Can You Use LED Strip Lights to Grow Plants?

During the past few years, with the advancement of technology, grow lights have started to play a crucial part in honing the indoor architecture which will allow the plants to grow in an environment that is not in direct touch with sunlight. It is considered as an essential factor for the growth of any kind of plant in the indoor environment. The progress and enhancement of grow lights such as LED grow lights, dimmable LED grow lights, Samsung LED grow lights, and so on (all of them are available at Phlizonstore) is worth noticing. The rise of LED technology has directed the grow light into a totally different path. In this article, we are going to introduce LED grow lights and discuss the advantages of them. 

Why LED Strip Lights?

There has always been questions about using or not using the LED strips, but luckily, Various reasons were brought up to justify the use of LED strip lights, such as being energy efficient, sustainable, customizable and flexible in design.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

The LED strip lights are renowned to be extremely energy-efficient which means that these lights are said to consume the least electricity. This fact about LED strips will lead to enhancing the sustainability of these lights which is mostly caused by lowering the emission of carbon power generation not being interrupted.

Customizable Light Spectrum

Everyone want to have a slight of their taste in their own greenhouse and therefore, deciding on the spectrum of light you want in your greenhouse is a big concern for any plant-related profession. In addition to that, the customizability nature of these light is needed since each plant has its own requirements. Fortunately, the LED grow lights offer customization options to tailor the color temperature and light intensity to be used for various needs.

Flexibility in Design and Application

There are numerous designs and applications available for greenhouses and horticulture in general. Being flexible to match those various designs is one of the benefits of LED strip lights. They can be applied in various settings, including under cabinets, along staircases, or within intricate architectural designs.

Understanding the Basics of Plant Photobiology

In general, the term plant photobiology refers to the study of how plants perceive and respond to light since light is essential for the growth of any plant. Here we will discuss some aspects that are important to know.  

Photosynthesis and the Importance of Light

Photosynthesis is defined as the process of converting light energy into chemical energy which is the core function of any kind of plant and is necessary for their survival. In this process, light is the main substance and therefore any grower must make the plants produce glucose and oxygen alongside carbon dioxide.

Photoreceptors in Plants and Their Role

photoreceptors are the specialized proteins that are found in plants. They are responsible for enabling the plants to feel and react to light of any kind. The two types of photoreceptors are phytochromes and cryptochromes and each one of them has different roles. The phytochromes are involved in germination, photomorphogenesis (development of form and structure in response to light), flowering, and shade avoidance responses, while the cryptochromes are involved in regulating the plant's circadian rhythm, which means controlling processes like growth and flowering based on daily light-dark cycles.

The Significance of Different Light Wavelengths (Blue, Red, Far-Red, etc.)

There are different lights with various colours and various wavelengths, such as blue, red, far-red, etc Each of them has specific functions, for instance, blue light takes part in various plant processes, including photomorphogenesis, chloroplast movement, stomatal opening, and phototropism (the plant's growth toward a light source), and this light is mostly absorbed by cryptochromes and phototropin.

Red light on the other side is crucial for photosynthesis and the overall development of plants and takes part in enhancing stem elongation and flowering, and it is absorbed by chlorophyll and phytochromes. Far-red light is important for photoperiodic responses, such as flowering and seed germination. Far-red light is mostly perceived by Phytochromes. However, you need to keep in mind that plants are capable of perceiving other wavelengths of light, such as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR), that are effective in plant health and development.

Advantages of LED Strip Lights for Plant Growth

  There are unnumbered advantages on the side of LED strip lights that convince clients to purchase and use them for their indoor garden, and here is a list of these advantages.  

Longer Lifespan Compared to Traditional Grow Lights

The LED strip lights are well-known for lasting for more than tens of thousands of hours. This lifespan lessens the need for changing the bulb.

Reduced Heat Output and Risk of Plant Damage

In comparison to traditional lighting technologies, LED strip lights are meant to send out very little heat which will minimize the possible damage that can befall on plants.

Ability to Tailor Light Spectrum for Specific Plant Needs

As we mentioned earlier, the LED strip lights offer precise control over the light spectrum, which will allow growers to customize the lighting conditions to match the specific needs of different plant species and growth stages.

Potential for Increased Yield and Faster Growth

LED strip lights can also be fine-tuned which means that they can provide optimal lighting conditions for plant growth. This will cause a rise in crop yields, faster growth rates, and improved overall plant health. 

Choosing the Right LED Strip Lights

Choosing the best LED grow light for your needs can be overwhelming. Most gardeners are concerned with choosing the lights that match their potential needs.

Factors to Consider: Wattage, Spectrum, and IP Rating

The wattage of any LED lights shows how much energy they consume. Based on your need you need to decide whether you need high-wattage lights or low-wattage lights. Spectrum is also essential. Check whether the spectrum of the LED light you are buying is customizable. And finally, consider the IP rating if you plan to use LED strip lights in humid or wet environments.

Importance of Quality and Brand Reputation:

The quality of the light is important, therefore, try to invest in high-quality LED strip lights from reputable manufacturers. In Phlizonstore you can find various lights with various brands and quality which will fit your taste and need. For instance, the 640w LED grow light, Samsung 281b, 1000w LED grow light, full-spectrum grow light, UV light for plants, greenhouse lights, etc., are all available at affordable prices.

Quality lights are more likely to provide consistent and reliable performance, have longer lifespans, and offer better warranty and customer support.

Recommendations for Different Plant Types and Growth Stages

As we mentioned earlier, different plants need different spectrums of light.  For instance, leafy greens and herbs like lettuce and basil mostly grow under LED strip lights with a spectrum rich in blue, and plants that produce flowers and fruits are suggested to be kept under a wider spectrum that includes blue, red, and far-red wavelengths.

Installation and Setup of LED Strip Lights for Plant Growth

Determining the Optimal Distance from Plants

The first step is to decide on the possible options you want to have your LED strip lights installed. Usually, you need to place the light 12 to 18 inches above the canopy of your plants and if the plant shows a specific reaction, you can adjust it based on the plants' preferences.

Configuring Light Cycles for Vegetative and Flowering Stages

You also need to be aware that at every single stage of growth, the lighting needs to be different. Therefore, you need to search for the longevity and intensity of light in various stages of your plant’s growth.

Tips for Maximizing Light Coverage and Uniformity

• in order touniform the light, you need to place the LED strip lights parallel to the plant canopy and for the light to be distributed evenly, you need to use reflective materials on walls and ceiling.  
• You need to make sure that the light is not blocked by another plant.
• Use multiple LED strip lights or fixtures to achieve better coverage
• Keep the LED strip lights and reflective surfaces clean
• Check the LEDs for signs of wear or malfunction regularly.
• Check for your plant's reaction to the light

Conclusion

All in all, LED strip lights have come to this world as a transformative force in modern agriculture. They have so much to offer when it comes to the growth and health of plants. There are various types of strip lights with various spectrums that can answer all the gardener’s needs. They can easily control the amount of light and heat they wish to have for their specific plants.  All growers should at least try these inventions and experience what possible advantages and profits they can provide them with. The modern age has led the growers to use new tools for their industry and if they reject the technology, there might be some fallbacks. If you are interested in more LED grow lights you can visit Phlizonstore for different kinds of grow lights such as 450w LED grow lights, 640w LED grow lights, full-spectrum grow lights, and so on.