Grow lights are a crucial piece of equipment for indoor horticulture. They offer the proper spectrum of light for plants to grow and thrive. To obtain the best outcomes for your plants, you need know how long to leave the grow lights on.
The type of plant, the stage of growth, and the brightness of the light are a few variables that affect how long grow lights should remain on. Most plants generally need between 12 and 16 hours of light every day. However, depending on their unique requirements, certain plants may need more or less.
Compared to mature plants, seedlings and immature plants need more light. It is advised to leave the grow lights on for 16 to 18 hours each day for these plants. They will develop stronger and healthier as a result. The amount of light the plants need can be decreased to 12 to 14 hours each day as they get older.
How long grow lights should be on also depends on the light’s intensity. Shorter amounts of time can be spent using high-intensity lights like metal halide or high-pressure sodium. These lights should be on for 12 to 14 hours each day when utilized during the vegetative stage of growth.
Conversely, low-intensity lighting, such fluorescent or LED lights, can be utilized continuously. These lights should be on for 14 to 16 hours per day when utilized during the flowering stage of growth.
It’s crucial to remember that plants too need darkness to rest and recover. The black period is this time period. Depending on the stage of growth and the type of plant, the dark period should last between eight and twelve hours each day.
In conclusion, a number of variables, such as the type of plant, the stage of growth, and the intensity of the light, affect how long grow lights should remain on. In general, plants need between 12 and 16 hours of light every day, with older plants needing less light than seedlings and immature plants. It’s crucial to give plants time in the dark so they can rest and recover. You can guarantee your indoor garden produces the finest results by adhering to these rules.