Is plant growth light useful?
This article provides an explanation for netizens about common knowledge of flower cultivation. Is plant growth light useful? Let's find out in the introduction by the editor.
For those with poor lighting at home, using plant growth lights is a relatively ideal way to increase light for plants. However, many gardeners have doubts about whether plant growth lights are useful. This article is based on the author's experience with growth lights and is very valuable for gardeners.
Everyone knows the function of growth lights, but here's a reminder: growth lighting is just supplementation, not a substitute for sunlight. If it could replace sunlight, it should be called "replacement lights."
Many friends say that the effect of growth lights is not good. In fact, a large part of the problem is due to incorrect usage. Growth lights should not be kept on for 10 hours indoors or used for a few hours at night outdoors, or left on for 24 hours. The correct usage is to turn them on at dawn and off 2-3 hours after sunset. Plants also need rest times. Additionally, reflectors are particularly important for providing light refraction. The distance between the lights and plants also varies. You should carefully inquire with the seller. Below, I will introduce several types of lights I have used.
1. Xenon lights
This light is really luxurious and expensive. It's the most expensive light I've experimented with. Various sizes have different prices. I bought a regular one for over 500 yuan. This light is号称 a "mini-sun." The effect is indeed the best, and it truly is "you get what you pay for." When I tested it indoors, my Echeveria 'Zhuiyu Lu' turned gray. Various plants can survive without sunlight, although not without watering. Once watered, my 'Tianli Feng' turned into a morning glory. The light is similar to natural light and won't cause eye discomfort.
2. Xiwan Nian Photo-synthesis Star + Full Spectrum Light
This light uses a combination of lights. The overall effect is slightly inferior to xenon lights. However, it seems to help with coloring, maybe it's just psychological. The lighting area is not large, and the light doesn't cause eye discomfort. There are many fake tubes, and it's not very convenient to use outdoors. A reflector is necessary for optimal results. Overall, it's a decent light.
3. Hemen Plant Growth Light
This should be one of the most popular lights sold on a certain platform. The price is reasonable, but the light generates heat. The bulb is large, but the light is very uncomfortable for the eyes. I recommend this light for friends who like to grow散光 plants. My Echeveria 'Yulu' shone brightly after being exposed to this light. However, it's not very effective for preventing stretching in succulents. Don't turn it on when people are nearby, as it will be very uncomfortable for the eyes.
4. LED lights
This light may only be suitable for growing vegetables. It saves electricity and I even had waterproof tubes custom-made. The cost is not low, and the style is luxurious. The light is even more uncomfortable than the Hemen light. I put it on the windowsill at night, and it looked like the 'red-light district.' Sometimes I forget to turn it off, and people on the other side say it's scary at night. This light is a total rip-off. However, it's a good thing for growing vegetables. Forget about succulents.
5. UVB lights
Some senior members have written科普 posts on forums. Naively, I tried it out. Generally, this light is bought as a reptile light. You can imagine how powerful it is if a reptile tank left open can kill the reptiles. For succulents that need UV light, it doesn't need to be that strong. I usually keep it on for 2-3 hours. Once I forgot to turn it off, and the plants under the light got injured. The plants were weak. I stopped using it. Moreover, I found that domestic UVB lights (Z-J) are more common and can cause significant harm to the eyes and body. It's best to keep away from the light when it's on. It's extremely uncomfortable for the eyes and not recommended for everyone.
That's my personal experience with lights for a year and a half. I want to emphasize again that growth lights are for supplementation, not a substitute for sunlight. They only provide auxiliary light on cloudy days or during the growing season. I hope this is helpful.
That's the detailed introduction to the question "Is plant growth light useful?" (Experience sharing). Did you get it?