Halogen lamp effect on the plant. Lamp mode

Every experienced grower knows what huge role plays the right lighting indoor plants. Along with watering and soil, light is an indispensable component on which successful growth. It is no secret that in the natural environment, some plants feel great in shady places, while others cannot develop without direct exposure to sunlight. At home, the situation is similar. We will talk in detail about how to competently make artificial lighting for indoor plants.

Decorative lighting and lighting for plant growth

A lamp for growing indoor plants is lovely way extension of daylight hours. Indeed, many indoor flowers are of tropical origin, which means that they experience a shortage of solar energy every day, especially in winter period. For effective growth Plants should have about 15 hours of daylight. Otherwise, they weaken, stop blooming and are exposed to various diseases.

When planning the future illumination of indoor flowers, it is important not to miss the aesthetic component. The phytolamp should become part of the interior, a kind of decor element. There are a huge number of lamps on sale with wall mount different shapes, under any energy-saving lamp: CFL or LED. Depending on sizes home flower garden, the backlight can be made from several spotlights aimed directly at each green pet, or from tubular fluorescent lamps with a reflector. By connecting your own imagination, you can make an original LED phytolamp yourself.

The most important component of growth is the spectrum of light

In order to understand how inhomogeneous the light from different electrical sources and the sun, you need to look at their spectral composition. The spectral characteristic is the dependence of the radiation intensity on the wavelength. The solar radiation curve is continuous in the entire visible range with a decrease in the UV and IR regions. The spectrum of artificial light sources in most cases is represented by individual pulses of different amplitudes, which, as a result, gives the light a certain shade.

During the experiments, it was found that for successful development, plants do not use the full spectrum, but only its individual parts. The following wavelengths are considered the most vital:

• 640–660 nm - velvet red, necessary for all adult plants for reproductive development, as well as for strengthening the root system;
• 595–610 nm – orange color for flowering and fruit ripening;
• 440–445 nm - purple for vegetative development;
• 380-400 nm - near UV range to regulate the growth rate and protein formation;
• 280-315 nm - medium UV range to increase frost resistance.

Lighting only with the listed rays is not suitable for all plants. Each representative of the flora is unique in its "wave" preferences. This means that it is impossible to fully replace the energy of the sun with the help of lamps. But artificial lighting of plants in the morning and evening hours can significantly improve their life.

Signs of lack of light

There are a number of signs by which it is easy to identify a lack of light. You just need to carefully look at your flower and compare it with the standard. For example, find a similar view on the Internet. A clear lack of illumination is manifested in the following way. The plant slows down its growth. The new leaves are smaller and the stem becomes thinner. The lower leaves turn yellow. The flower either completely stops blooming, or the number of buds formed is less than the average. At the same time, it is considered that watering, humidity and air temperature are normal.

How much light do you need?

It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this question. How can a person live in different parts the globe, and indoor flower can grow on a windowsill facing north, south, west or east. The plant throughout its life will strive to adapt to the current conditions: to stretch upward from a lack of light or, conversely, to expose another blossoming bud to the sun's rays.

Watching over appearance stems and leaves, the size and number of flowers, you can determine the sufficiency of the level of illumination. At the same time, one should not forget at what stage of development the indoor flower is: vegetation, flowering, seed ripening. At each stage, he takes from the sun the light of the wavelength that he needs in order to this moment. Therefore, when organizing additional illumination, it is important to take into account the qualitative component of the luminous flux.

Prolonged exposure to the bright light of the sun and lamps with an illumination level of more than 15 thousand lux is loved by those indoor flowers that grow in their natural habitat under open sky. This is a favorite of many Crassula, geranium, Kalanchoe, begonia. Artificial lighting for plants of this type in the evening will benefit them.

Representatives of the flora that feel comfortable with an illumination of 10-15 thousand lux include Spathiphyllum, Clivia, Saintpaulia, Tradescantia and Dracaena. The leaves of these types of indoor flowers do not like hot sunlight, but they also do not tolerate early twilight. Therefore, the ideal place for them would be a window sill with access to the west, where in the evening their leaves will receive the necessary energy from the setting sun.

