The Problem of Indoor Lighting for Plants
Indoor plant enthusiasts often struggle with providing sufficient sunlight for their plants to thrive. This can be a challenging task, especially in high-rise dwellings where windows receive limited natural light.
Benefits of Grow Lights
Fortunately, with the advent of LED (light-emitting diode) technology, grow lights have become a viable solution for indoor plant growing. These energy-efficient lights can either supplement or substitute natural sunlight, allowing you to cultivate plants in the comfort of your living space or office.
Choosing the Right Grow Light
When selecting a grow light, it is essential to consider the specific light spectra that contain the range of light wavelengths that plants need for photosynthesis, growth, and development. These lights differ from conventional lighting for interior spaces, which have different light spectra and are generally ineffective in supporting plant growth.
Key Characteristics of Optimal Grow Lights
Grow lights should have the following characteristics:
- Red and blue light with wavelengths of around 660nm and 450nm, respectively
- A higher proportion of red may cause some plants to flower and develop a stretched appearance
- A higher proportion of blue light will lead to shorter, more compact plants
- The “whiteness” of your grow light will be determined by the relative amounts of wavelengths in the visible light spectrum
Speciality Grow Lights
Grow lights for general usage typically do not contain ultraviolet (UV) and far-red lights. However, these wavelength regions are usually available in speciality grow lights that are used in research or the agriculture industry.
- UV-A (between 320 and 400nm) is used to induce a stress response in plants, causing them to produce protective chemicals such as antioxidants
- Far-red wavelengths can elicit plant stretching, leaf area expansion, and flowering in some plants
Fixtures and Placement
When choosing a grow light fixture, consider the type of plants you will be growing and the available space. There are two main fixtures available online: spot lights and tube lights.
- Spot lights shine intense light on a small area, suitable for a single plant or several smaller ones placed close together
- Tube lights emit less intense light and are commonly integrated into multi-tiered shelves to cover a canopy of plants
Distance and Duration
The distance between the grow light and the plant, as well as the duration of the lighting schedule, are crucial factors to consider.
- The distance between the grow light and the plant should be at least 10cm from the top of the plant canopy
- Grow lights can be connected to a timer to automate the lighting schedule
- Plants need 12 to 16 hours of light a day to thrive, depending on the grow light’s intensity
Safety Precautions
As grow lights often produce more intense light than conventional room lighting, it is essential to take safety precautions.
- Avoid working with or looking at your plants for too long when grow lights are switched on
- Put on protective eyewear if needed, and take breaks to minimize eye strain and fatigue
- Electricity and water do not mix, so do not let water or fertiliser solutions come into contact with the electrical fittings of grow lights
Conclusion
Grow lights can be a game-changer for indoor plant growing, providing the specific light spectra that plants need to thrive. By choosing the right grow light, considering the key characteristics, and taking safety precautions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy and vibrant plants.