Light Spectrum and Plant Growth

Light has profound effects on the development of plants. The light-mediated changes in plant growth and development are called "photomorphogenesis". The most striking effects of light are observed when a germinating seedling emerges from the soil and is exposed to light for the first time. Light plays a vital role in photosynthesis. The amount of light a plant receives per day, the intensity of light and the wavelength or light spectrum all affect plant growth and development. The light spectrum emitted by the sun is most visible in rainbows as bands of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Of all these wavelengths, only the colors at the far ends of the spectrum--blue and red--have any notable effects on plant growth.

Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in cyanobacteria and the chloroplasts of algae and plants. It is vital for photosynthesis, which allows plants to absorb energy from light. Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in a plant's ability to absorb sunlight. Sunlight from the violet-blue and reddish-orange-red spectrums is mostly absorbed through chlorophyll. Plants such as grass that have a lot of chlorophyll reflect sunlight from the green and yellow spectrums, thus allowing us to see these plants as different shades of green.

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy, normally from the sun, into chemical energy that can be used to fuel the organisms' activities.  Photosynthesis uses a series of chemical reactions to convert the light captured by chlorophyll into the essential elements of plant growth such as cell walls. This conversion creates the food that plants need to survive and thrive. The waste product of the photosynthesis process is oxygen, which is essential for the survival of all living things.

Blue Light
The shorter wavelengths of blue light, also known as cool light, trigger chlorophyll production, which ends plant dormancy and starts the development process. Plants initially grown under blue light will have compact growth with thick leaves and strong stems. Outdoors, this light is strongest in spring and summer. Inside, home gardeners often use the blue light spectrum in the form of fluorescent lights to start seedlings.

Red Light
Combining the longer wavelengths of the red light spectrum with the shorter blue light spectrum wavelengths will begin the next phase of plant growth. This phase encompasses germination; development of the plant's underground network of roots, tubers or bulbs; and finally blooming and the development of fruit. Red or warm light is more prevalent as days shorten in the fall and winter. Eventually, this will cause the onset of dormancy in some plants. Red light is the most effective kind for photosynthesis.

Far-Red Light
The wavelengths included in the far-red region are those that are in the range of 650 to 800nm, although some authorities put the cut-off point closer to 740nm than 800. The low end is the important part. The red wavelengths are in the range of slightly less than 600 to 650 nm. And far-red light is mostly used by the plant to detect competing plants.

Green and Yellow Light
Plants reflect green and yellow light, which are in the middle of the color spectrum. Thus, these two wavelengths have little effect on plant growth.

Angels for The Plants in Winter

We always worried about the plant growth in winter. But with led grow lights, it can extend the effective illumination time. Whether in the evening or at night, it can effectively and scientifically control the needs of light for the plants, and not affected by any environmental changes. We can also enjoy the colorful world in winter with such angels. Now, I will tell you the advantages about the led grow lights for indoor gardening.

Throughout the seed germination process, it's essential that different kinds of seeds should take advantage of the application of the suitable grow light. Seeds such as lettuce, mullein and evening primrose should have adequate light in order to germinate properly. Once they are planted through organic gardening, they depend on the natural light. Once they are grown indoors, gardeners should apply the proper quantity of light that they need. This is where LED grow light can serve its purpose. It does not only offer the bright light but also helps maintain cooler soil and air temperature for germination to take place particularly in the case of lettuce. It doesn't produce any heat that could be dangerous in the growth of hydroponic plants. With this, you have easier control of the soil and air temperature in order to accomplish the best germination rate for your seeds. Also, there is no need for fans and vents which are commonly used with other kinds of grow lights.

LED grow lighting is becoming popular with indoor gardening use due to the production of a bright light. Compared to other regularly used grow lights such as high pressure sodium (HPS) lights, it puts out a more intense light than the typical 400 watt HPS bulb. This is important in order that seeds will receive the appropriate bright light while they are growing. Without this bright light, they will have a weak development resulting to spindly stems as they struggle to reach the only little light available in the growing environment.

In order for your hydroponic plants to grow properly using LED grow light, it is important that you have a clear understanding of the fundamentals in color temperature and how every color applies to plant growth stages. Color temperatures are measured in Kelvins (K). Red and orange colors have lower temperatures ranging from 2200-2300K but are observed as warm colors. They are required for flower and fruit development. Blue color with temperature that ranges between 6000-6500K is seen as cool colors and is best suited for vegetative growth. What you will need is a higher color temperature for your seedlings while lower color temperature is ideal for the mature plants so they are able to generate flowers and fruits for food production.


LED grow light helps you save money because there is no wasted light spectrum such as green light. It utilizes much less power than other grow lights while making much less pollution as well. It's an effective grow light since it's tough with a longer life span of 80,000 or more useful hours.


They are the way of the future, let's move relatively close to the "frontier".