It’s no secret that plants need light to grow. Chlorophyll in plant cells absorbs light and converts it into energy. That energy is then used to transform nutrients into food. For plants grown outside, the sun naturally provides light to make this process possible. When you grow plants indoors, though, they depend on you to provide the light they need for photosynthesis.
Choosing the Right Light for Your Indoor Plants
Because of that, choosing the right grow lights for indoor plants is crucial. Without the right lights, they’ll either produce disappointing yields or altogether die. Different types of grow lights are available, though, so finding the right ones for your plants isn’t always easy. Be sure to purchase grow lights from a top rated retailer to get the most quality for your money. On top of that, keep the following points in mind to help you find the right ones to keep your plants healthy.
Different Types of Indoor Lights for Plants
Several types of grow lights are available. LEDs are among the most popular because they’re more versatile. They also cost less to operate than some other alternatives. Metal-halide lamps produce intense blue light, but as HIDs, they generate a great deal of heat. High-pressure sodium lamps produce more yellow and red light than blue. They also get hot, though. Fluorescent lights can produce red or blue light or a mixture of the two, but they offer less intensity. Incandescent lights can sometimes be used for growing as well, but they don’t always live up to plants’ needs.
Know What Your Plants Need
First of all, remember that different plants need different types of light. Some need direct sunlight whereas others need lower levels of light. Certain plants thrive on blue light while others require red. Some plants need blue light while they’re growing and red light when it’s time to flower or produce fruit. Research the types of plants you’ll be growing to better understand which seasons and light levels they thrive in, so you can find grow lights that correspond with their needs.
Placement and Duration
Remember that different plants need varying amounts of light as well. Since some lights are hotter and more intense than others, they may need to be placed farther away from the plants. Those that are cooler and less intense may need to be closer to the plants. Timing is also critical. Many plants need between 12 and 16 hours of light per day in their vegetative stages. When the time comes for fruiting and flowering, though, they may need less. Again, understanding your plants’ requirements will be essential here.
Giving Your Plants the Light They Need
Finding the best lights for your indoor plants may take a bit of research. You need to understand exactly which types of light your plants need in terms of intensity and color. Knowing how much light they need per day and how much heat they can or can’t tolerate is also important. Several types of grow lights are available to accommodate those varying needs. Be sure to monitor your plants regularly for signs of light- and heat-related stress, like brown or pale leaves and brittleness. Adjust the lighting as needed to keep your plants healthy.
