- Light from the sun or from a lamp that provides the right type of light allows plants to create the energy needed to grow and flower. Without adequate light, plants cannot produce the sugars, starches and other nutrients they need to survive. Plants that do not have sufficient light will lose color, fail to grow, and will eventually die.
- The sun provides plants with a natural balance of blue and red light rays, the rays plants need to produce energy and grow healthily. When natural light is not available, fluorescent lights provide the best substitute for the sun's light. Cool-white fluorescent tubes produce yellow-green, blue, a small amount of red rays. When some natural light, such as the light from a nearby window, is not available, incandescent light from lamps or fixtures nearby can provide red rays.
- Fixtures such as lamps or even ceiling or mounted fixtures such as those found under cabinets will easily accommodate the fluorescent tubes that are perfect for plant growth. If there is little or no exposure to natural light in the room, fixtures should be considered the plant's only light source. Specially designed plant growth lamps are readily available, featuring built-in reflectors, and will provide the best light for indoor growing. However, when these lamps are not available, the placement of the plant can compensate for light lost from the fixture to the plant.
- As a general rule, when fluorescent lights provide a plant's only light source, the light should be located no more than six to twelve inches from the plant's tips. Furthermore, if the fixture or lamp does not have reflectors, the ideal location for the plant is underneath the center of the tube, since fluorescent tubes do not produce as much light at the tube ends as in the center.
Plants that rely on fluorescent lighting should be provided with light for 16-18 hours per day for optimal growth.
Why Plants Need Light
Why Plants Like Fluorescent Light
Choosing the Right Fluorescent Fixture
Lighting Considerations for Plants
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