Phytolamps for plants: selection, types, features and recommendations

The main factor in the development of any plant is a sufficient level of light. Lighting is necessary for photosynthesis (that is, nutrition and increase in green mass) and photomorphogenesis (growth of seeds, roots, fruits). These processes require light with different characteristics.

In nature, sunlight contains all the necessary rays, and the plant gets what it needs. In home and industrial conditions (for example, for greenhouses), illumination must be maintained artificially. To create an optimal light flux, it is recommended to use special phytolamps.

Contents

What is a phytolamp

A phytolamp is a special light source that emits a certain spectrum of radiation that helps the growth and development of plants. These include lamps that give the most natural light, i.e. light close to the sun.

Diagram of the dependence of processes in plants on wavelength

The diagram shows that the intensity of photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis occurs most fully at different wavelengths of light. Chlorophyll also “loves” its wavelength. By the way, it comes in two types: A and B.

Spectrum for chlorophyll A and B

Chlorophyll A is the main source of plant nutrition. Chlorophyll B accelerates the growth of above-ground green mass.

From both diagrams it is clear that the most useful spectra for plants will be blue (420-460 nm) and red (630-670 nm). These are the spectral ranges that the phytolamp provides.

Why do you need additional lighting?

Getting enough solar energy is very important for indoor flowers, because it triggers photosynthesis processes that become impossible in complete darkness. Some specimens need a bright dawn, others need a muted, diffused dawn, while others prefer shady growing conditions.

Light starvation is fraught with weakening of indoor plantings and excessive exposure to various pests and diseases.

Emission spectrum

Red, having an impact length of 600 to 720 n. m., and orange, reaching from 595 to 620 n. m., are the most important ranges for living creatures. They act as suppliers, conductors of energy, facilitating the uninterrupted process of photosynthesis. They also affect the growth rate. And not always positively. If there is an excess of this radiation, flowering slows down or stops.

Blue, violet scales, having a range from 380 to 490 n. m., have an impact on the degree of growth. Participate in protein production. Under the influence of these rays, flowering begins much earlier than during normal daylight hours.

Ultraviolet, located within the spectrum from 315 to 380 n. m., have a negative effect on increasing stem length. They also regulate the synthesis and transport of vitamins and minerals. This light spectrum has another subtype of rays - in the range from 280 to 315 n. m. They play an important role in the formation of frost resistance of greenery.

Green waves (from 490 to 565 n.m.) and orange (from 565 to 595 n.m.) do not have a significant effect on plants.

It is recommended to understand the terminology. The power of electrical units is measured in watts, and the flow is measured in lumens. The higher the value of the last indicator, the greater the amount of light released by the device. The percentage is displayed in lux. This parameter specifies options for the amount of time required to provide illumination of the desired area. It depends on the angle at which the lamp is placed. Here we can draw a parallel with the sun - when it is near the zenith, the level of energy it releases is maximum.

Features of lamps for plants

Spot lighting

Phytolamps are designed to illuminate plants, including seedlings, in winter and early spring. The meager winter light is not enough for healthy development. And illuminated plants develop correctly:

They absorb chlorophyll A and B, which promotes root growth and overall plant nutrition.
The root system develops well.
Metabolic processes are accelerated.
Improves plant immunity and appearance.

Phytolamps are energy-saving devices. They consume an order of magnitude less energy compared to conventional lamps. This applies to phytolamps made on the basis of LED lamps.

Long service life is also one of the benefits of plant lamps. On average it lasts up to 100,000 hours of continuous use. Of course, no one uses phytolamps continuously: plants need to rest in the dark at night.

Special lamps for flowers are safe for plants: they heat up to only 55⁰C. Therefore, they need to be placed at a short distance.

How to calculate quantity

The emission intensity of a fluorescent lamp for plants depends on the type of crop. Usually calculations are based on an area of 10x10 cm.

That is, for a lighting area of 1 dm² you will need:

for light-loving flowers or if there is no natural light of more than 2.5 Watts;
for average intensity 1.5–2 Watt;
for shade-loving crops or with a lack of natural light 0.5–1.5 Watts.

For example: a window sill with an area of 10 dm². Plants with moderate lighting. 10 dm² x 1.5 Watt = 15 Watt will be enough.

Choosing a phytolamp

When choosing a light source for plants, check:

Lamp shape. For a window sill or a long shelf, you should choose a linear lamp. If you need to illuminate one pot or a small area on a shelf, then it is better to choose a base phytolamp.
Range. The values of the optimal wavelengths for growing plants have already been mentioned: 420-460 and 630-670 nm. It is worth checking whether the lamp provides such ranges. This can be done by looking at the spectrogram on the packaging. On the spectrogram you need to look for peaks in the blue and red parts of the spectrum.

