Plant Growth Lights

Growth Lights are electric lamps that have been designed to encourage plant growth; this is done by producing an electromagnetic spectrum appropriate for photosynthesis. The light spectrum generated by the growth lights shares a striking similarity with the sun's light spectrum, this process allows for the same photosynthesis to occur that happens in the outdoor environment.

Many different types of bulbs can be used as growing lights - it’s possible to use incandescent, fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps and even LED.

Nowadays the most popular bulb used for professional indoor flower and vegetable growth is the high pressure sodium and metal halide bulb, these are types of HID. Standard MH (Metal Halide) bulbs present a somewhat bluish light and due to their spectrum being so similar to that of sunlight, they are commonly used for the vegetation stage of the growing cycle. 

Metal halide also generates UV (ultraviolet) radiation; this plays an important role in increasing the quality, amount and also increases the potency of the plants. MH Bulbs have an added reddish spectrum and high pressure sodium bulbs with added bluish spectrum are available for added flexibility when used for both vegetative and flowering growth.

Lighting Requirements

Plants have specific environmental needs in order to grow efficiently; lighting plays a very big part in the life cycle of plant growth. In order for growth lights to work effectively, they must mimic the conditions ofnatural sunlight.

While growing plants, the bigger they get the more light in which they require to grow further. Vegetables for example will grow best in full sunlight but in order to thrive indoors they require the same high levels of light. Therefore fluorescent lamps and/or MH lamps are the best. Plants also need both dark and light periods in order to develop. Therefore, lights may have to be timed to switch on and off depending on how much light they need at certain times.

See Growth Lamps for more information and product details.