4 Best Light Meter Apps for Plants
To grow plants shiny and healthy, there are two important things to keep in mind. One they must get a perfect amount of water and second the place where they are kept gets enough light. So, how you can measure that if your plants are getting enough light or not? There are physical light measuring meters available in the market. However, they are quite expensive to buy. An average light measuring meter can cost you around hundreds of dollars. However, if you do not want to buy those expensive meters, then we have a solution for you. In this article, you will learn about the best light meter apps for plants. Now you can easily measure the light from these apps without paying the cost.
Why Need A Light Meter?
As you know that light is the second most important thing for your plants. That is why you need to track the light amount your plants are receiving. Because you cannot figure out accurately with naked eyes, for this purpose a light meter is used. It measures the accurate amount of light that is consuming by your plants.
Best Light Meter Apps for Android & iOS
If you search on the app store for the light meter, you will find many different applications. However, some of them are developed to be used in photography, while other work as illuminance meter. There are not many apps that can measure PAR/PPFD for your plants. We have listed down some of them with the comparison. You can choose among these apps which you liked most.
① LUX Light Meter Pro
When you search light meter app on the App Store, Lux Light Meter Pro will be on first. It is one of the most popular light measuring applications available on the App Store. This application is developed by Marina Polyanskaya. It is available for free and its measurements are Lux and FC. However, it does not offer calibration.
When you install this app for the first time, you need to learn about how it works. After some time, you will be able to operate this meter light app more reliably. If we talk about its cons, Lux Light Meter Pro does not update often. So, if any bugs appear in the app, you must wait for when the new update comes.
② LUX Light Meter Free
If you are looking for a free app, then Lux Light Meter Free is available in the app store that is measuring light to help you with your plant. However, because this app is free, it shows you ads. Lux Light Meter Free is developed by Nipakul Bhuttua. This app has a feature which is camera feed, it allows you to target the available light source. So, that you can directly be able to measure the light source by pointing the camera at it.
This app includes measurements in Lux and it also does not offer calibration. If we talk about its user interface, it feels heavy-handed and outdated. For some people, UI matters a lot that is why if you can handle clunky UI then you can install this app.
LUX Light Meter FREE | Android | iOS
③ Plant Light Meter
We know that it is hard to trust paid apps and not all paid apps are reliable. However, Plant Light Meter is an application that you can trust. It is available on App Store for 1$. This app is uniquely built to measure different plant lighting scenarios.
As this application is paid, it gives you advanced features – like, it can learn about lightning requirements of different houseplants. If we talk about the measurement, it can read in Lux and FC (foot candle). As we have discussed the plant lightning source needs to be measure in PPFD/PAR, this app does not contain those measurements. However, it somehow closes to the light measure meter.
④ Korona – Grow Light Meter
Above all mentioned app, this app called “Korona – Grow Light Meter” is the best among all those apps. You will ask why this app is best among others? Please, read the rest passage and you can figure it out on your own.
This app has all the measurements which are needed for measuring light source for plants. It includes Lux, Foot Candle, Kelvin, and most importantly it also has PPFD/PAR measurements. As the above apps do not offer calibration features, Korona – Grow Light Meter offers a custom calibration feature. It helps you to fine-tune the app with your phone if needed. It also includes factory pre-calibration which is set by default when you download it for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a light meter?
A light meter is a device or app used to measure the light intensity or illuminance in a given area, typically expressed in lux or foot candles. A light meter is a device used for light measurement, specifically for determining the intensity of light in a given space. It provides accurate readings of different light sources such as natural or artificial light.
There are various types of light meters available, including par meters, quantum par meters, and lux meters. These tools are commonly used in photography, cinematography, and horticulture, particularly for monitoring and optimizing light conditions for plants. Some light meters can be found in the app store, allowing for convenient measurement through smartphone applications.
How can I measure light for plants?
To measure light for plants, you can use a light meter to determine the illuminance levels. It is crucial to use a light meter apps as well specifically designed for horticulture purposes to ensure accurate readings. There are various meter apps available for smartphones, but it is essential to find a reliable one that has been tested and trusted. Additionally, the 500 price difference between these apps varies greatly. It is also recommended to use the grow lights as a reference for each app to ensure the most suitable light levels for your plants.
How can a light meter help with plant growth?
A light meter helps determine the appropriate light levels for optimal plant growth. By measuring the light intensity, you can ensure that your plants are receiving adequate light for photosynthesis. A light meter can greatly assist with plant growth by measuring the amount of light the plants are receiving. By using a light meter, gardeners can determine if their plants are receiving the optimal amount of light for healthy growth.
Additionally, there are meter apps available that can be used to dive into anything related to light measurement, such as the photone grow light meter. These apps provide accurate information about the intensity and spectrum of light the plants are receiving. It is essential to use a light meter app that isn’t shown to provide inaccurate readings, as the light meter’s measurement is crucial for ensuring the plants are getting the proper amount of light.
Are there any reliable plant light meter apps available?