Spectrogram

It is better if the peak in the blue region is at 440-450 nm, and in the red region - 650-660 nm. If there is a strong deviation from the optimal spectrum values, you should not buy a lamp.

Power. For indoor plants and seedlings, a good option is a lamp with a rated power of at least 25-30 W. It is worth keeping in mind that manufacturers must indicate the rated and real power, and the real one should be less. This is a sign of a quality lamp.
The ratio of power, illuminated area and height at which the lamp is suspended. Let's start with the fact that as the height doubles, the luminous flux decreases by 4 times. The more powerful the lamp, the higher it can be hung. For example, a LED lamp with a length of 50 cm and a power of 25 W is recommended to be hung at a height of 15-30 cm. And a similar device with a power of 50 W is recommended to be hung at a height of 20-50 cm.
The area of the lamp radiator. The larger the area, the better the cooling will be, the longer the phytolamp will last.
The material from which the lamp is made. A good choice is an aluminum body. The advantage is that aluminum also serves as a radiator for LEDs. It is not recommended to take a lamp with a plastic body.
Ease of maintenance.
Economic factors: the feasibility of using phyto lamps for growing plants. After all, they are quite expensive.

Calculation of required power

Let us immediately note that depending on the type of lamp, different power will provide different luminous flux. The easiest way to test power is by visible area coverage and temperature testing at plant level. To do this, turn on the lighting device and check that all leaves are within its coverage area. By placing your hand, you can check whether the plant is heating up beyond normal.

In terms of technical characteristics, LED devices are most often used, for which the following table of power and coverage area is displayed:

Table: power selection by area and distance

Real lamp power	Distance to plants	Area coverage (diameter)
7-10 W	20-30 cm	25-30 cm
10-15 W	35-40 cm	45-50 cm
15-20 W	40-45 cm	85-90 cm

In addition, it is important to consider the type of plant for which the lamp is selected, for some crops:

Name	With natural lighting, W/m2	Without natural light, W/m2
Large tomato	100	200
Cherry tomato	100	180
Pepper	100	180
Cucumber	100	170
Root vegetable	50	100
Onion	50	100
Parsley	50	80
Berries	150	200
Orchids	100	150

Types of phytolamps

Grow lights vary in the type of bulbs used.

Sodium lamps (HPS and HPS). Not suitable for residential areas: too bright. To illuminate 1 m2, 100 W of power is used.

pros

high light output;
long service life;
wide range of operating temperatures (from -60 ºС to +40 ºС);
effectiveness for flowering and fruit ripening, since the spectrum of arc lamps is in the red zone.

Minuses

strong heating of the flask - there is a danger of explosion when water drops enter and there is a long distance in order to prevent burns to plants;
non-immediate access to operating mode – it takes 5-10 minutes;
special disposal due to mercury vapor content;
the need for ballasts;
inability to focus the light flux.

Sodium phytolamps

Fluorescent lamps (FL). Since the spectrum is shifted towards ultraviolet, which has a good effect on the root system, LLs are more suitable for growing seedlings. Fluorescent phytolamps are distinguished separately. Due to the light they emit, they can be called pink lamps. The pink tint of light (a mixture of blue and red spectrum) is obtained by applying a special phosphor.

pros

profitability: relatively low price and energy efficiency;
lack of heating does not require a high altitude;
selection of lamps according to the light spectrum: warm light (3000-5000 K) for the flowering period, cold light (above 6000 K) for the growth of the root system and universal daylight for the entire period of plant growth.

Minuses

low power: two lamps are needed for sufficient illumination;
difficult to use in permanently inhabited residential areas: the blue spectrum will irritate human vision;
difficulties with disposal due to the content of mercury vapor;
difficult to use in greenhouses for growing cold-resistant plants: LLs are difficult to light and work poorly at low temperatures (flicker).

Pink light from LL

Energy-saving phytolamps (housekeepers). Variety of LL. The ballasts are built into the E27 base. The phytolamp is convenient for illuminating individual plants. Economies do not heat up and consume little electricity.

CFL

Induction lamps. The principle of operation is the same as that of LL, but the design is slightly different: there are no electrodes inside the bulb. Because of this, the service life increases: up to 15-20 years with a 12-hour operating mode. In addition, the luminous flux does not decrease over time, since there is no burnout of the electrodes. Induction lamps are expensive. They heat up weakly. The spectrum is suitable for growing plants.

