In recent years, with the development of indoor gardening and vertical farming, people have paid more and more attention to how to provide optimal growing conditions for plants. The use of LED grow lights has become particularly important. This innovative light source can not only simulate sunlight and supplement the lack of natural light, but also meet the lighting needs of plants in different growth cycles through specific spectral ratios.
First, plants' needs for light time vary from species to species. Generally speaking, most plants require sufficient light for photosynthesis, which is essential for their growth and development. For example, vegetables and flowers generally require longer light hours to maintain good growth, while some shade plants have lower light time requirements.
Second, photoperiod, the ratio of day to night, has a significant impact on the growth cycle of plants. For example, some plants require long days to promote flowering, while others require short days. Using LED grow lights can precisely control the photoperiod and optimize plant growth conditions.
In addition, light intensity is closely related to light time. Within certain limits, stronger light can reduce the required exposure time. However, too much or too little light can have adverse effects on plants. For example, insufficient light may cause plants to grow too long, while too much light may cause photosynthesis saturation or photodamage.
Although natural light is an ideal light source when considering the optimal light hours required by different plants and their growth cycles, in many situations, such as indoor environments or seasonal changes, natural light may not be sufficient to meet the needs of plants. At this time, LED grow lights become particularly important. They not only supplement the lack of natural light, but also optimize plant growth conditions by adjusting the spectrum and lighting time.
Hours of light required by different plants in different growth cycles
- Vegetables and flowers: These plants usually need long periods of sunlight, usually 12 to 16 hours a day. For example, tomatoes, peppers and most flowers need a lot of light to grow and flower well.
- Succulents and cacti: These plants are adapted to high-light environments and need about six to eight hours of light a day, but overexposure should also be avoided.
- Leafy vegetables: e.g. lettuce and spinach usually need 10 to 14 hours of light per day.
- Herbs: e.g. basil, coriander, etc. They need about 10 to 16 hours of light per day.
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Cannabis: Cannabis light requirements vary during its growth cycle. For example, during flowering it is usually 18 to 24 hours per day. During the growing season, cannabis plants typically require approximately 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness per day.
This photoperiod helps to promote rapid plant growth. During the transition to flowering, cannabis plants require longer periods of darkness to stimulate flower production. At this point the lighting schedule is usually adjusted to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day.
The proper use of LED grow lights is essential for indoor plant growth, especially when natural light is not sufficient for optimal plant growth. Not only do these lights supplement natural light, but they also provide an adjustable spectrum and intensity to meet the specific needs of different plants and growth stages.
Whether it's a common ornamental plant in your home or one that requires special lighting conditions (such as marijuana), LED plant lights are effective in promoting their healthy growth.
It is important to closely monitor the plant's growth response in order to adjust the lighting schedule. If plants show signs of poor growth, such as spindly growth, discoloured leaves or sunburnt leaves, this may be an indication that the exposure time needs to be adjusted.
Note: The above content is reproduced from VANQ