Grow lights are a crucial piece of equipment for indoor horticulture. Especially in places with little natural light, they offer the essential light spectrum for plants to develop and thrive. To prevent either overexposure or underexposure, it is crucial to understand how long plants should be exposed to grow lights.
The type of plant, the stage of growth, and the intensity of the light are a few variables that affect how long plants should be exposed to grow lights. In general, most plants need between 8 and 12 hours of light per day during the flowering stage and between 12 and 16 hours per day during the vegetative stage.
Stage of Vegetation
Plants need more light during the vegetative stage in order to expand and form sturdy stems and leaves. During this stage, most plants require 12 to 16 hours of light per day. On the other hand, some plants, including lettuce and herbs, may thrive with just 8 hours of light every day.
It is significant to note that the vegetative stage also depends on the brightness of the light. During this stage, plants require 400–600 micromoles of light per square meter per second (μmol/m²/s). The plants may become lanky and feeble if the light intensity is too low. The plants may become scorched or stunted if the light intensity is too great.
Flowering Period
Plants need less light during the flowering stage than they do during the vegetative stage. During this stage, most plants require 8 to 12 hours of light per day. To produce the maximum harvests, some plants, like cannabis, may need up to 14 hours of light each day.
The flowering stage is also influenced by the brightness of the light. During this stage, plants require light with an intensity of 600–1000 μmol/m²/s. The plants may not produce enough blooms or fruits if the light level is too low. The plants may grow stressed and produce fewer blooms or fruits if the light intensity is too high.
Other Things to Think About
When deciding how long plants should remain under a grow light, there are more aspects to take into account in addition to the type of plant and the stage of growth. These consist of:
1. Distance from the light: To prevent overexposure or underexposure, plants should be put at the proper distance from the grow light. Depending on the kind of light and its intensity, the distance changes.
2. Temperature: For plants to grow and thrive, a particular temperature range is necessary. Keep the temperature within the range that is ideal for the particular plant.
3. Humidity: For plants to grow and thrive, a particular range of humidity is needed. The humidity should be maintained within the range that is ideal for the particular plant.
4. Nutrients: For plants to grow and develop, they need a variety of nutrients. The nutrients need to be given in the right amounts and at the right times.
In conclusion, the type of plant, the stage of growth, and the intensity of the light are all elements that affect how long plants should be exposed to grow lights. Most plants need between 8 and 12 hours of light per day during the flowering stage and between 12 and 16 hours per day during the vegetative stage. To achieve ideal development and yield, it’s crucial to take into account additional parameters including distance from the light source, temperature, humidity, and nutrients. Plants can flourish under a grow light and provide a plentiful crop with the right care and attention.