So called shade-loving plants can bloom and develop away from window opening, being content with illumination up to 10 thousand lux. However, this does not mean that they will die if they are placed in a brighter place. They just need less direct sunlight. These include some types of ficus and dracaena, philodendron, and tropical vines.

Illumination of plants and artificial light sources

In most cases, indoor plants need additional lighting. Flowers, which at first glance have bright green succulent leaves and bloom regularly, will look even better if they begin to be affected by a phytolamp. If someone thinks otherwise, then he has a great chance to be convinced of the fallacy of his thinking and collect. Used to extend daylight hours various sources artificial light. Consider each of them and figure out which light is best for plants.

Incandescent lamps

Illumination of plants using incandescent lamps is the least effective for several reasons. Radiation spectrum conventional light bulbs with a spiral is strongly shifted to the red region, which does not contribute to photosynthesis in any way. Low efficiency and, as a result, a huge heat release direct their energy and light efficiency to zero. In addition, incandescent lamps are characterized by the shortest service life in comparison with other sources of artificial light.

Fluorescent lamps

Tubular fluorescent or, as they are most often called, energy-saving daylight T8 full spectrum (T = 5300-6500 ° K) lamps have been considered the best option for lighting indoor plants for many years. They have earned a lot of positive feedback due to the presence of a selective spectrum, economy and low heat transfer, combined with an acceptable cost.

Companies specializing in the production of fluorescent lamps offer growers an improved option - a phytolamp with a selective emission spectrum. They work mainly in the blue and red range, as can be seen from the characteristic glow. But the cost of such lamps for illuminating plants is an order of magnitude higher than conventional analogues.

The sodium lamp is the most efficient light source. In terms of luminous efficiency and working life, these lamps are comparable to LEDs for plants. That's just for home conditions, they are not suitable because of the excessively high brightness (more than 15 thousand lux). But in many greenhouses and greenhouses, growing plants with artificial lighting based on gas discharge lamps. Due to the fact that they emit more red light, they are installed in combination with 6500K fluorescent lamps.

LED light sources

All phytolamps on LEDs are divided into three groups:

• bicolor;
• with multispectrum;
• with full spectrum.

Bicolor or two-color fixtures are based on blue (440–450 nm) and red (640–660 nm) LEDs. Their light is considered to be the most optimal for organizing the illumination of any plants during the growing season. The specified working spectrum favors the process of photosynthesis, which leads to an accelerated growth of green mass. That is why summer residents prefer blue-red LED lamps when growing seedlings. vegetable crops on the windowsill.

LED lamps with multispectrum have a wider application due to the expansion of the red range into the infrared and yellow light. They are in demand for highlighting adult plants, stimulating flowering and fruit ripening. In apartment conditions, it is better to use the LED multispectrum for flowers with a dense crown.

On a phytolamp with a full spectrum of radiation, you can make a backlight for flowers in an apartment, regardless of the type and location. This is a kind of universal source of artificial light, which emits in a wide range with maxima in the red and blue zones. LED lamp full spectrum is a tandem of energy efficiency and light energy, reminiscent of the action of sunlight.

Today, the creation of favorable conditions for an extensive transition to phyto-LEDs does not occur for two reasons:

• the high cost of high-quality lamps for plants;
• a large number of fakes collected on conventional LEDs.

What light is best for growth?

Of course, the ideal source of light is solar energy. In apartments with windows to the southeast and southwest, you can grow any flowers by placing them in different points rooms. But do not be upset for those who have a view from the window only to the north side. Fluorescent and LED bulbs to illuminate plants compensate for the lack of sunlight.

Daylight plant lamps are a budget option, time-tested. They are suitable for those who are trying to create normal conditions for a flower with a small investment. LED phytolamps for those who seek to force events and achieve best results in a short time, despite the price of several thousand rubles.

