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Understanding the appropriate color spectrum of LED grow lights for your plants

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LED grow lights are a popular tool for avid gardeners looking for an efficient light source for their garden. But it is essential to get the right color gradient; otherwise, the plants may not grow well as you expect them to. LED grow lights are highly energy-efficient, and their tiny size allows you to install them even in small spaces in your garden. The most significant issue for gardeners is choosing the right color of grow lights. Since there is a wide range of lights available that come in a variety of colors, you may be confused about which color will do the best job for your plants.

The relationship between lights and plants

Plants usually grow using sunlight. This is something you may know from your school days. Sunlight is white because it consists of all the seven colors of the rainbow. Plants mainly use light for photosynthesis. Specific chemicals like Chlorophyll A and B absorb more red and blue light. So, when you search for LED grow lights, you tend to buy the red and blue variants.

But according to 420expertadviser, different colors from LED grow lights perform various functions. This is one of the reasons why gardeners are considering a range of colors for different plants in their garden. Here are a few colors along with their functions:

  • Green

With a wavelength of 500 – 600 nm, green light can pass through thick canopies to reach the lower leaves below. If your garden has a few bigger plants with heavy leaves, they may obstruct the natural light to the smaller plants below. You can install a strip of green LED grow light in this area.

  • Far Red

These have a wavelength of 720 – 740 nm and are suitable for denser canopies. The plant’s exposure to IR light allows it to flower quickly. Moreover, plants receiving far red light produce larger leaves than others.

  • Blue

It has a wavelength of 400 – 520 nm, but you need to mix blue light with other spectra as overexposure of this light on your plants can stunt their growth. Blue light often controls the plant’s chlorophyll content and its leaf thickness.

  • Red

This is the most essential light for plants. Their wavelength ranges between 630 and 660 nm. They are crucial for the plant’s stem and leaf growth. Red light also controls seed germination, dormancy periods, and flowering of the plant.

What does your plant need?

The best color gradient of LED grow lights for your plants depends on your goals. Are you planting houseplants or flowering plants or growing veggies and fruits in the garden? You can also have different colors for different types of plants. Experts believe that plants can absorb lights of all wavelengths, but their growth might vary.

Commercial gardeners purchase LED lights according to their flowering plants. You can also follow their technique to find the right combination. This will maximize your desired results from the plants as they thrive under the brand-new LED grow lights.

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