If you’re an indoor gardener, you know that grow lights are a crucial part of your gardening setup. They can help your plants thrive during the shorter days of fall and winter, or they can provide extra light for plants that don’t get enough natural light. But how long should you keep your grow lights on? Is there a set amount of time that is best for all plants, or does it depend on the type of plant you’re growing?
The answer is that the amount of time you should keep your grow lights on depends on the type of plant you are growing. Different plants have different lighting needs, and understanding those needs is key to growing healthy, happy plants. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how long to keep your grow lights on.
The ideal Timing to Keep Grow Lights on Different Plants
– Seedlings and New Plants
If you’re growing seedlings or a new plant, you’ll want to keep your grow lights on for at least 14-16 hours per day. This will give the plants enough light to grow strong and healthy. Seedlings and new plants need more light than mature plants, so make sure your lights are on for a longer period of time.
– Mature Plants
Mature plants need less light than seedlings and new plants. In general, you can keep your grow lights on for 8-12 hours per day for mature plants. Some plants may need more or less light, depending on their specific requirements. Make sure to do some research on the type of plant you are growing to determine the best lighting schedule.
– Flowering Plants
If you’re growing flowering plants, you’ll want to adjust your lighting schedule accordingly. During the vegetative stage, you can keep your grow lights on for 14-16 hours per day. Once your plants begin to flower, you’ll want to switch to a 12-12 lighting schedule. This means 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day. This will help encourage your plants to bloom and produce healthy flowers.
Some Essential Factors to Consider When Setting or Adjusting Your Grow Light Schedule
Setting or adjusting your grow light schedule is an essential part of indoor gardening. While many plants will grow just fine with standard light conditions, others require different schedules to allow for optimal growth. When considering how to set or adjust your grow light schedule, there are several factors to consider. Below we’ll explore a few of the most important factors to help you achieve the best possible results.
1- Light Intensity
Light intensity is the amount of light that falls on your plant’s leaves. The intensity of the light will depend on the wattage of your grow light, as well as the distance between your grow light and your plant. If your light is too intense and too close to your plant, it can cause burns and damage. On the other hand, if your light is too far away and too weak, your plants won’t receive enough light to grow.
It’s essential to find the right balance when it comes to light intensity to ensure optimal growth. If you notice that your plant is stretching towards the light, then it’s a sign that you need to increase the light intensity. However, if your plant appears bleached, then it’s an indication that the light intensity is too high.
2- Light Duration
The duration of light that your plants receive is another important factor to consider when setting or adjusting your grow light schedule. The amount of light your plants will require will depend on their specific needs. Seedlings and new plants will require longer periods of light, while mature plants will require less.
It’s best to give your plants a break from light for a few hours at night. Doing so will help your plants rest and recover, and it will also help mimic natural conditions more closely. Generally, the recommended duration of light for indoor plants is between 12-16 hours per day, depending on the specific plant.
3- Plant Species
Different plant species have different lighting requirements. Some types of plants require more light than others, while others may require less. When setting or adjusting your grow light schedule, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your plants.
Take the time to research your plant species and understand the recommended light conditions they need to grow. Some plants may require different light conditions during different stages of growth. This information will help you set a grow light schedule that is optimal for your plant species.
4- Temperature
Temperature plays a critical role in indoor gardening, and it’s another factor to consider when setting or adjusting your grow light schedule. High-intensity lights can produce heat, which can be too much for some plants to handle. If the temperature is too high, it can cause burns and damage.
It’s best to monitor the temperature of your grow space to ensure that it remains within the recommended range for your plant species. If you notice that your grow space is getting too hot, you can adjust your light schedule accordingly.
How to hang the Grow Light?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of time you should keep your grow lights on depends on the type of plant you are growing. Seedlings and new plants need more light, so keep your lights on for at least 14-16 hours per day. Mature plants need less light, so 8-12 hours per day is usually sufficient. Flowering plants require a special lighting schedule during the flowering stage, with a 12-12 lighting schedule recommended. Understanding the specific needs of your plants will help you set the optimal lighting schedule to achieve the best possible results. Take the time to research your plant species and ensure that your grow light schedule is as close to natural conditions as possible to help your plants grow happy and healthy.