1. Before buying another “leafy pet”, you should find out how light-loving it is. Perhaps the allotted space in the room will not be able to provide him with full development.
2. Inexpensive lighting option light-loving plants can be made from a 18 W fluorescent lamp and a 25 W incandescent lamp.
3. The prevailing radiation in the yellow region of the visible spectrum inhibits the growth of stems. Illumination of dracaena (and other tree-like) warm light give it a compact shape.
4. If a plant with variegated foliage loses its original color and becomes monochromatic, then it clearly lacks light. To return the flower to its former attractiveness, an LED phytolamp will help.
5. Light from red and blue LEDs accelerates eye fatigue. In this regard, visual work in the area of ​​their action should be excluded.

Summing up

We hope that the material read has helped the reader to master the basic knowledge of organizing lighting for flowers in the house and on the balcony. Once again, I would like to emphasize the cost-effectiveness and high efficiency of LED lamps for growing plants, the mass transition to which is just around the corner. Let every grower who has the opportunity to purchase a LED phytolamp today, evaluate its power and leave your feedback for other readers in the comments below.

Read also

In order for the plant to bloom profusely, develop well, it needs a sufficient amount of sunlight. This is needed for natural process photosynthesis - in the plant there is a synthesis of carbohydrates, which are involved in the process of their growth and development. AT summer period the time when house plants receive the required amount of sunlight, the question of additional lighting does not occur. However, with the onset of winter, this problem becomes more urgent.

Beginning flower growers, as a rule, highlight home plants with ordinary lamps. But it's completely useless. The leaves are still pale, the plants are few and poorly blooming. After all, it is not able to fully replace the color of the sun. In addition, if you highlight the plants through a conventional lamp. In this case, special luminescent

What lighting to choose

During the period early spring, late autumn and winter, when ornamental plants do not have enough sunlight, electric lighting comes to the rescue. Under the influence of their leaves become brighter and greener. And magnificent abundant flowering lasts much longer.

There are various plant lamps, how to choose the most suitable one?

For successful year-round cultivation, it is necessary to purchase a lighting installation in a specialized store. Their choice is quite extensive. To date, manufacturers offer a variety of lamp-lamps: standing on tripods, wall-mounted, hanging, attached with Velcro and clothespins.

Orange-red and blue-violet rays are considered the most optimal for them. The former promote development. The latter enhance vegetative growth. When choosing fluorescent lamps for plants, it is important to take into account the fact that the blue light energy emitted by the lamp should be a couple of times lower than the red light energy.

It is important to remember that highlighting should be done regularly, and not from time to time. Since periodic lighting can only harm plants, their biorhythms are thus confused.

When choosing the type of lighting for plants, it is important to remember that not only its intensity, but also the spectrum of radiation is of great importance. In this case, the best option is a spectrum extending from ultraviolet rays to infrared.

Light, similar to daylight, give artificial sources lighting, but not in the entire spectrum. Everyone knows that chlorophyll is involved in the transformation of light energy into the energy of organic compounds, the best light absorber is the red and blue parts of the spectrum. The plant growth lamp with a red spectrum favors the acceleration of seed germination and the growth of shoots. The growth of green mass at the first stage of plant development is promoted by blue-violet light.

For plants as light sources, you can use different kinds lamps: incandescent, gas-discharge, light-emitting diodes, and also fluorescent lamps for plants. Currently, the latter option is the most popular.

Standard incandescent lamps are the least suitable for these purposes, since they are characterized by low light intensity, orange, red predominate in their spectrum, and which accelerate vertical growth, plants stretch under such lighting.

Fluorescent lamps for plants are closest to the spectrum of daylight, and, unlike incandescent lamps, they are much more economical. Most of the plants develop well under these lamps.

Fluorescent lamps

Their light matches natural light in addition, they practically do not radiate heat. Most importantly, fluorescent lamps for indoor plants, unlike incandescent lamps, consume 4 times less energy.

Today in stores you can see huge selection data of lighting devices - different power, shape, type of radiation of light waves, type of generated discharge, etc.

It is also worth highlighting energy-saving fluorescent lamps - the most popular and economical.

Distance to plants

Fluorescent lamps must be placed from decorative deciduous plants at a distance of 30-60 cm, from decorative flowering plants - 20-30 cm. However, if you use given type lighting as the main one - in chandeliers or sconces, then in this case the main principle is not the distance to the lamp, but the sufficiency of light. But if you have large area there are 1-2 devices, then the plants should be placed as close as possible to the lamps, that is, at the distance indicated above.

