The Benefits of UV Light for Indoor Plant Growth
One of the benefits of indoor growing is that you can replicate optimal growing conditions to get the results you are looking for from your crop. With the help of horticultural bulbs, you can mimic the seasons from Spring to Fall to match the light spectrum your plant is needing.
One part of indoor lighting that is often overlooked in Ultra Violet light. UV-A and UV-B are exceptionally beneficial to Aromatic herbs which make of 30% of all plant species.
These plants naturally possess a defense mechanism to help protect their leaves from the UV radiation. Trichomes form on the leaf’s surface to create a reflective barrier between the surface and the UV light exposure. This defense process created by the plant in essence is increasing its essential oil production.
The Ultraviolet (UV) LED market has expanded five-fold in the past decade and is projected to grow to over $1 billion by 2025. A key trend expected to influence the market is the ability to expand into new applications, including agriculture. UV light, at proper frequency and dose, can increase the production of active substances in medicinal and traditional plants and it can also help maintain a healthy growing environment. But to fully take advantage of best UV light for plants, some major re-design considerations are required. Terrance Berland, CEO of the Violet Defense Group, the parent company of Violet Gro, will explain which considerations these are; for instance, why it is crucial to incorporate the appropriate lens material.
What is UV Light?
Ultraviolet light, or UV light, is part of the rainbow, just not the visible part. We measure light by its wavelength, a measurement known as a nanometer (nm). The visible spectrum of light falls between 400 nm to 700 nm. Just outside the violet end of the spectrum begins the ultraviolet category, with a wavelength from 10 nm to 400 nm. While the human eye can’t pick up these waves lengths, but many other creatures, including plants, use it to survive.
When it comes to cannabis, harnessing some UV light may even improve your harvest.
Benefits of UV light
You’ve been told to be afraid of ultraviolet light all your life. Yet, in safe doses, UV gives you a great tan without actual damage to the skin. That darker skin helps add protection for the next time you are out in the sun. In essence, your skin creates its own natural sunblock.
UV light is extremely important for plant growth too. In safe doses, UV helps produce oils that create the great smells and tastes you are looking for in your crop. That’s what the plant produces to protect itself from more UV exposure. Just like us, plants create their own natural sunblock.
Cannabis responds to the stress and sunburn from UV wavelengths by creating its own sunscreen in the form of trichomes. The more trichome production the higher the THC and CBD levels. So in marijuana growth, trichomes filled with THC is the best natural sunblock for UV radiation. The marijuana plant produces more THC to compensate for high UV light exposure.
- Portable Design: Lightweight (Compact size: L10.23*W2.64*H1.85inches Weight: 185g),portable hand-held design with battery inbuilt can sterilize the required area at any time.. It can easily be stored in a hand bag, back pack or luggage. Disinfect whenever and wherever needed even while you are on the go! The ultraviolet light sanitizer is rechargable, which can work 2 hours after charging fully.This uv light sterilizer is rather convenient
- Safety Design: With built-in smart sensor, this uv light sterilizer can shut down automatically when it works 3 minutes.The uv lamps has child lock button,if we lock this button, it won’t work.This function can prevent children from turning on it.This uv disinfection lamp is safe to operate for us
- Warning Tip: Ultraviolet rays can burn eyes and skin. Do not point at people or animals during use to ensure safety!Pls keep the uv lights for disinfection away from children
GIVE YOUR PLANTS THE BEST - The next best thing to sunlight, our indoor plant mini grow lights are perfect during the long winter months, when your growing room does not get enough natural lighting. It is also viable for starting vegetable seeds indoors, before bringing them outside to your garden.
UPGRADED AUTOMATIC TIMER - The improved two-way memory system now allows the LED grow lamp to turn on at the preset time automatically. If you set the 12H timer function at 8AM, it will turn off at 8PM, and turn back on at 8AM the next day, everyday.
FULL SPECTRUM BULBS - 26 Red and 14 Blue LED chips emitting across two lighting strips with minimal heat, powerful enough for the plants to grow and thrive. Turn your house plants into green and succulent ones with these LED grow light fixtures and bulbs.
GROW ANYTHING - Grow kitchen herb, fruits and vegetables like tomato, english cucumber, leek, microgreen, watermelon and more. Flowering plants like orchid and wisteria. The plant light is great for any plant types and guarantees growth and yields wonderful results!
STURDY & FLEXIBLE – The gooseneck arms can be adjusted up to 360 degrees so you can position the light in any direction. This maximizes coverage for your seedlings, and looks after your potted plants, succulent plants or hanging ones. Make use of the mounting clip to clamp onto desktop or anything sturdy.
What NOT to do with UV Light!
Yes, UV has benefits for plant growth, but it can still cause damage to plants and humans if not used properly.
Do not expect to enhance your plant growth by going out and purchasing a sun tanning lamp. Sun tanning lamps provide a lot of UV and human skin can only be exposed to them for short periods of time. Exposing plants to that much UV can quickly kill them.
Growers should provide their plants with a full quality spectrum which emits the right amount of UV. That full spectrum light should mimic natural sunlight to make the plants feel as if they are being grown outdoors.
How Do I Get UV Light for My Plants?
Natural sunlight isn’t really an option for indoor gardens. That’s why grow lights are key for people trying to grow their own plants indoors. While many indoor grow light options produce little to no UV light, many HORTILUX grow lamps are designed with an exclusive light spectrum to give your plants the UV rays they need to thrive.
The amount of UV light being produced by your grow light is just another factor in deciding what is the right light for your grow.
Final thoughts
Explore the possibilities of LED lights with UV-A and UV-B for boosting yields and valuable features of your harvest, but understand you'll need to protect your eyes and skin from prolonged exposure.
Avoid using UV-C in the grow room, especially when emitted from a grow light. Exposure to UV-C can damage your skin, eyes, and more, even after only short bursts. Your plants do not need any UV-C to flourish.
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