Growing decorative, fruitful crops indoors is quite difficult. For good growth, any plant needs light and heat. Otherwise, the green will slowly develop, turn yellow, and the color may not appear at all. Particularly in need of indoor plantings in sunlight in the winter. Experienced gardeners for breeding seedlings and rare crops during this period use LED lamps for plants.
For the growth and development of any living organism, energy is needed. Photosynthesis helps to start such a process in plants. Only under the influence of sunlight can the green parts of crops develop correctly. Even if the flower receives enough moisture and nutrients in the form of fertilizers, but not enough light, it will look oppressed.
The highlighting procedure is carried out in the morning or in the evening, without depriving the plants of the natural sun at the time of dawn and sunset. Crops should not be under artificial lamps for more than 12 hours. You can determine the need for additional lighting for different types using a light meter. 2000 lux will suffice to be shady enough, 2500 lux will suit light-loving ones, with the condition of increasing the indicator to 5000 at the time of buds and flowering. Lemons and oranges will be able to form an ovary on the windowsill only in high light - 9000 lux.
To provide illumination, various types of lamps can be used. Among the recommended ones are gas-discharge, luminescent, LED. It is better not to use household incandescent lamps with a tungsten filament. They provide low light intensity, their bright infrared rays excessively accelerate the growth of the culture, which makes the stems elongated, and the leaves are small.
Advantages and disadvantages of using lamps
The main purpose of additional illumination is to compensate for the lack of sun, good growth stimulation. The installation of such devices is especially necessary in early spring, when daylight hours are still short. The advantages of installing artificial light bulbs over home beds are as follows:
Ease of use. The design of any type of lamp can be installed on your own. Installation does not require special equipment and certain skills;
Durability of devices. The average life of high-quality devices is 50 thousand hours.With daily use up to 12 hours, they will last more than 10 years;
The ability to adjust the intensity. An important function that allows you to set the required brightness of lighting at different periods of plant growth;
Direction of light at the desired angle. Lighting touches only a certain area, which allows the temperature in the room to remain unchanged, and seedlings receive the necessary heat;
Aesthetics. Moderate lighting will fill the room with cosiness in the autumn period, create a romantic atmosphere;
Security. Phytolamps are absolutely harmless to humans, do not heat up more than 55 ° C.
All types of phytolamps have some disadvantages. It is possible to minimize the negative effect if the devices are installed correctly by calculating the angle of incidence of light and its brightness. The main disadvantages are the excessive pulsation of some types of sources, the emission of the blue spectrum.
Light characteristic
When growing plants in an apartment way, the power of the lamps to accelerate photosynthesis is not very important. Particular attention should be paid to the range of instruments and their similarity with natural sunlight. A light beam can have one stream or include several waves of a certain length at once. The following colors from the spectrum have a characteristic effect on plants:
Blue, purple. They influence the development of culture, accelerate the growth of greenery, roots, form the splendor of the crown, new shoots. Stimulation by such rays leads to the production of proteins. The backlight is suitable for the winter season. The wavelength is 380-490 nm.
Yellow. It has no special effect on seedlings. Tall crops quickly stretch out, as with a lack of lighting, have a poorly developed leaf apparatus. The wavelength is 565-595 nm.
Red, orange. The photosynthesis process is triggered by these colors. You can adjust the growth rate of crops, if you change the intensity of the backlight.Red rays accelerate germination, orange rays increase fruiting. The wavelength is 600-750 nm.
Green. Pulls stems very quickly. They do not have time to get stronger, they become thinner and tumble to one side. Leaves are formed only in the upper part of the culture. The wavelength is 490-565 nm.
Ultraviolet. Controls growth, allows timely production of the necessary vitamins. Radiation produces immunity to external influences (temperature change). The wavelength is 280-380 nm.
Types of lamps for lighting plants
A wide range of lamps for plants of various types makes their choice difficult. Before purchasing the device, you must familiarize yourself with its characteristics. The purpose of the installation should be determined in advance - growing seeds from scratch or adjusting the development of already green stems. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages.
Incandescent lamps
As a backlight, they are rarely used due to low light output and high heating. Such devices are generally not recommended to be placed next to plants. From a long distance, backlighting will not be effective. Florists use incandescent lamps to create favorable temperature conditions in greenhouses, aquarium tanks.
Plants need lighting only a few hours a day, provided that the pots are on the windowsill. But even such a small time operation of the devices will be very energy-intensive.
