, brings unexpected advantages in decreased labor requirements for pruning and maintenance operations. Growers must dedicate considerable time to remove lower nodes by lollipopping because these nodes fail to develop properly when light reaches only from above. Under canopy LEDs have changed that calculus. Good bud formation at lower parts of the plant enables growers to minimize the time they spend trimming plants , according to a grower. The operational costs decrease substantially in large facilities. Most under canopy fixtures operate as slim passive cooling bars , allowing unrestricted airflow and avoiding creating hot spots in your growing environment. Growers value a plant light fitting through the canopy without disrupting air movement. Under canopy lighting trials have demonstrated reduced pest problems and lower humidity because the illuminated area avoids creating dark, damp conditions beneath plant foliage. The combination of illumination and dryness produced by under canopy lighting discourages certain pests and molds from inhabiting this area, enhancing plant health.
• The people who use under canopy lighting express overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experience. The lighting solution improves yield production and bud quality while reducing the complexity of crop management. The cultivation director explained that under canopy LED lighting has become essential for growers who want to achieve maximum yield from each square foot of their plants. The technology has reached a point where it produces dependable results, and multiple success cases exist. 

What approach should you take to selecting appropriate under canopy lights for your grow operation? Let’s review some key factors.

All under canopy LED lights possess different performance characteristics. Follow these steps to evaluate and pick the optimal under canopy grow lights for indoor plants that match your operational needs.

1. Check the Light Spectrum: The plant light spectrum of a fixture should match your target objectives when making this selection. The under canopy lights produced by Grower’s Choice use bloom-enhancing spectra through their GC-3.0 red-heavy spectrum , combining 3000K white light with extra deep red to enhance flowering on lower branches. The Boost XE product line from Thrive Agritech delivers a full-spectrum white light. These are full spectrum LED grow lights for indoor plants that support growth across all wavelengths. The full spectrum LED grow lights provide staff-friendly operation and support every growth phase, but red-emitting bars tend to produce more flower weight on lower plant sections. The spectral output should match your overhead led canopy when these are full-spectrum because red-enhanced under canopy lights focus on blooming activities. The spectrum requires sufficient balance to promote growth while specific fixtures contain minor blue/UVA and far-red components. Always check PAR output distribution if available.
2. Evaluate Efficacy (μmol/J) and Output: Under canopy LEDs follow the same measurement standards as primary LED grow lights through their photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE in μmol/J) and total output (PPF in μmol/s) ratings. More plant-useable light emerges from each watt when the efficacy reaches higher levels. Select under canopy fixtures with high-efficiency LED diodes (>=2.5 μmol/J, with top models reaching ~3.0+ μmol/J) to deliver intense illumination while minimizing heat generation. The Grower’s Choice Under Canopy Light reaches 3.07 μmol/J with 371 μmol/s PPF from its 120W bar and the Thrive Boost XE produces 2.8 μmol/J output with 336 μmol/s from its 120W power. The length of available under canopy LED bars increases with output power so some manufacturers provide longer 4’ and 8’ options (such as GrowPros) to illuminate a 4x8’ bench with one fixture. The light fixture must provide sufficient reach for your lower sites and the correct footprint. These supplemental indoor grow lights should deliver 50–200 μmol/m²/s at mid/lower canopy heights to enhance photosynthesis significantly while preventing light damage to the lower parts.
3. Ensure Quality and Certification (DLC & Safety): Under canopy fixtures require high-quality construction since they face demanding plant to plant grow lights proximity, high humidity conditions, and exposure to water and debris. Select manufacturers who have demonstrated their expertise by creating horticulture products. The quick way to validate product quality involves checking for DLC-listed certification, which ensures independent performance and efficiency testing and provides access to energy rebates for select plant grow lights. UL/ETL certification represents a vital safety standard for electrical equipment that operates in humid settings. When selecting under canopy LEDs for your facility, choose products that carry DLC-listing and UL (or ETL) certification, together with a strong warranty that typically extends to five years for commercial-grade indoor grow lights. The combination of these credentials confirms you receive a product which meets industry standards while maintaining compliance and rebate eligibility. Using inexpensive uncertified lights in commercial settings leads to potential performance problems and reduced product durability.
4. Verify Ingress Protection (IP Rating): Your canopy’s under section exposes plant lights to moisture from irrigation, nutrient mist, and general humidity, and it also collects dirt and leaf debris. The equipment needs to have complete sealing against water and dust penetration. Under canopy LEDs require IP66 or higher protection rating. The fixture has an IP66 rating, which means it blocks dust and can withstand powerful water jets so that you can clean it with pressure washes. Some under canopy lights feature a strong 2-glass sealed construction, which can earn an IP66 rating for achieving maximum waterproofing and corrosion resistance. Under canopy lighting equipment with ratings below IP66 will not endure well in moist conditions because it will lead to reduced longevity. It is beneficial to verify that the plant grow lights and their connectors and cables possess suitable ratings (IP67 quick-connects protect the entire system). The sealed construction of the fixture enables trouble-free operation in wet areas and facilitates easy cleaning during cycles.
5. Mounting technique and an integration method: You need to select the appropriate mounting technique and an integration method based on your under canopy lighting system type. Determine which mounting option will provide the best results for your grow operation:
   • Standalone LED Bars: Various products consist of bars (3–4 feet long) with built-in drivers. Most of these units enable power/data connection through linked cables. You can install these plant lights using various methods, including stake vertical mounting, attaching them to trellis poles, or placing them on supplied stands underneath the canopy. The installation kit should include mounting hardware and stands. Grower’s Choice provides a combined 8-foot power and data cord that enables RJ12 connections for clean setup (stands need separate purchase). In contrast, Thrive’s Boost XE comes with built-in mounting options between 9–24” above pot level for under-lighting. Under canopy stands from Craft Farmer enable growers to position light bars at suitable heights.
   • Integrated Multi-Bar Systems: Flora Flex Under Canopy array represents a recent development which groups several bars into a single frame (for instance, a 3-bar 360W setup covers 4’x4’ and a 6-bar 720W configuration covers 4’x8’). The central driver and multiple bars form a system that allows bar positioning at various angles and heights. These systems generate high light output while providing complete coverage of the canopy base because Flora Flex, its 6-bar setup reaches 2,376 μmol/s at 3.3 μmol/J. These units operate best in extensive facilities that need maximum lighting at the bottom, but their size makes installation more complex.
6. Remote-Driver Systems: Selecting a remote power supply system depends on your needs. California Lightworks’ MegaDrive UnderCanopy utilizes a central driver unit placed outside the grow space to power up to 80 bar fixtures at 120W each. The system enables heat and weight reduction from beneath the canopy area. Multiple bar parallel wiring requires a consulting/design process, but this system allows for efficient large greenhouse plant light installations by eliminating AC drops under each table. The approach benefits extensive facilities or multi-tiered rack systems by cutting installation expenses and time requirements.