When the plant is located on one side of the lamp, it is recommended to periodically turn it over.

Characteristics

As a rule, fluorescent lamps are used for growing plants of the LBT or LB day type, since they give cold light. Brands such as LDC and LD are unsuitable for such purposes, since their spectrum can only depress the plant.

Depending on the distance and area of ​​​​the illuminated room, the power of the lamp for indoor plants is selected.

How to properly place a plant lighting lamp

In the process of placement, it is important to remember that if you double the distance to the lamp, then you need to quadruple the intensity of lighting on the plant.

If burn marks begin to appear on the leaves, then the light source is too low, pale leaves and elongated stems indicate that the plant growth lamp is too far away.

Lateral artificial lighting can bend the stems towards the light, so it is better to highlight from above.

Lighting duration

Since the primary goal is to increase the daylight hours of the plant, then it must be extended depending on the natural daylight hours - in the evening and in the morning for 3-4 hours. As a result, the time should be about 6-8 hours. On particularly cloudy days, it is advisable to turn on the lamps for 12 hours.

It is also worth noting that plants need a dormant period, since forced long flowering in winter, they are significantly depleted. The exception is plants that bloom in winter.

Gardeners in Russia and neighboring countries grow cabbage with pleasure and quite successfully. But the "set" is usually limited to varieties white cabbage different term ripening, broccoli and cauliflower. Meanwhile, we already have popular types of cabbage that ripen earlier, and bring less trouble when growing. In this article, we bring to your attention 5 types of cabbage that you may not have heard of yet, but which are definitely worth growing.

The long-awaited April does not always bring pleasant surprises with the weather. But sooner or later, all work in ornamental garden will start in April. From simple household chores and clearing plant debris, cutting dry curtains and mulching the soil to laying new flower beds, you will have to take care of a lot. Landings come to the fore in April. Bushes, trees, creepers should be planted this month. But do not forget about the care of seedlings.

Among the variety of tomato varieties, as a rule, only two groups are distinguished: indeterminate and determinant. But the tomato world is divided into more diverse “clans”, which are not only interesting to know about, but also useful. Tomatoes are divided according to the method of cultivation, by ripening time, by leaf shape, by fruit shape, by size, by color ... Today I want to talk about the varieties that form the most colorful group under beautiful name"Bi-color" (Bi-Colour).

Charming April, with its delicate flowering and the first dazzling greenery, is a very capricious and changeable month. Sometimes he unpleasantly surprises with a winter atmosphere, and sometimes pleases with unexpected warmth. In April, work starts on the beds, and a full season begins in the greenhouse. Sowing and planting in open ground should not interfere with the care of seedlings, because the quality of the crop depends on its quality. Moon calendar useful plants especially favorable at the beginning of the month.

Spring sanitary pruning allows you to form a beautiful crown, stimulates the formation of a high yield. Trees easily tolerate it, recovery is very fast, wounds heal well. The main goal is the formation of the crown, the removal of broken and dried branches during the winter. Winter pruning is especially necessary in the first four years after planting, when skeletal branches are laid. Optimal time spring pruning from the beginning of winter to the beginning of spring.

Extreme sensitivity to low temperatures makes zinnias flyers, which are usually grown through seedlings. But on the other hand, in sowing, and growing young zinnias, there is nothing complicated. They are hardy and low maintenance plants that are easy to grow from seed. And if you collect more own seeds, then you get one of the most “economical” flyers in your collection. Bright baskets of inflorescences color the garden with a special cheerful canvas.

A wide range of cucumber hybrid seeds is presented on the domestic market. Which varieties to choose to get the maximum yield? We defined the best hybrids, according to buyers of seeds "Agrosuccess". They were Meringue, Zozulya, Masha and Director. In this article, we will tell you about their advantages. Since absolutely all hybrids of cucumbers do not have flaws: they do not turn yellow, they have many ovaries, the fruits are not large, they are resistant to diseases.