Yes, there are several reliable plant light meter apps available in the app store. These apps use the device’s sensor to measure light accurately and provide information about light levels. Are there any reliable plant light meter apps available?
Yes, there are several reliable options on the app store. These apps include illuminance meter apps that can be used by many home- and professional growers. They provide accurate measurements of light intensity, helping plant owners determine the optimal lighting conditions for their plants.
What is the difference between lux and foot candles?
Lux and foot candles are units of illuminance, but they are slightly different. Lux is the metric unit of illuminance, while foot candles are the imperial unit. One foot candle is equal to approximately 10.764 lux. The difference between lux and foot candles lies in the units used to measure levels of light. Lux is the metric unit for illuminance, while foot candles are the imperial unit. Both units are used to determine the amount of light that plants need, as they require a certain level for photosynthesis.
To measure these levels, an illuminance light meter can be used, which can be found in the form of many light meter apps available on iOS. However, if you are looking for an android app to measure photosynthetically active radiation, you may need to find a different option.
Can I use a light meter to measure light from different sources?
Yes, a light meter can be used to measure light from various sources such as natural sunlight, artificial grow lights, or any other light source. It provides valuable information about the light intensity emitted from different sources. Yes, you can use a light meter to measure light from different sources. The iPhone 11 has various light meter apps available, while a different light meter like the LM-3000 can measure PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density) using a quantum PAR sensor. These light meters provide an excellent alternative to any hardware, offering precise measurements and serving as a reference for each application.
What is PPFD and why is it important for plants?
PPFD stands for photosynthetic photon flux density, which measures the number of photons (light particles) available for photosynthesis per unit area per second. It is crucial for determining the light intensity required for optimal plant growth. PPFD stands for Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density, and it refers to the amount of light a plant receives in a specific area. It is important for plants as it helps determine the ideal light levels needed for growth and photosynthesis.
PPFD is widely used in horticulture as it allows growers to measure light intensity accurately. Unlike traditional light meters that measure in foot candles, PPFD meters measure light differently, taking into account the specific wavelengths of light that plants utilize. This information can greatly aid in optimizing lighting conditions and ensuring the health and productivity of plants.
Are there any light meter apps that claim to measure PAR accurately?
Yes, there are light meter apps that claim to measure PAR accurately. However, it is recommended to use professional PAR light meters for precise PAR measurements. There are some plant lighting apps that claim to accurately measure PAR (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) in real-world scenarios under real plant grow lights.
These apps allow users to measure the intensity of their grow lights as they would in a typical grow environment, providing valuable information for optimizing plant health and growth.
Can I find light meter apps in the app store?
Yes, there are several light meter apps available in the app store that can be used to measure light intensity and illuminance accurately. Simply search for “light meter” in the app store to find suitable options. Yes, you can find light meter apps in the app store. These apps measure the full spectrum of light and are particularly useful in low light conditions. If you are specifically looking for a light meter for plants, you can also find apps that cater to that need.
However, it is important to note that not all apps in the app store that claim to be light meter apps are accurate or reliable. It is recommended to do thorough research and read reviews before selecting an app. Some popular and tested iOS light meter apps include LED grow and iOS light meter apps.
Is a light meter an excellent alternative to other methods of measuring light?
Yes, a light meter is an excellent alternative to other methods of measuring light. It provides a quick and convenient way to determine light levels and ensures accurate measurements. A light meter is indeed an excellent alternative to other methods of measuring light. If you want precise measurements, you can check out the light meter lm-3000 for exactly that.
Additionally, there are also meter apps available on the app store that serve as illuminance meter apps. These apps can be a great reference for both home- and professional growers alike.
What is the significance of measuring light accurately for growing indoor plants?
Measuring light accurately is crucial for growing indoor plants because it helps determine the appropriate light levels for different types of plants. Providing an indoor grower, measuring light accurately is crucial for the successful growth of plants. Different plants have different light requirements, and measuring light intensity accurately can help you provide the ideal conditions for your plants to thrive. Widely used light meters can assist you in determining the various light levels in your indoor space. Knowing the exact amount of light your plants receive can help you position them towards the light source and ensure they receive the optimal light intensity.
Every time the light intensity doubles, the photone is the only plant that can perform photosynthesis efficiently. Therefore, a slight difference in light measurements could make a significant impact on your plant’s growth. Moreover, consistent and accurate light measurements can also help you identify any areas in your indoor grow space that may be lacking in light, preventing potential issues with plant growth.
Can you use your phone as a light meter for plants?
Yes, it is possible to use your phone as a light meter for plants. Several apps are available that utilize the smartphone’s camera to measure brightness levels. I took measurements on an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 11 Pro, and I have confidence that the photone grow app I used is measuring accurately. This convenient feature allows plant enthusiasts to easily monitor and adjust the lighting conditions for their plants.
More Light Measuring Applications
In this article, we only include those apps which work almost close as compare to physical light measuring meters. However, there are more different light apps available on App Store and Google Play store. But we do not suggest you download those various light apps, because they are not worth it to use.
