What are the important factors of plant grow lamp?

The plant grow lamp is a lamp that uses the principle of plant photosynthesis to supplement light to plants. It can be used to extend the light of plants. It can be used as supplementary light for plants in rainy weather and lack of natural light, or it can completely replace natural light in greenhouse. Common plant grow lamps include incandescent grow lamp, fluorescent grow lamp, HID grow lamp, LED grow lights, etc.

First of all, plants need a certain light intensity to grow normally. If the intensity does not reach the light compensation point, it will not play a role in plant growth. This is also the reason why some people say that plant grow lights are useless. When the light reaches the light saturation point, the accumulated substances of photosynthesis will not increase, and even photoinhibition will occur when the light exceeds the light saturation point. It is difficult for general plant grow lamps to reach the light saturation point. If the intensity exceeds the compensation point, it is bound to cause waste, even inhibit growth, burn leaves, and play a negative role. The light compensation point and light saturation point of various plants are not the same, so it is very necessary to select a lamp with appropriate light intensity according to the type of plants.

In addition, the unit of plant grow light intensity is PPFD, which is the effective light intensity per unit area, because the light contains spectrum that are useless for photosynthesis. The effective light intensity of a plant grow lamp is not only related to the light intensity and spectral range of the plant grow lamp, but also related to the hanging height and illumination area.

Another important parameter about the plant grow lamp is the spectral range. Generally speaking, the red color spectrum and blue color spectrum are the most effective for plant photosynthesis. The blue wave spectrum is conducive to the growth of plant stems and leaves, and the red wave spectrum is conducive to the flowering and Fruiting of plants.

According to the light required for photosynthesis of plants, we basically make plant grow lamps into three forms: red blue combination, all blue and all red, covering the wavelength range required for photosynthesis. In the visual effect, the red and blue combination of plant lights presents pink. Red light promotes plant germination and flowering, and blue light promotes plant growth. You can choose a more appropriate wavelength and color ratio to promote plant growth.

The color spectrum ratio of the most advanced LED grow lamp is generally between 5:1 and 10:1, and the ratio of 7 to 8:1 is usually optional. Of course, if possible, the ratio of red and blue light can be adjusted according to the plant growth cycle.

Here is the different spectrum for plants growth;

UV Wave spectrum:

200-280nm: UVC band, which seriously destroys the normal growth of plants, but can be used for sterilization.

280-315nm: UVB wave can make plants aging and dwarfing, improve plant resistance and prevent plants from overgrowth.

315-380nm: UVA wave, which is often used for coloring fleshy leaves to make them beautiful.

Visible wave spectrum:

380-400nm: purple light, less absorbed by plants

400-520nm: including purple light, blue light and bright green light. Chlorophyll absorption in this band is strong, which can promote photosynthesis and promote the growth of stems and leaves. Single blue light irradiation will cause overgrowth.

520-610nm: including orange light, yellow light and green light. Chlorophyll and carotenoids have weak absorption in this band and less promotion to photosynthesis.

610-720nm: red light, which has a great impact on photosynthesis. Chlorophyll has the strongest absorption capacity in this band, which greatly promotes photosynthesis and promotes the flowering and Fruiting of plants.

Infrared wave spectrum:

720-1000nm: near infrared wave band, slightly affecting the flowering and germination of plants

Above 1000nm: in the far-infrared band, it is mostly released by heat energy and has no practical effect on plants.

This is the general effect of different wave spectrum on plant growth, but different plant species need to choose different and appropriate spectral ratio of plant grow lamps.

In addition, do not blindly pursue the highest point lighting PPFD. The uniformity of plant lamp PPFD is the most important.

Of course, the growers are more concerned about the heating of plant grow lamps, such as incandescent lamps and high-pressure sodium lamps, which are generally arranged at a suitable height. The LED plant grow lamp is favored by the majority of growers because of its fast heat dissipation, low heat and high efficiency.

Of course, other factors such as price, service life, warranty, etc. need to be considered when you ready to purchase grow lights for your plants.