If you use an incandescent lamp together with fluorescent devices, you can successfully supplement the spectrum with red.
Fluorescent lamps
It is advisable to apply in small areas. Standard models will not accelerate plant growth. A device with a two-component phosphor coating and maximum emission of red, blue color spectrum will help ensure photosynthesis.
There are household and professional devices. When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to the range of glow.It should correspond to a specific case: for full lighting of small aquariums, for illumination of individual zones, for greenhouses in combination with additional sources. Fluorescent lights have the following advantages:
Provide excellent light output with low power consumption;
They have a wide range of shades;
Soft, diffused light is emitted;
Can work up to 15 thousand hours.
Discharge lamps
A large group of fixtures for seedlings, which includes high, low pressure devices. All models are absolutely harmless, which allows them to be used in large quantities in greenhouses and residential premises. For plants, the following types of discharge devices are used:
Metal halide. Very bright radiation with a stable luminous flux is suitable for industrial cultivation, spacious greenhouses. The maximum similarity of artificial radiation to daylight (up to 95%). The blue spectrum prevails, which contributes to the formation of young seedlings. Cons - high price. Explosion probability with increasing voltage.
Sodium. They shine in the red-orange spectrum due to the gaseous medium created by sodium vapor. Suitable for use during flowering, fruit set. Long-life, economical devices are often small in size, which allows you to direct the emitter in the right direction. Cons - a lot of heat, attracting insects, pests, making noise, poor lighting in the cold. Instant failure if any liquid gets on the light.
Mercury. Radiation occurs in the red spectrum, which positively affects the development of already formed plants. But this option for backlighting is rarely used, due to the large number of negative factors. These include strong ripple of light, low color rendering index, high ultraviolet radiation.
LED lamp
The ideal option for backlighting.A variety of models allows you to install devices, both in large greenhouses and on a small windowsill. For racks use wireless lights, for example, from aliexpress. The spectral range includes all the necessary shades for the growth of seedlings. By installing LEDs of different power, you can get the perfect backlight for a certain type of seedling.
LED lights can be placed very close to seedlings without the risk of burns on leaf plates. They instantly turn on, provide an even glow. Depending on the number of seedlings and the type of shelving, models of the following forms are used:
Fitopanel or tablet. A professional lamp in the form of a large square is installed over wide shelves;
Trumpet. Used to illuminate plants located on window sills, on long, narrow shelves along the wall;
LED spotlights. Illuminate an impressive area from a great distance;
Single lights. Apply to flowers of the same type, assembled together;
LED strip. Fixtures do it yourself, combining the colors of the spectrum in random order.
How to choose a LED phytolamp
To establish the correct design with illumination for plants is possible only after a complete analysis of the seedlings. Important factors are the planting region, room characteristics, the distance from the lamp to the plant, the location of light-loving, shade-loving specimens. You should also select the appropriate shape of the lamp, provide the ability to control the duration of the glow.
Shape and size of phytolamps
LED lamps can be of any shape and size. It is necessary to choose a design, focusing only on your own needs. Phytolamps are produced in the following variations:
Basement. Used to create diffuse lighting. In large rooms, several devices are installed simultaneously.They are often mounted on the ceiling, sometimes on the side surface, depending on the thickness and type of plants. Lamps can contain one or several spectra at once with waves of different lengths. Some spotlights can be installed over a specific area, with an area of up to 0.5 m.
Square. Often used as the sole source of light, installed in a special box at a certain height from the plants. Powerful phytopanels have several LED modules or one large board. Some modern models are equipped with a power switch, cooling system.
Linear Used to illuminate racks, racks, tables. The lamps have an elongated shape, reminiscent of daylight devices. They emit an identical glow, like basement models. They are used as the main, additional lighting. The special design allows you to suspend the device to any height. According to their spectral characteristics, they are divided into several types (Bicolor, Multispectrum, Full Spectrum).
Spectrum and power of diodes
Sunlight, so necessary for plant growth, consists of multi-colored waves of different lengths. Artificial lamps emit the same waves. The cultures respond especially well to the red and blue color of the spectrum. They produce bicolor lamps or with only one source - monocolor lamps. The optimal combination of colors is achieved through a combination of LEDs.
When choosing a lamp for growing seedlings, special attention should be paid to the spectrogram. This information can be found on the packaging of the device. On a special scale, the values of each color are indicated.