Eggplant - tall upright plants with wide leaves of dark green color and large fruits - create a special mood in the beds. And in the kitchen, they are a popular product for a wide variety of dishes: eggplants are fried, stewed and canned. Of course, to grow a decent crop in middle lane and to the north is not an easy task. But subject to the agrotechnical rules of cultivation, it is quite accessible even to beginners. Especially if you grow eggplant in a greenhouse.

Lenten charlotte with apples and cinnamon on vegetable cream - a simple pie that is suitable for fasting people, this pastry can also be included in vegetarian menu. There are situations when dairy products need to be replaced with vegetable ones, then vegetable cream prepared on the basis of vegetable fats comes to the aid of housewives. The taste of cream goes well with apples and cinnamon, the baking powder makes the dough fluffy and airy, the cake is simply delicious.

Buying blooming orchid, lovers exotic plants they wonder - will it bloom just as well at home and is it worth waiting for it to bloom again? Everything will be - and grow, and bloom, and delight for many years, but on one condition. As for any indoor plants, for an orchid, initially you need to try to create conditions acceptable for growth and development. Sufficient lighting, humidity and air temperature, a special substrate are the main points.

Noble lush greenery, unpretentiousness, the ability to purify the air from dust and pathogens make nephrolepis one of the most popular indoor ferns. There are many types of nephrolepis, but any of them can become a real decoration of the room, and it doesn’t matter if it’s an apartment, Vacation home or office. But only healthy well-groomed plants can decorate the room, so the creation suitable conditions and proper care is the main task of flower growers.

The right herring under a fur coat - layers in turn, the order of which depends on the taste of the dish. It is important not only to put the fish and vegetables in a certain sequence. Great importance has also the preparation of products. Never boil vegetables for this snack the day before, they will lose some of their taste in the refrigerator overnight, they will become insipid. Boil vegetables 2-3 hours before cooking and cool them until room temperature. You can also bake carrots, beets and potatoes in the oven in foil.

In the garden first-aid kit of experienced gardeners, there is always crystalline iron sulfate, or ferrous sulfate. Like many other chemicals, it has properties that protect horticultural crops from numerous diseases and insect pests. In this article, we will talk about the features of using iron sulphate for the treatment of garden plants from diseases and pests and other options for its use on the site.

Many people cannot imagine their diet without ripe tasty tomatoes. Moreover, the variety of varieties allows you to choose the one that is most to your taste. There are varieties that are called salad, that is, it is better to use them in fresh. These include the Honey tomato, whose name speaks for itself. In 2007, the Honey variety was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. "Agrosuccess" offers seeds from the best breeders in the world that have passed additional testing

retaining walls- the main tool for working with complex terrain on the site. With their help, not only create terraces or play with planes and leveling, but also emphasize the beauty of the rockery landscape, the change in height, the style of the garden, its character. Retaining walls allow you to play with raised and lowered platforms and hidden areas. Modern dry or more solid walls help to turn the disadvantages of the garden into its main advantages.

If a grower, grower or just a grower - an amateur does not have the opportunity to grow his favorite flower or plant in an outdoor garden, or simply does not have time to search suitable place for outdoor growth, there is another way to grow your own, a good crop, relatively easily, and from the comfort of your home.

This is the so-called closed cultivation. This is an artificial imitation of nature and its natural behavior. But with one big difference. In nature, the manufacturer is limited to various external factors, such as bad weather, wild animals, thieves and envious neighbors who are constantly interested in the mysterious plants that grow behind the fence. At home, no actions are taken that could harm the plants. The grower has the opportunity to test his skills and artificially stimulate growing conditions in order to create more beautiful and more productive plants.

The main condition in order to start growing plants is the required amount of sunlight. This radiation can be simulated by artificial lighting, which produces a spectrum of light similar to the sun. With artificial lighting, the gardener determines which spectrum of light for the plant in a particular period of time will be most suitable.

Three types of lighting are suitable for plant growth and flowering: high voltage lamps, fluorescent lamps, LED and plasma lamps.

