Do Grow Lights Work?

It is common knowledge that for plants to thrive, they must have access to light. However, not all sources of light are created equal. Many varieties of grow lights exist, each with its own unique set of features to best encourage photosynthesis and plant growth. With the help of growing lights, you can raise stunning houseplants year-round, regardless of the weather outside.

How does photosynthesis work?

Think back to your middle school science classes: remember studying photosynthesis? Let's get back to basics. Plants undergo a process called photosynthesis.

What happens during photosynthesis varies from plant to plant. It allows the plant to grow by transforming the energy from sunlight into chemical form. As a result, plants aren't always able to thrive with a single color of light.

Indoor plant growth is enhanced by grow lights that either simulates the sun's spectrum or produce the precise wavelengths required by the plant. For instance, blue light is good for the leaves, while red stimulates the growth of the roots and triggers flowering.

Why are grow lights better than regular lights?

So, how are grow lights different from regular lights? The relationship between temperature and wavelengths. When it comes to photosynthesis, traditional lighting falls short because of its limited spectrum of wavelengths.

Traditional lighting also emits heat, quickly scorching and killing your plants. Meanwhile, grow lights encourage photosynthesis by providing a broad spectrum of wavelengths and, if necessary, targeted lighting based on your plant's requirements.

Grow lights are safer for plants because they use less energy and don't produce heat.

What are the various kinds of grow lights available?

Various varieties of grow lights are available, making it difficult to choose the best one for your plants. Today's four leading grow lights are on the market: fluorescent, incandescent, LED, and high-intensity discharge.

Incandescent grow lights

You can get these light bulbs at any hardware or grocery shop; they are the most widely available and inexpensive option. It's your standard lamp bulb.

They can kill your plants and aren't long-lasting or energy efficient; therefore, they're unsuitable for growing lights.

Fluorescent lights

Typically, fluorescent light bulbs come in the form of long tubes or the more recognizable spiral shape of the compact fluorescent reflector (CFL). Unlike incandescent bulbs, these do not generate a lot of heat and are, therefore, safe to use around your plant life. It's also a pleasure for the eyes to see the light they produce.

Whether you need warm light for blossoming or chilly light for growing plants, fluorescent lights can provide it. In general, fluorescent lights are more expensive than other types of bulbs. The good news is that they are efficient and last a long time.

LED plant lights

LED refers to the fact that these bulbs are constructed from many individual light-emitting diodes. These grow lights are the most advanced to date since they emit nearly no heat while producing a broad spectrum of light.

Further, they may be adjusted to emit only the wavelengths of light your plant requires without significantly increasing energy usage.

High-intensity discharge grow lights

Since its introduction, HID lights have quickly gained popularity as a preferred method of plant illumination. Most commercial growers use them because their light output is so high, and they are the best at mimicking natural sunlight.

You can skip buying these unless you plan to make a living out of your hobbies. High-intensity discharge bulbs (HIDs) are comprised of gas and electrodes, with the latter reacting with the former to produce light.

The two most common are high-pressure sodium and metal halide. Both bulbs emit light; however, the former is yellow, and the latter is blue.

How long should grow lights run?

Grow lights' intensity, duration of use, and distance from the plant are all important factors. In the presence of light, plants perform the chemical reaction known as photosynthesis.

Houseplants can literally "burn out" from too much direct light. And it may dry them out, harm their foliage, and even stop them from blossoming. Sometimes literally.

On average, plants require 8 hours or more of darkness daily to thrive. Plants use the energy stored during the day to grow and bloom at night, making darkness an essential aspect of their development.

Plants value stability over all else. Most houseplants thrive in 8-10 hours of sunlight daily, while flowering plants may require more. To promote the healthy growth and development in your plants, it is recommended that you use a timer to control the duration of the light cycle.