Information about Grow Lights
The plant sensitivity curve for
photosynthesis has its peak at the red end of the spectrum (675nm) (McCree).
This chart indicated that providing
plants with the wavelengths best suited to photosynthesis, is the most efficient
use of artificial light. Tests show a mean deviation from the average
sensitivity curve of less than 5% for a wide variety of plants. The curve shows
that the maximum sensitivity for photosynthesis lies in the far red at
approximately 675 nm.
The plant sensitivity curve disputes two common misconceptions. The first is
that an "ideal" plant growing lamp duplicates the spectral energy distribution
of the sun. Sunlight has a continual spectrum, radiating energy in wavelengths
that contribute less to photosynthesis, and are therefore "wasted" on the plant.
For this reason, many lamps are more efficient than sunlight for plants.
Which Lamp is Best for Your Growing
Needs?
Metal Halide Lamps
This type of light is blue-orientated in the spectrum. It's the best type of
light to be used as a primary light source (if little or no natural sunlight is
available). This type of lamp promotes plant growth.
High Pressure Sodium Lamps
These lamps are red/orange in the spectrum. They are the best lamps available
for secondary or supplemental lighting (used in conjuction with natural
sunlight). This type of light promotes flowering/budding in plants. It's ideal
for Greenhouse/Commercial growing applications.
Conversion Lamps
There are two(2) types of conversion lamps:
A.
Sodium Lamps which run on halide
ballasts - more common.
B.
Halide Lamps which run on sodium
ballasts.
This type of lamp allows you to tailor the light source to the growth stage of
the plant (again, using halide blue light for growth and sodium red light for
flowering/budding) merely by changing lamps.
Fluorescent
This type of light is perfect for starts and seedlings but is a poor light
source for growth and budding primarily because of low lumen output.
Incandescent
Unlike the other lamps, above, this type does NOT require a ballast. These
lamps consist of Sylvania Spot Gro R-20 and R-40 flood lamps available in 75
watt and 150 watt sizes. Also good for starts and seedlings. Good lamp choice
for individual plants or small groups of plants. Provides an inexpensive
alternative to HID lamps.
Note:
Halide and High Pressure Sodium are referred to as "High Intensity Discharge"
(HID) Lamps.
Add a Light to make your Houseplants flourish or grow system year-round!!
| What light size do you need? |
| Watts |
Coverage |
with sunlight |
| 250 |
3' x 3' |
4' x 4' |
| 400 |
4' x 4' |
6' x 6' |
| 600 |
5' x 5' |
7' x 7' |
| 1000 |
7' x 7' |
11' x 11' |