Plants cannot exist without light, because light is one of the main factors for their development. Light is a source of energy that has importance for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is a combination of these processes - the absorption, conversion and use of light energy using various quantum reactions involving the conversion of carbon dioxide into organic compounds. In other words, this is the process of formation of organic compounds based on carbon dioxide, water, heat and light, energy.

To choose the right lighting, you need to familiarize yourself with all types of lamps.

High-voltage discharge lamps (HID/High-intensity discharge lamps) are classified according to the burner and the gas they contain:

Mercury vapor discharge lamp (MV/Mercury-Vapor lamps)

The mercury discharge lamp was developed as the first gas discharge lamp in 1959. Mercury lamps emit light mainly in the blue and ultraviolet invisible parts of the spectrum. These lamps have a low luminous flux (about 65 lm/W). Such light compared to metal halide and sodium lamps (about 150 lm / W) is considered weak for crop production.

Metal halide discharge lamps (MH/Metal-Halide lamps)

The first MH lamps were constructed sometime in the early 60s. Metal halide lamps are characterized by a "white" light color, which, at first glance, differs from, for example, sodium lamps. Metal halide lamps have a blue spectrum of light, and their color temperature is 6000 K or more. The blue spectrum has a positive effect on root system plants, resulting in better branching and short internodes. Plants under such a lamp are lower, but branched. At the flowering stage, however, such lamps are often not suitable.

Metal halide lamps are excellent for use in rooting cuttings and seedlings. Small plants do not reach for the light and begin to branch well from the very beginning. The use of this type of lamp is also recommended for mother plants, which guarantee more shoots and faster plant growth.

The burner inside the lamp is shaped like a bulb. The flask is filled with a mixture of mercury, argon and metal halides (for example, metal compounds with bromine or iodine).

These lamps are available in 150W, 250W, 400W, 600W, 1000W and have a color temperature of 4000K.

Sodium discharge lamps (HPS/High-Pressure Sodium lamps)

Sodium lamps appeared on the market sometime in the early 70s and are the most widely used type of lighting in the world for growing plants today. This is mainly because they have the highest light output (around 150 lm/W) and also emit the FAR radiation most suitable for proper photosynthesis. The light from HPS lamps has a predominantly red spectrum, which is suitable for the flowering phase of the plant. The color temperature of the lamp varies from about 2000K to 2900K and produces bright yellow light.

The burner in a sodium lamp is mainly made of corundum.

Sodium lamps are available in 70W, 150W, 250W, 400W, 600W, 750W and 1000W and can be used in the growth stage provided the plant has more internodes and tends to gravitate towards light.

The advantages of gas discharge lamps compared to other light sources are really high. These lamps are used in indoor growing as well as large greenhouses intended for commercial growing. The disadvantages include high operating temperature.

The second most widely used light source suitable for growing plants are linear and compact fluorescent lamps, which are sometimes also referred to as resource-saving, energy-saving, compact fluorescent, etc.

These lamps have the great advantage that they do not produce as much heat radiation as HPS and MH lamps. Thus, they can be used for cultivation in a very small space near the tops of plants, without fear of burns.

The use of fluorescent lamps is not solely determined by micro-growing. Manufacturers light them on mother plants, rooted cuttings and young seedlings. But that is not all. Due to their varied color temperature, these lamps can be used at all stages of plant life.

Fluorescent lamps belong to the category of mercury lamps low pressure and are divided into compact and linear.

Fluorescent lamps

These lamps have been widely used since the early days of indoor cultivation.

Fluorescent lamps, referred to as fluorescent lamps, have tubes made of glass and filled with a mixture of mercury and argon vapor. In these lamps, the luminous discharge emits radiation mainly in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum. This radiation is due to phosphorus, which is inside the tube and produces light in the visible spectrum. Both ends of the fluorescent tubes have electrodes that conduct electricity.

Fluorescent grow lights are commonly produced in 18, 36 and 54 watts and are available in 60 or 120 cm lengths.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL - Compact Fluorescent Lamps)

If a manufacturer is looking for a compact fluorescent lamp with sufficient wattage and the correct color temperature in a general hardware store, it is likely that the search is in vain. However, this disadvantage has recently been addressed by the production of more durable compact fluorescent lamps, which are not only suitable for growing, but are preferred by the grower group over others. The lamps are filled with a small amount of mercury and an inert gas and can only be purchased from specialized stores.

