Growing plants indoors will require you to provide the right type of lighting for them. You will need to consider the lighting systems each plant needs for optimal growth.
Some lighting systems provide the heat and light intensity that induces chemical release in your plants, pushing them to their next growth stage.
Below are several types of lights that you can get from an online hydroponics store.
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Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL)
CFL systems emit a cool blue light which is best used to stimulate growth in seedlings and young plants.
As the name suggests, CFL systems consist of either one of multiple fluorescent tubes, and they are better suited for smaller growing rooms or areas.
These lights do not emit much heat, which would make them unsuitable for growing plants beyond the seedling stage.
Induction Lighting
Induction lighting is also known as the newer version of CFL lighting systems. They operate with magnetic induction and produce less heat as compared to the CFL for the same amount of light.
As such, you can place your induction lighting closer to your plants, making it easier for them to absorb the rays. They can also last about 15 years before they need to be changed.
T5 Fluorescent Grow Light
T5 lighting systems come in various sizes, and they also cover several different temperature ranges.
Due to their ability to switch between three different outputs – no output, low output, and high output, they can adjust for some plant’s needs.
You can easily adjust the height of these light fixtures to accommodate your plants’ needs further as well.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
If you have a larger growing area, you may find HID Lighting to be more suitable for you. These systems emit a lot of light.
You will even need to wear a pair of sunglasses before you can look at a 1000-watt HID lighting system.
Along with their bright lights, HID systems also emit a lot of heat, which is why they need to be placed high up from your plants to avoid them burning.
Double-Ended (DE) Lighting
DE lights are also relatively new, and they are a form of HID lighting system. They work similarly to HPS bulbs, except they take on the form of a double-ended light tube connecting to ballasts at both ends.
Compared to their single-ended counterpart, DE lights have a longer lifespan and are more energy-efficient.
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Bulbs
The HPS bulbs have an orangey-red glow like the warm colours of autumn and fall. HPS bulbs are best used for plants which have entered their flowering stage.
Usually used with metal halide bulbs, these two lighting types will emit high heat levels for your plants, which would lead to increased electricity usage and thus, higher bills.
Metal Halide (MH) Bulbs
Plants requiring hot temperatures would benefit from MH bulbs. These bulbs emit blue-white wavelengths, which would imitate the hot summer sun well.
Some plants can grow to their maturity with just the MH bulbs, such as certain leafy vegetables and herbs.
Flowering plants meanwhile would usually need MH bulbs along with HPS bulbs before they yield fruits or seeds.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Grow Light
LED grow lights were carefully engineered and designed with just the right saturation of red and blue wavelengths.
Recommended as one of the top choices for the hydroponic lighting system, LED grow lights produce little heat while emitting up to 98% usable light by your plants.
Compare this to the conventional MH or HPS lights which would emit only about 9%, and you should not need more convincing to choose this light before you opt for other options. They are also very affordable and only need to be replaced every 12 to 15 years.
Sulphur Plasma Lighting
Sulphur plasma lighting systems are considered as the newer hydroponic lighting options, so there is not a lot of data about their efficacy yet.
They are also very pricey, but with good reasons. You can adjust the wattage output for these systems, which ranges anywhere from 100w to 1300w.
So this lighting can be used for various types of plants in different growth stages and room sizes.
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