This article is based on information from the following episode of the Plant School Podcast, take a listen here!
Welcome to the world of houseplants, where the right lighting can make all the difference for your beloved friends. If you’ve just invested in LED grow lights or are considering making the switch, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into how to use LED grow lights effectively to ensure your houseplants are able to take full advantage of them and thrive!
Understanding Light Duration
First things first: light duration is key. Just like us, plants need their beauty sleep, but they also need their daily dose of sunshine. Lighting duration changes for indoor gardens based on whether they’re in their vegetative or flowering stage, but most houseplants will not be flowering in our home. It’s recommended to give your houseplants anywhere from 8-12 hours of light each day. However, it’s essential to note that different houseplants have varying lighting preferences. Take the time to research each plant in your collection to determine their specific light intensity and spectrum needs. Not doing this can lead to less than optimum growth or scorching your plants leaves. A scorched leaf with have a large brown patch or brown leaf edges.
Adjustable Spectrums and Timers
Here’s where the magic of LED grow lights truly shines: adjustable spectrums. Some LED lights offer the flexibility to tailor the light spectrum to each plant’s requirements. Need to give your blooming beauty a boost? Amp up the red light to promote flowering. If you’re grow light does not offer an adjustable spectrum, don’t worry! Most grow lights are “full-spectrum” and will have the color of light needed to help your houseplant thrive. Adjustable spectrums are found on the higher end of grow lights and are for those really wanting to fine tune the light their plant receives.
Meanwhile, another feature on some grow lights are timers. Now this feature is one I’d highly recommend when looking to buy a grow light! And if your light doesn’t have it, a simple timer that can be plugged to your grow light will do the job nicely as well. Using timers allows you to automate your light schedule instead of having to remember when to turn it on and off and manually doing it yourself. Using a timer can help ensure consistency for your plants and allow them to benefit fully from the use of a grow light. Inconsistent lighting can lead to less than optimal growth for your houseplants.
Finding the Right Distance
Now, let’s talk about the golden rule of grow lights: distance matters. Placing your LED grow lights at the optimal distance from your houseplants is crucial. Too far away, and your houseplant will get insufficient light exposure to help it grow. And putting the light too close can cause leaf burn or leaf scorch. Unlike their heat-emitting counterparts, LED lights produce minimal heat, allowing them to be positioned closer to your plants. As a general guideline, LED lights can hover around 3 feet away from your leafy friends. When in doubt, start with a bit more distance and gradually adjust closer until you’ve found a spot where your plant seems to be able to put out new growth consistently without any leaf burn.
Heat Management
While LED lights boast efficiency and emit less heat compared to HID lights, proper heat management is still essential and something to be considered. Adequate ventilation and airflow around your LED grow lights ensure an optimal growing environment for your houseplants. This ventilation can occur via an overhead fan or through your homes vent system. Keep an eye on the temperature around your plants to prevent any heat-related stress or damage. Heat stress and damage could be wilting or droopy leaves, and leaf scorch.
Conclusion
With these tips in your houseplant arsenal, you’re well-equipped to harness the power of LED grow lights for your houseplants. Remember to tailor your light duration, adjust the spectrum as needed, use a timer, and maintain the optimal distance to ensure your plants receive the care they deserve. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned indoor gardener, let LED grow lights illuminate your journey to lush, thriving houseplants. Happy growing!
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