An important indicator when choosing a phytolamp is the power of the diodes. It can be 1 W, 3 W, 5 W. The higher the panel is installed, the more powerful the LEDs should be. For a small suspension height, flat modules with a power of 1 W are suitable. For continuous operation at medium load, devices must have a cooling module.
Many manufacturers of LED lamps indicate only rated power on devices. To determine real performance, the indicator must be divided in half.
Number of fixtures and installation rules
The favorable development of plants occurs with sufficient lighting. This indicator can be improved not only due to the quality of radiation, but also with the help of the number of devices themselves. The required number of lamps is calculated for specific conditions. In order to correctly make calculations and provide plants with high-quality illumination, the following aspects should be taken into account:
Area of the premises;
Number of seedlings;
Distance from appliances to high crops;
Angle of illumination;
The need for additional light for each instance.
Phytolamps will have maximum effect if they are correctly located in the apartment. Most of the light radiation comes from the devices closest to the plants. The minimum distance from the bulb to seedlings is 25 cm. They should be directed strictly at the crops.
How to make a do-it-yourself lamp
Ready-made LED panels or individual luminaires have not always a reasonable price. To make a trial run and properly adjust the lighting parameters in the house, you can use a home-made device. To work, you need to stock up on the following materials:
LEDs
Base frame for their installation;
Power supply with adjustable power;
Copper connecting wires.
First of all, we choose diodes by color and power based on the type and needs of seedlings, we calculate the required amount of light. The season, availability, window arrangement are taken into account. The role of the frame can be performed by an old fluorescent lamp, a plastic box, any improvised material of a suitable shape.
Now we start collecting phytolamps.You need to start by mounting the LEDs on an aluminum plate using an adhesive layer on the back of the tape or double-sided tape. We connect them in series, simultaneously establishing a current-limiting connection. To connect, you can use a soldering iron or connectors.
Conclusion
LED lamps have a huge impact on seed germination and plant growth. You can use any professional device or a small device assembled by yourself. Even low-power phytolamps have tremendous light output. Modern models are equipped with a temperature control system, a convenient spectrum switch for various periods of growth.
Growing decorative, fruitful crops indoors is quite difficult. For good growth, any plant needs light and heat. Otherwise, the green will slowly develop, turn yellow, and the color may not appear at all. Particularly in need of indoor plantings in sunlight in the winter. Experienced gardeners for breeding seedlings and rare crops during this period use LED lamps for plants.
Content
Plants and light: the need for backlighting
For the growth and development of any living organism, energy is needed. Photosynthesis helps to start such a process in plants. Only under the influence of sunlight can the green parts of crops develop correctly. Even if the flower receives enough moisture and nutrients in the form of fertilizers, but not enough light, it will look oppressed.
The highlighting procedure is carried out in the morning or in the evening, without depriving the plants of the natural sun at the time of dawn and sunset. Crops should not be under artificial lamps for more than 12 hours. You can determine the need for additional lighting for different types using a light meter. 2000 lux will suffice to be shady enough, 2500 lux will suit light-loving ones, with the condition of increasing the indicator to 5000 at the time of buds and flowering. Lemons and oranges will be able to form an ovary on the windowsill only in high light - 9000 lux.
To provide illumination, various types of lamps can be used. Among the recommended ones are gas-discharge, luminescent, LED. It is better not to use household incandescent lamps with a tungsten filament. They provide low light intensity, their bright infrared rays excessively accelerate the growth of the culture, which makes the stems elongated, and the leaves are small.
Advantages and disadvantages of using lamps
The main purpose of additional illumination is to compensate for the lack of sun, good growth stimulation. The installation of such devices is especially necessary in early spring, when daylight hours are still short. The advantages of installing artificial light bulbs over home beds are as follows:
All types of phytolamps have some disadvantages. It is possible to minimize the negative effect if the devices are installed correctly by calculating the angle of incidence of light and its brightness. The main disadvantages are the excessive pulsation of some types of sources, the emission of the blue spectrum.
Light characteristic
When growing plants in an apartment way, the power of the lamps to accelerate photosynthesis is not very important. Particular attention should be paid to the range of instruments and their similarity with natural sunlight. A light beam can have one stream or include several waves of a certain length at once. The following colors from the spectrum have a characteristic effect on plants:
Types of lamps for lighting plants
A wide range of lamps for plants of various types makes their choice difficult. Before purchasing the device, you must familiarize yourself with its characteristics. The purpose of the installation should be determined in advance - growing seeds from scratch or adjusting the development of already green stems. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages.