Induction light sources for plants

LED phytolamps. One of the best types of grow lights. It is convenient to illuminate seedlings with RGB lamps. These are LED lamps with three crystals (red, green and blue) in one housing. Such light sources are controlled using a controller: you can illuminate the plants in turn with red or blue light, and when there are people in the room, switch them to white light mode.

pros

long service life: up to 50,000 hours;
low power consumption;
good emission spectrum;
no problems with disposal;
heat up a little.

Minuses

There is only one drawback: the cost of LED phytolamps.

LED lights

Based on their emission spectrum, the following lamps are distinguished:

Bicolor with sharp peaks in the red and blue parts of the spectrum. Recommended for:

illumination of plants in places with a minimum amount of solar spectrum, window sills and balconies;
growing seedlings;
backlighting in winter and on windows facing north or shaded.

Full spectrum. Lamps with broad peaks in the red and blue regions of the spectrum. Universal, suitable for almost any plant. They are inferior in efficiency to bicolor ones, but benefit from the supply of artificial light, similar to that of the sun.

Multispectral. The spectrum combines red, blue, warm white and far red light. This spectrum stimulates flowering and fruiting in many ornamental plants (orchids, adeniums, etc.). Suitable for growing plants in the absence of sunlight.

DIY plant lamp

If you have at least minimal knowledge and skills in electricity, then you can try to make a phytolamp with your own hands. Moreover, it is not very difficult.

You will need:

LEDs or LED strip;
power supply (driver) with a voltage of 12 V of sufficient power (you can take a working charger from an old phone: solder a connecting cable instead of a USB cable);
connecting wires and connector;
U-shaped aluminum profile (in extreme cases, can be replaced with a PVC sheet 2 mm thick);
thermally conductive glue (in extreme cases, you can use automotive sealant).

The electrical circuit for the phytolamp looks like this:

The connection of LEDs is serial, as it allows you to connect more LEDs at the same time. The current remains constant. The number of LEDs must be calculated.

A simple phytolamp requires red and blue LEDs. Depending on the purpose, the following color combinations can be distinguished:

for plant growth, it is recommended to take either only blue LEDs, or a ratio of red to blue LEDs of 4 to 2;
to stimulate fruiting, a ratio of 6 red to one blue or only red is recommended;
for general illumination in winter, you can choose one blue to 5 red.

The calculation of the required luminous flux of the lamp is calculated using the formula:

Ф=L*H*B/K

where Ф is the amount of luminous flux, lm;

L – length of the illuminated area, m;

Н – width of the illuminated area, m;

B – illumination, lux. It is recommended to do at least 8000 lux;

K is a coefficient that takes into account light loss due to scattering. For LED lamps K = 0.8-0.9.

The illuminated area refers to the window sill or shelf on which the plants stand.

The luminous flux value is indicated on the packaging of each LED. Based on the calculated value of F, the number of light bulbs and the power of the power supply/driver are selected.

P=F/C

where P is power, W,

C – light output, lm/W. For LED light sources C = 90-100 lm/W.

The size of the U-shaped aluminum profile is selected based on the illuminated area and the size of the internal parts: LED and power supply.

When everything has been selected, calculated and prepared, you can begin assembling the phytolamp.

Drill holes in the aluminum profile for the diodes and insert the LEDs. If you use tape, glue it and drill two holes for the wires.
Connect the LEDs into an electrical circuit using a soldering iron. At this stage, it is important to correctly determine the polarity of the LED (the article “How to determine the polarity of an LED” will help you with this). Otherwise, the lamp will not work! Connect the first contact of the power supply to the positive contact of the LED, connect the negative contact of the first LED to the positive of the second, and so on. If you took an LED strip, then simply connect it to the power supply.
Check the functionality of the lamp. If everything works, then glue the LEDs with heat-conducting glue. The lamp is ready.
Then it needs to be installed above the plants. You can hang it with cables or attach “legs” to the lamp to create a shelving unit.

Installation of a lighting fixture

Having decided on the type, you should understand the options for its placement to obtain maximum benefit. It is important to remember: by increasing the distance from the light source to the plant, the intensity of its impact is significantly reduced.

If nonspecific external defects appear on the foliage or stems, yellow spots or dryness appear, the lamp should be immediately removed from the crop, otherwise it may die. If the foliage fades, thins, and the stems stretch excessively upward, it means that not enough rays are reaching them.

In this case, it is recommended to hang the lamps closer. Placing lighting units on the side will not bring good results, as the plant will be significantly distorted. The best option remains pendant and ceiling lighting devices.

Experienced gardeners have several tricks and tricks in their arsenal that can significantly extend daylight hours naturally. To do this, they place small mirrors on the windows that reflect the sun's rays in the desired direction.