Choose between plug-and-play bars for simple setups and retrofits or select modular or centralized systems for professional installations that need to cover large areas. Installing under canopy lights requires determining power supply routes and securing fixture positions. Under canopy lighting setup begins with a small test installation that includes several bars before growers  install lights across their entire cultivation area.

To achieve maximum under canopy light efficiency, you must optimize their position and operating parameters. A few tip:

1. Bar heights: The light bars should be placed at heights 12 to 18 inches below the canopy or above the growing medium with  LEDs directed at the foliage. Place stands so the light beam reaches the plant canopy directly below for optimal coverage. The adjustable angle features of dual-angled boards like FloraFlex tilting bars enable you to enhance light distribution while preventing overheating areas.
2. Coverage & Density: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended spacing. A single 4-foot bar works to illuminate approximately 4 square feet of canopy beneath it. Two light bars should be used on tables with dense plant growth or when the plants reach wider areas because standard 4-foot bars might not provide enough coverage. The lighting footprint should overlap to achieve uniformity.
3. Dimming: Most quality under-canopy LEDs are dimmable (0-10V). Begin by lowering the intensity of the lights for the first few days to help plants adjust to the new light source below and then switch to full power. The plant light intensity can be set between 50% to 70% for young plants before moving to maximum power during the peak flowering phase. Observe how your plants respond because upward leaf movement indicates a positive phototropic response.
4. Timing: The operating schedule of under canopy lights should match the timing of your bloom lights by running for 12 hours during the flower phase. Growers who want to save energy often restrict their light usage to specific parts of the growth cycle or extend it during the flowering stage. The lights in light-dep greenhouses activate during daytime hours while blackout covers remain open.
5. Temperature and Humidity: Placing lights under the canopy will produce slight warming and drying effects on that area. You should track the temperature and humidity readings at the middle point of the canopy before the installation and check again after the installation. You should verify your airflow system through fan adjustments or by boosting air movement whenever you detect hot areas. Most under-canopy LEDs function at low temperatures because they have passive cooling systems with no fans, while their slender design does not restrict air flow. It is essential to monitor the tiny environmental conditions. When installed correctly, under canopy lighting decreases humidity under leaves while keeping pests away, as mentioned earlier.
6. Watering Operations: It is essential to exercise caution during watering operations and equipment movement when lights are positioned on the ground or at a low height. You should use waterproof connectors while keeping your cords tidy to prevent accidents. The light bars require regular cleaning (when turned off) to remove dust and residue, which helps achieve the maximum output. Due to their durable design, most IP66 bars require only a hose or gentle pressure wash for cleaning between cycles.

