Indoor Plant Lighting: Spectrum, Timing, and Technology

Hydroponics and indoor gardening thrive on precise lighting. Understanding spectrum and duration is key to replicating sunlight.

The Light Spectrum & Kelvin Scale

Visible light spans purple/blue → green → orange/red. Daylight = 5,000–6,500K. Plants need 12–16 hours daily under appropriate spectrum.

Match Light to Crop Stage

• Blue spectrum (higher K): Vegetative growth—seedlings, lettuce, herbs.
• Red/orange spectrum (lower K): Flowering/fruiting—tomatoes, peppers, blooming plants.

Top Grow Light Technologies

• HID (High-Intensity Discharge): MH (metal halide) and HPS (high-pressure sodium). High output, proven.
• LED: Energy-efficient, low heat, tailored spectra, long life. Increasingly popular.

Select lights by plant needs, not just price. The right spectrum drives robust, productive growth.