Compact fluorescent lamps are available in the following color temperatures:

2700 K is the red light spectrum suitable for the flowering stage.

4000 K - double spectrum of light, for growth and flowering.

6400 K - blue spectrum of light, suitable for the growth phase.

14000 K - white light spectrum, suitable for rooting cuttings, seedlings and mother plants.

It should be noted that when using combined compact fluorescent lamps, the results will be lower, and the period of plant life from planting to harvest will increase. Therefore, it is recommended to use a lamp with a blue spectrum for growth and a red spectrum for flowering.

CFL grow lights are currently commercially available in 125W, 200W, 250W.

Compact fluorescent lamps need to be changed more often than linear ones. The guaranteed working time is about one year depending on the time of use. Then the intensity of these lamps quickly decreases.

LED lighting has also taken its rightful place in the market, however, for some, LED represents the future of growing technology, and for some, inflated expectations.

The realization that LED lighting (Light Emitting Diode) can be used in growing plants is now quite extensive. However, only a few people know what are the advantages and disadvantages of this LED option.

LED- electronic semiconductor device, which, in the direct direction of the current, emits light rays. Mankind met the first type of LED in 1962 and since then the evolution of this type of lighting has continued. Currently, LEDs have a brightness of 100 lumens per watt, which is sufficient for cultivation. The LED design is an LED chip (or combination of chips) coated with epoxy resin with the desired optical properties. Some manufacturers also use the optical properties of lenses to enhance the intensity of light concentrated in one place. The most common power of LEDs that are installed in the panel is 1 and 3 W; LEDs with a power of 6 W are available in some countries.

LED panels compared to HID lamps have one interesting feature, they do not emit thermal radiation, which is a great advantage for manufacturers who constantly suffer from high temperature in the room. In addition, the total electricity consumption of the lamp is less.

The LED is completely different from other light sources by the absence of a tungsten filament that burns or falls off over time and the absence of gaseous components, which makes the lamp more durable. In addition, due to the fact that the LED has its main component (diode) hidden under the layer epoxy resin, becomes an indestructible component. Opinions about the lifespan of LEDs vary widely. In general, however, about 50,000 hours of operation.

The advantage of LED panels is the combination of diodes with different color spectrums, thanks to which such lighting is suitable for all stages of plant life. Panels equipped with LED lighting have excellent depth. Perhaps because of the aforementioned lens, the panel can be hung over the plants and reach good lighting lower kidneys (depending on the type and power on the panel).

However, such lighting has its drawbacks, for example, the high cost prevents gardeners from purchasing an LED panel. Many manufacturers like to experiment and try new technologies, but because of their high price, they have to think twice before making such a purchase.

Since LED panels are manufactured in various forms(round, square, rectangular), they only emit light at a certain angle, so it is quite difficult to achieve an effect on the entire growing area.

One of the greatest innovations in light of the growing technology is LEP (Light Emitting Plasma).

LEP is also known as plasma, sulphide lamp, sulfur lamp, etc. Some manufacturers also refer to such a lamp as PLS (Plasma Light Systems). Despite the different terminology, this is the same product based on microwaves and sulfur.

Plasma is the biggest innovation in the growing light, it hit the market in 1990. Unfortunately, in the same year the lamps were withdrawn from sale due to commercial failure, and later returned to the market.

This lighting system produces light in a very wide range of FAR (useful for plants), close to the spectrum of the sun. Simulating solar radiation, the original intention of almost all LEP manufacturers.

The color temperature of the LEP plasma lamp is approximately 5600 K, suggesting that it is intended for the growth phase. The manufacturer recommends using this light for the growth phase and after the transition to the flowering stage it is worth using HPS. If you decide to feed the plant with plasma light during flowering as well, you should be prepared for very low yields, however, with the highest quality. Excellent results are achieved using LEP as illumination for mother plants and cuttings.