Incandescent lamps
As a backlight, they are rarely used due to low light output and high heating. Such devices are generally not recommended to be placed next to plants. From a long distance, backlighting will not be effective. Florists use incandescent lamps to create favorable temperature conditions in greenhouses, aquarium tanks.
Plants need lighting only a few hours a day, provided that the pots are on the windowsill. But even such a small time operation of the devices will be very energy-intensive.
Fluorescent lamps
It is advisable to apply in small areas. Standard models will not accelerate plant growth. A device with a two-component phosphor coating and maximum emission of red, blue color spectrum will help ensure photosynthesis.
There are household and professional devices. When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to the range of glow.It should correspond to a specific case: for full lighting of small aquariums, for illumination of individual zones, for greenhouses in combination with additional sources. Fluorescent lights have the following advantages:
Discharge lamps
A large group of fixtures for seedlings, which includes high, low pressure devices. All models are absolutely harmless, which allows them to be used in large quantities in greenhouses and residential premises. For plants, the following types of discharge devices are used:
LED lamp
The ideal option for backlighting.A variety of models allows you to install devices, both in large greenhouses and on a small windowsill. For racks use wireless lights, for example, from aliexpress. The spectral range includes all the necessary shades for the growth of seedlings. By installing LEDs of different power, you can get the perfect backlight for a certain type of seedling.
LED lights can be placed very close to seedlings without the risk of burns on leaf plates. They instantly turn on, provide an even glow. Depending on the number of seedlings and the type of shelving, models of the following forms are used:
How to choose a LED phytolamp
To establish the correct design with illumination for plants is possible only after a complete analysis of the seedlings. Important factors are the planting region, room characteristics, the distance from the lamp to the plant, the location of light-loving, shade-loving specimens. You should also select the appropriate shape of the lamp, provide the ability to control the duration of the glow.
Shape and size of phytolamps
LED lamps can be of any shape and size. It is necessary to choose a design, focusing only on your own needs. Phytolamps are produced in the following variations:
Spectrum and power of diodes
Sunlight, so necessary for plant growth, consists of multi-colored waves of different lengths. Artificial lamps emit the same waves. The cultures respond especially well to the red and blue color of the spectrum. They produce bicolor lamps or with only one source - monocolor lamps. The optimal combination of colors is achieved through a combination of LEDs.
When choosing a lamp for growing seedlings, special attention should be paid to the spectrogram. This information can be found on the packaging of the device. On a special scale, the values of each color are indicated.
An important indicator when choosing a phytolamp is the power of the diodes. It can be 1 W, 3 W, 5 W. The higher the panel is installed, the more powerful the LEDs should be. For a small suspension height, flat modules with a power of 1 W are suitable. For continuous operation at medium load, devices must have a cooling module.
Number of fixtures and installation rules
The favorable development of plants occurs with sufficient lighting. This indicator can be improved not only due to the quality of radiation, but also with the help of the number of devices themselves. The required number of lamps is calculated for specific conditions. In order to correctly make calculations and provide plants with high-quality illumination, the following aspects should be taken into account:
Phytolamps will have maximum effect if they are correctly located in the apartment. Most of the light radiation comes from the devices closest to the plants. The minimum distance from the bulb to seedlings is 25 cm. They should be directed strictly at the crops.
How to make a do-it-yourself lamp
Ready-made LED panels or individual luminaires have not always a reasonable price. To make a trial run and properly adjust the lighting parameters in the house, you can use a home-made device. To work, you need to stock up on the following materials:
First of all, we choose diodes by color and power based on the type and needs of seedlings, we calculate the required amount of light. The season, availability, window arrangement are taken into account. The role of the frame can be performed by an old fluorescent lamp, a plastic box, any improvised material of a suitable shape.
Now we start collecting phytolamps.You need to start by mounting the LEDs on an aluminum plate using an adhesive layer on the back of the tape or double-sided tape. We connect them in series, simultaneously establishing a current-limiting connection. To connect, you can use a soldering iron or connectors.
Conclusion
LED lamps have a huge impact on seed germination and plant growth. You can use any professional device or a small device assembled by yourself. Even low-power phytolamps have tremendous light output. Modern models are equipped with a temperature control system, a convenient spectrum switch for various periods of growth.