The correct selection of under canopy LED lights for your cultivation needs can be achieved by following these evaluation steps for spectrum, efficacy, certifications, IP rating, mounting, and usage best practices.

Absolutely. The installation of under canopy lighting results in better quality and denser medicinal flower yields with enhanced potency. Growers typically achieve yield growth between 10% and 30% with better bud uniformity , and they need less labor because of reduced pruning requirements. Under canopy LED lighting delivers rapid returns on investment because it takes less than two harvest cycles to pay back the initial costs.

Yes. Independent research and grower feedback demonstrate that under canopy lighting produces yield boosts ranging from 20% to 30%. California Lightworks conducted research, which revealed a 30% increase in yield, while TSRgrow and Thrive Agritech achieved yield enhancements that averaged at 20%. The supplemental lighting of lower plant branches enables growers to produce greater biomass while obtaining superior-quality buds.

Under canopy lighting should be activated at  the flowering stage when plants reach 14–21 days of growth. At this growth stage, plants have finished their initial stretching, so the lower canopy benefits from supplemental lighting, which produces denser, uniform buds. Using under canopy lights before the vegetative stage and during early flowering periods should be avoided because it would waste energy.

Under canopy lighting produces several vital outcomes in cultivation:

• • Yield Increase: Typically, 20–30% greater yield per square foot.
• • Better bud quality emerges from smaller popcorn buds to create dense premium grade A flowers.
• • Plant Structure: Uniform plant growth with less stretching and sturdier stems.
• • Labor Efficiency: Extensive pruning (lollipopping) becomes unnecessary through this process.
• • Pest and Disease Reduction: The reduced humidity under the canopy and better airflow create an environment that minimizes pest and disease issues.

The combined advantages lead to enhanced operational efficiency and higher profitability in operations.

The summary table in our “Best Under Canopy LED Grow Lights” blog helps you decide by comparing leading under-canopy LED lights and their essential features (Such as Faven Lighting, GrowPro, Flora Flex, and Craft Farmer under canopy lights). These models represent the top choices for under-canopy cultivation lighting.

Most high-end under canopy lights operate at 120W per bar and provide efficiencies between 2.5–3.3 μmol/J. The MegaDrive UC and FloraFlex systems lead the market with their high efficiency rates exceeding 3.0 μmol/J while pushing the boundaries of efficient lighting. The listed models come with robust ingress protection ratings at IP65/IP66 or better, ensuring durability. The mounting systems vary from basic hanging bars to stands and multi-bar rigs, so you should select the option that matches your growing setup. All these examples are DLC-certified or pending, which proves their performance level and makes them eligible for energy rebates throughout multiple regions. When you want to implement under canopy lighting in your operation, you can combine a high-output top light with under canopy bars to ensure 360° light coverage. Under canopy LEDs from reliable manufacturers can easily integrate into your existing plant growing systems. The under canopy LEDs use low-wattage power consumption and come with ready-to-use cables that enable easy connection to your existing lighting controllers.

Under canopy lighting has evolved from experimental status to become a scientifically proven method that optimizes medicinal flower yields and quality while boosting operational efficiency. These LED fixtures illuminate shaded lower growth areas so growers can obtain additional premium buds from each plant while enhancing potency and uniformity and decreasing manual work through reduced pruning activities. Under canopy LEDs pay back their cost in less than two harvests while increasing your profits according to data from small indoor gardens and large commercial greenhouses.

To implement under canopy lighting,  select products that match your spectrum needs and contain high efficacy diodes, DLC,  UL certifications, and IP66+ durability standards . Create a deployment plan for mounting and monitoring the environment. GrowersHouse exists to help you select the appropriate under canopy solution for your grow operation. We are ready to assist customers who need help with their under canopy selection.

GrowersHouse provides complimentary and customized lighting consultations arrangements to all customers. Our team offers under canopy light recommendations based on your specific setup and budget and handles integration with existing equipment while providing rebate support and ROI calculations. Our website features an Under Canopy Lighting Collection, which enables you to view and contrast different models alongside related materials, including our Growers House Best Under Canopy LED Grow Lights blog that explains lighting and DLC concepts. You should not overlook the lower half of your canopy because our team will guide you in illuminating your entire growth from top to bottom for maximum yield and quality. Contact GrowersHouse immediately to start building your more brilliant lighting strategy through their under canopy LED grow lights selection.