It is very important to choose the right bulbs for growing indoor, greenhouse and aquarium plants. If you make a mistake in choosing, further consequences can be disappointing: seedlings (or algae) may simply not have enough light, which can stop their growth or more serious problems - too bright lighting and heat will burn the leaves, which will lead to the death of the plant world. To not happen various kinds trouble, you need to know which plant lamps are best to choose, buy and use in the future. Next, we will provide to your attention a comparison of all the most popular types: from incandescent bulbs to LEDs.

Overview of existing light bulbs

To make the information easier to perceive, we will simultaneously list all the existing types of lamps that are best suited for lighting and growing plants, and immediately talk about how rational it is to use each option.

So, today, to illuminate the plant world in the house, you can choose and use such light sources as:

• . The cheapest and not recommended option for many reasons: they have a short service life, poor light output (up to 17 lm / W) and significant heat generation. As a result, seedlings or indoor flowers in a pot will not receive the required amount of light, as a result of which this will negatively affect the growth rate and, accordingly, the correctness of cultivation. In addition, a light bulb that is too powerful can burn the leaves if placed next to the plant. Bottom line - this option should never be used at home, because. it is best to choose more modern and effective types lamps, which we will discuss below.
  
• Fluorescent (energy saving) lamps. This option is much more appropriate to choose and use to illuminate vegetation in the house, greenhouse and directly in the aquarium. Energy-saving light sources have many advantages, namely high luminous efficiency, low heat generation and economy, which makes them good option lighting for indoor and aquarium plants. In addition, there are special fluorescent fitolamps that are designed only for growing seedlings and flowers.
  
• LED light bulbs. LEDs are the youngest type of light bulbs, which short span time managed to win a high interest in various fields of application. LED lamps are better for plants due to the fact that they consume a minimum amount of electricity, practically do not emit heat and, moreover, they can be of a different spectrum of light radiation, which allows you to choose the right LED bulbs for your own type of plants in the house.
  
• Gas-charging (sodium, mercury, metal halide). On this version of lighting products, you need to dwell in more detail, because. Not all gas charging lamps are suitable for growing plants. Of all the options listed, mercury lamps are the worst for plant growth in the home, greenhouse and aquarium. This is due to the fact that they have a luminous flux almost 2 times less than sodium and metal halide light sources. In addition, the light spectrum of mercury products is not quite suitable for the development and further growth of seedlings, flowers, algae. As for sodium lamps - they shine brightly yellow-orange, which is very much in line with natural sunlight. Review of experts - it is better to choose and use mercury bulbs for growing flower plants. Well, the last option - metal halide lamps are the most expensive, but at the same time the most suitable light sources for those representatives of the "green world" who prefer vegetative growth rather than flowering.
  

So we told you which lamps are suitable for lighting and growing indoor plants. We draw your attention to the fact that CFL fluorescent lamps, which have a light output of 80 to 100 Lm / W, will be the best options for the home in terms of price and efficiency. If it's possible to splurge a little more, it's better to opt for LED grow lights, which are still superior to the sodium bulbs previously used in greenhouses and greenhouses!

You can learn more about which light bulbs are best suited for growing seedlings (for example, tomatoes) or flowers in the video examples:

How to arrange lighting?

You have familiarized yourself with what lamps for growing plants are, and you probably already know which version of light sources to choose for your own conditions. Now we will briefly tell you about how best to organize the backlight so as not to harm the flora in the house.

The first thing to consider is the height from the fixtures to the leaves. The minimum distance should be 15 cm if the plant is light-loving and 55 cm if it is shade-tolerant. In addition, the light should fall on flower pots or seedlings (or aquarium flora) strictly at a right angle. Otherwise, the plants will reach for the light and take on an ugly shape.

Secondly, each specific type of representative of the flora requires its own specific light spectrum. Some flowers need the blue spectrum, some the red spectrum. You should first ask florists or read on the Internet about the requirements for growing your favorite plant, and then choose the right lamps.

Thirdly, if for some reason you have not found a light bulb with suitable light output and spectrum characteristics, you can organize combined lighting, for example, with fluorescent lamps simultaneously with phytolamps, etc.