All plants and trees, regardless of their type and variety, need three basic things to grow strong and healthy: water, nutrients and light. However, they do not always receive the amount of natural light that is necessary. What can we do then? Is it possible to use artificial light for plants?
Let's see in more detail to what extent light is important for plant growth and if we can replace the lack of natural light with some artificial lighting system.
The importance of sunlight for plants
Sunlight is a source of life for plants, and it has a key influence on their vital process, affecting their development and growth.
Plants are living beings with millions of years of evolution, and throughout this time they have been developing complex mechanisms that allow them to take advantage of solar energy and convert it into nutrients that are vital to them. This is which We know it as photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the most important biological process carried out by plants. It is about using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Which produces a chemical reaction that generates nutrients and provides energy to plant life.
The evolution of plants has been so detailed that their leaves are capable of selectively absorb certain wavelengths. That is, they only absorb that part of sunlight that is really useful to them.
If we want to know to what extent light is important for plants, we just have to stop and observe their growth. The direction and intensity of light affect the orientation of the leaves and the formation of structures such as flowers and fruits.
For example, some plants tend to etiolate if they do not receive enough light. (this is common in some succulents). So their stems become longer and weaker to be able to reach a place where they receive more sun.
Additionally, if a plant does not receive enough light, or receives it unevenly, We will quickly notice that its appearance begins to be weaker, Even the side that receives more sun grows more and better than the one that is more in darkness.
In short, light (or the absence of it) significantly affects plants and affects their basic vital functions. Therefore, we must ensure that all of them receive a minimum of six hours of light (direct or indirect, depending on the species) each day. However, this is not always possible. If this is your case, it is important that you know that there are viable solutions.
Artificial light for plants: a viable alternative
At the beginning of this article we asked ourselves if it was possible to use artificial light to grow our plants, and the answer is yes. In case your plants do not receive the amount of natural light they need to grow strong and healthy, You can provide it artificially through growing lamps or specific LED lights for plants.
But there are a series of considerations that you must take into account for the result to be positive:
Spectrum of light
In order to carry out photosynthesis, plants need different wavelengths of light. Therefore, just any lamp is not enough to provide lighting, We need an artificial light capable of offering a spectrum of lights that includes colors such as red and blue, that directly affect the growth and flowering stages of plants.
Depending on the variety to which you are going to apply artificial lighting, you will have to Choose the most suitable spectrum for your needs.
Light duration
The photoperiod, or daily duration of exposure to light, is also very important to achieve good growth. Because plants need light, butor they also require a few hours of darkness to be able to grow in a healthier way and flourish when the time comes.
In some species, the photoperiod must be longer during the growth phase and shorter during flowering. Therefore, if you use artificial light for plants, make sure to regulate it well. based on the specific needs of each plant.
Luminous intensity
Another factor to take into account is the intensity of the artificial light, because each plant requires a different level of light.
Lamps designed for plants usually have a light intensity regulator. If not, you need to get a light meter to make sure you are providing the right amount of light for each type of plant.
Distance and positioning
When using artificial light for plants it is essential Control the distance between the light source and the plants. If the luminaire is very close, this can generate excess heat that will affect the plant. On the contrary, if we place the lamp too far away, the plants may not receive the amount of light they need.
We recommend you do tests until you find the height and position of the lights that is most effective in achieving effective light distribution without causing excessive heat.
Monitoring and adjustments
Using artificial lights for plants is not an exact science. Success depends on the type of lamp used, the number of hours of exposure and the type of plants subjected to that light, among other factors.
Therefore, you may not get it right the first time. But don't be discouraged, it's best to try different settings little by little and see how the plants respond. If you notice symptoms of stress or inadequate growth, Make the adjustments you deem appropriate regarding the light spectrum, exposure time or light intensity.
Also, keep in mind that there are some plant varieties that respond better than others to being grown under artificial light.
When it comes to using artificial light for plants, it's all a matter of trial and error. With a little patience, you will surely end up finding the perfect formula.