SPOTLIGHT ON – In the beginning was the light…
One of the most important decisions concerns lighting, as it is crucial for the growth and health of your plants. Here you can find out why light is so important, which lamp is best to start with and how to set up the perfect lighting for your grow room.
WHY IS LIGHT SO IMPORTANT FOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION?
Light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants generate energy. The amount of light is particularly crucial for photoperiodic cannabis. During the vegetative growth phase, these plants require 16 or more hours of light per day. In the flowering phase, the requirement is reduced to around 12 hours of light per day, simulating the natural change of seasons. Without the right light signal, the plant cannot use its energy efficiently, resulting in lower yields.
WHICH GROW LAMP IS THE BEST TO START WITH?
We recommend using LED lamps (light-emitting diodes) to get started.
- Energy efficiency: LEDs convert most of the energy they consume into light rather than heat, making them more efficient than conventional HID lamps.
- Less heat generation: As LEDs generate less heat, they reduce the risk of burning the plants and this reduces water consumption as less water evaporates.
- Higher light intensity: LEDs make it possible to provide plants with a higher light intensity without damaging them with excessive heat.
- Longevity: LEDs have a longer service life and require less maintenance overall.
WHAT SIZE SHOULD A GROW LAMP FOR CANNABIS HAVE?
The size of the grow lamp depends on the cultivation area. As a rule of thumb, a radiant power of around 538 watts is required per square meter of cultivation area. For a cultivation area of 1.5 x 1.5 meters, a lamp with around 1250 watts is therefore required. These values can of course vary depending on the quality of the lamp and the specific requirements of the plants, so it is advisable to check the manufacturer’s specifications.
HOW MUCH DO GROW LAMPS COST?
The cost of grow lights varies greatly. Simple LED lamps can cost less than 100 euros, while high-quality models can cost up to 2000 euros or more. High-quality lamps are more expensive to buy, but offer better light quality, longer life and higher yields overall, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY LAMP ACCESSORIES
In addition to the lamp itself, there are helpful accessories that make installation easier:
- Adjustable cable ratchets: These allow you to easily adjust the height of the lamp to the growth of your plant. You can also use them to regulate the light intensity depending on the growth phase of the plants.
- Timer: With a timer, you can precisely control the light intervals, which is particularly important when the plants are transitioning from the growth to the flowering phase.
HOW MUCH LIGHT DO INDOOR CANNABIS PLANTS NEED?
Light requirements vary depending on the type of plant:
- Feminized varieties: In the vegetative phase, they require 16-20 hours of light per day. In the flowering phase, the requirement is reduced to 12 hours of light per day.
- Autoflowering strains: These plants flower regardless of the hours of light. Many growers light them 24 hours a day, others prefer 18-22 hours.
The light schedule for photoperiodic plants must be set correctly. Many LED lamps have switches or dials to switch between growth and flowering modes. Always make sure to adjust the height of the lamps to the growth of the plants to avoid burns and ensure optimal light distribution. Be enlightened…