To achieve correct results, it is imperative to take into account the biological times of the plants. Sources of artificial light can be turned on for no more than 20-22 hours. It is important to maintain balance and alternation between day and night. 24-hour illumination will not benefit green spaces, disrupting their natural rhythm. Chaotic connection and disconnection negatively affects the health of flowers. To ensure proper development of seedlings in an apartment, a minimum of 8 thousand lux is required.

The lumen parameter is indicated on the packaging of the lamps. To calculate, you should be armed with the formula: illumination is equal to the luminous flux divided by the surface area. Or remember the average value: for an area of 1 sq. m, for full functioning you need about 400 W or 5500 lumens. They also take into account the fact that by installing the lighting unit at a level of 30 cm above the object, the force of the rays is reduced by 30%.

Recommendations for installing luminaires with phytolamps

Orchid lighting

When installing the lamp, follow a few simple rules so as not to harm the plants.

For the most efficient use of light flux, you can use mirror screens. In addition to being beneficial to plants, they protect people's eyes from blue and red light.
The light should be directed from top to bottom, just as the sun shines in nature.
The lamp is placed at a minimum height to prevent light burns.
The lamp should not be exposed to drops of water.

The best lamps for plants.

A list of the best phytolamps has been prepared according to user data from the Internet. The rating is not advertising and is subjective in nature.

Phytolamp Uniel LED-A60-9W/SP/E27/CL ALM01WH. LED, bicolor, power 9 W. The luminous flux angle is 270⁰. Suitable for indoor plants and seedlings.

Pros. Doesn't strain your eyes, standard E27 base, works at low temperatures (-20⁰ - +40⁰). Long service life - 30,000 hours. Low price: about 500 rubles.

Minuses. Bright pink light irritates the eyes.

Uniel LED-A60-9W/SP/E27/CL ALM01WH

Navigator 61 202 NLL-FITO-A60-10-230-E27. Bicolor, LED. Improves green mass growth and fruiting. Suitable for home use. The price is about 300 rubles.

Pros. Long service life - 30,000 hours. Economical, standard base E27.

Minuses. Room humidity should be below 70%, not suitable for use in complete darkness.

Navigator 61 202 NLL-FITO-A60-10-230-E27

Phytolamp Spring 6 W. Energy saving, length 11 cm. Luminous flux angle 160⁰. Bicolor. Suitable for home use. Price about 350 rubles.

Pros. Long service life, low price, standard E27 base. Operates at temperatures from -20⁰ to +40⁰ C.

Minuses. Bright pink light irritates the eyes.

Lamp "Spring"

Phytolamp “Garden Show”, 15 W. Full spectrum, predominantly red and white waves. Good for flowering plants.

Pros. Standard base E27. Economical. Long service life - 40,000 hours. The light does not irritate the eyes.

Minuses. The minimum distance from plants is 20 cm, do not use longer than 12-16 hours, high price (about 2500 rubles).

Garden Show

Flora Lamps E27 36W. Bicolor, LED, suitable for use in complete darkness. Positively affects growth and fruiting. Suitable for seedlings and low plants.

Pros. Standard base. Destroys bacteria. Economical. Long service life. Can be used around the clock.

Minuses. High price (about 2800 rubles).

Flora Lamps

The best lamps for plants.

“Health Treasure” for plants 16 W, 56 cm. Full spectrum LED lamp. Combines blue, red and white colors. Height adjustment from 10 to 500 mm. Power 16 W. Simple design and installation. The price is about 2000 rubles.

Pros. Reliable fastenings, light does not irritate the eyes, economical.

Minuses. Short cord: 1.5 m.

Health treasure

Jazzway PPG T8i- 900 Agro 12w IP20. Suitable for fruit-bearing plants. Red to blue ratio: 5 to 1. Suitable for home use. Suspension. T8 lamp. Power 12 V. Service life 25,000 hours. Length 880 mm. The price is about 1000 rubles.

Pros. Availability. Fastenings included. Easy. Possibility of adjusting the height of the suspension.

Minuses. Light flux angle 120⁰. Pink light irritates the eyes.

Jazzway PPG T8i- 900 Agro 12w IP20

SPB-T8-Phyto. The lamp is suitable for the most capricious seedlings: emphasis on the development of roots and stems. The kit includes two lamps, mounts and wires. Base G13, T Price about 1000 rubles.

Pros. Reducing the intervals between waterings. Does not heat up - minimum distance from plants.

Minuses. The cord is short, the light strains the eyes.

SPB-T8-Fito