How Long Should Houseplants Be Left Under Grow Lights?

Grow lights should be left on for at least 8 to 10 hours a day, mimicking the amount of light needed for houseplants. Most plants require 12-16 hours of artificial light, but the exact duration can vary depending on the plant type. Illuminate interior plants for 12-14 hours a day, and seedlings grow best when supplied with light around the clock. A consistent light schedule is important for plants to grow healthy, and setting up a light schedule and timing device is crucial.

Cannabis plants require around 16 to 20 hours of light. To keep houseplants happy and healthy with grow lights, place them within a foot of the plant and give them at least 12 to 14 hours of supplemental artificial lighting. Do not run them around the clock, as plants need a daily rest cycle. A high-quality, full-spectrum grow light, when used correctly, can substitute for sunlight.

Seedlings should have at least 6 hours of darkness per day, and more mature plants at least 8-10 hours. To be effective, grow lights should be on for at least 8 to 16 hours per day during the vegetative stage. Always position a grow light above the plant, and illuminate interior plants for 12-14 hours a day. Seedlings grow best when supplied with light around the clock.

Leaving the lights on 24 hours a day is not recommended for all types of plants, as they should not be on 24/7. By following these tips, you can ensure your houseplants grow healthy and happy with grow lights.

Should I leave my grow light on 24/7?

Plants require a light-dark cycle for proper development, and they “rest” during periods of darkness to move nutrients into their extremities. Most plants require at least 12 hours of light a day, at varying intensities. Check your plant guides for the specific sunlight needs of your hydroponic plants as they grow and bloom. To ensure the right amount of light, set up a timer on the lights over your hydroponic garden, eliminating the need to remember to turn them off or on.

Should a grow light be left on 24/7?

Plants require a daily respiration period of at least 6 hours for seedlings and 8-10 hours for mature plants, with no recommended more than 14-16 hours of light per day. They also have varying needs in terms of the volume of light they accumulate per day, measured by Daily Light Integral (DLI). Decorative indoor plants like pothos, snake plants, and monstera might be content with a DLI of 1-4 mol/m2/day, while most edible plants need a DLI of 10-30 mol/m2/day. Failing to provide sufficient DLI can have similar effects to not getting enough calories, leading to crankiness and even death.

Is 12 hours of light too much for plants?

Plants can compensate for low light intensity by increasing their exposure to light, as long as their flowering cycle is not sensitive to day length. However, plants require some period of darkness to properly develop and should be exposed to light for no more than 16 hours per day. Excessive light can cause leaves to become pale, burn, turn brown, and die. Protect plants from too much direct sunlight during summer months.

Additional lighting can be supplied with either incandescent or fluorescent lights. Incandescent lights produce a lot of heat and do not use electricity efficiently. For flowering, infrared light is needed. Cool-white lights produce mostly blue light and are low in red light, making them suitable for close proximity to plants. Foliage plants grow well under cool-white fluorescent lights, while blooming plants require extra infrared light.

Plants tolerate normal temperature fluctuations. Foliage plants grow best between 70 degrees and 80 degrees F. during the day and 60 degrees to 68 degrees F. at night. Flowering plants prefer the same daytime temperature range but grow best when nighttime temperatures range from 55 degrees to 60 degrees F. Cool nighttime temperatures are more desirable for plant growth than high temperatures. A good rule of thumb is to keep nighttime temperatures 10 to 15 degrees lower than daytime temperatures.

Can grow lights be too much for plants?

Too much light can damage or even kill plants due to the inability to convert all the light into consumable energy. This excess heat can cause moisture shortages, soil dries, and plant suffering from excess heat and dehydration. Excess light can be unintentional, as people may be unaware of a plant’s needs and place it in the wrong area. Knowing the conditions that encourage healthy growth is crucial for keeping plants alive and thriving. Misinformation or poor decisions can also contribute to excess light exposure.

Using direct or extended light to encourage growth can often have the opposite effect, damaging the plant. Standard LED lights do not offer the same benefits for plants as other light sources and do not stimulate the same growth habits. Grow lights can be beneficial, but improper use or placement can cause harm. Therefore, it is essential to educate plant parents about the proper use of light and avoid putting plants in dangerous situations.

How long should grow lights be on for houseplants?

The optimal grow light duration and distance depend on the specific plants and light type. A general guideline is to provide 12-16 hours of light daily to simulate a natural light cycle. Outlet timers can automate this process. Maintaining a distance of 10-12 inches from the top of the plants is recommended for an even distribution of light. These recommendations are starting points, and adjustments may be necessary based on individual plant species and their specific needs. Observing plants and their reactions to light is crucial for effective grow light management.

Can you overdo grow lights?

To achieve the desired DLI in a short time, a high rate of flow (PPFD) is necessary. Excessive PPFD can cause plants to brown their leaves, similar to sunburn. Gradually shortening day lengths can help plants produce fruit before winter. Plants need to sleep, performing essential respiratory functions at night. Seedlings should have at least 6 hours of darkness per day, while mature plants should have 8-10 hours.

To determine the placement and type of grow light, use the ideal PPFD and consider reading How Far Should Grow Lights Be From Plants and signing up for our email list. To start growing indoors with grow lights, consider the following options:

1. Sunlight: 6 hours per day, 6 hours for seedlings, 8-10 hours for mature plants.
2. Light: 8-10 hours per day, 8-10 hours per day for mature plants.

Should I leave grow lights on all the time?

Plants require a light-dark cycle for proper development, and they “rest” during periods of darkness to move nutrients into their extremities. Most plants require at least 12 hours of light a day, at varying intensities. Check your plant guides for the specific sunlight needs of your hydroponic plants as they grow and bloom. To ensure the right amount of light, set up a timer on the lights over your hydroponic garden, eliminating the need to remember to turn them off or on.

Can plants survive with only grow lights?

Indoor houseplants require a balance of natural light and artificial light for growth and blooming. Low-light foliage plants like pathos and peace lily can thrive in windowless offices with enough artificial light. Plants require green wavelengths to grow, and for serious indoor growing, hanging tube fixtures placed over plants are essential. Special grow light kits can be purchased, but for regular houseplants, any lamp or light fixture can be used as long as the bulbs are chosen carefully and placed where the plants can benefit most.

Can grow lights burn houseplants?

Inadequate LED grow lights or incorrect setups can cause burns, bleaching, and other harm. Cheap LEDs may overheat or produce too intense light for tender leaves. Unsafe electrical installations can cause fires, putting your home and plants in danger. However, quality LED grow lights like Mars Hydro are designed to produce perfect plant light without unsafe heat or intensity, with efficient fixtures and protective venting/cooling to maintain the right temperature.

Is 4 hours of grow light enough?

Plants require 12 to 16 hours of light per day to thrive, but not exceed 18 hours. This helps reduce electricity bills and mimics sunlight for healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting. This article provides guidance on indoor plant light requirements and hydroponic light duration, including daily Light Integral (DLI), effects of blue and red light on light schedules, and light intensity and duration needed for different plants.

It also discusses other considerations for grow light schedule, concludes, and addresses FAQs about the optimal grow light duration. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your indoor plants receive the necessary light for optimal growth and fruiting.