It is the wish of all growers to maximize the growth potential of their clones. Providing the correct light spectrum is paramount to the development of your clones. So, if you’re wondering what the best light spectrum for your clones is, we will let you know in this post.
Plant cloning has been in existence for decades and it’s been used to produce desirable plant characteristics on a large scale. One of the major sources of energy comes from the light which is why it’s crucial for the development of your clones.
Continue reading to find out the best light spectrum required for the growth of your plant clones.
Cloning Light
Cloning involves producing or making an exact match or copy of a plant from a mother plant. The plant to be cloned must have excellent features such as no plant stress, plant disease resistance, healthy plant growth, etc.
Cloning is another way of starting and growing a plant instead of seed germination. If you maintain and follow all the right tips for cloning, you will have a successful plant in the end.
Best Light Spectrum For Clones
Starting off your cloned plants the right way is the key to a successful plant outcome. So, talking about providing the best light spectrum for your clones, we recommend the blue light color. Also, if you wish to provide a full light spectrum to your clones, it won’t hurt.
Generally, plants require two main types of the light spectrum to flourish which are blue and red. Blue and red are as well great for plant cloning.
The blue light spectrum is required by clones for root development. On the other hand, the red light spectrum assists in the growth of plants and flowering of the plant. The red light spectrum is also required for photosynthesis which helps in the production of plant food to boost their growth.
However, for the first period, ensure you make use of blue light first to enhance the growth of the root.
Read more about: How Long it For Clones To Root
Grow Light That Produces The Best Light Spectrum For Clones
Note that the grow light that produces one of the best light spectrums is the cool white fluorescents. You can as well go for a combination of cool white fluorescents and warm white fluorescents. These lights are especially great for young clones as they require minimal light power for their early growth stage.
Other types of grow lights such as HID, LED, and so on can as well be used for your clones. However, these grow lights may be too strong for young clones. They won’t be as effective as fluorescent grow lights.
The household CFL is another good option to use on your clones. Household CFLs such as spiraled light have also shown good outcomes on young clones. Be sure to take care when using CFL lights on your clones as they emit plenty of heat. Give them a good distance between your clones to avoid burning them.
How Much Light For Clones Is Required?
Supplying your clones with the correct light spectrum will enhance their growth to give you abundant yield. Although for the first two days, your clone does not require any light because they need to be in the dark.
Ideally, you should supply your clones with about 18 hours of light. This will encourage the growth of stems and healthy leaves. The remaining of your clone 6 hours is to be in the dark to also encourage the growth of roots.
Other Lighting Tips For Clones
Here are some cloning tips to ensure you give your clones the best lighting for optimal growth:
- Take note of the heat of any to-grow light you’re making use of. You can do a simple test by placing your hand between the distance of the light and your clones to feel the heat. If you feel too much heat on your hand try to move the distance a little farther from your clones.
- As your clones develop, ensure you monitor their appearance. If you notice the yellowing of leaves or drying of leaves, it may imply your grow light is too close to your plants that it gives off too much heat. Quickly do the proper adjustments.
- Use only low light levels for your clones as they flourish and grow well in them.
- As your clones develop and grow stronger and hardened, they will need more light. Thus, you can increase the light intensity gradually.
- Allow your clones to develop strong root systems before exposing them to powerful or bright lights.
Which Wavelength of Light is The Least Useful to Your Plants’ Growth?
Greenlight is the least useful for plant growth. Plants poorly absorb this light wavelength since their chlorophyll pigment is already green. It might not make much sense, but this rejection is a form of protection. However, scientists don’t have the exact reason pinned down yet.
What Wavelength of Light Do Plants Absorb?
The pigments in plant cells that are responsible for collecting energy can only absorb specific wavelengths of light. Plants absorb blue and red light the best. Blue light has a wavelength range of 425 – 450 nm, and red light ranges from 600 – 700 nm.
The wavelength range plants use to photosynthesize is between 400 nm and 700nm. This is known as Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), and this changes seasonally and even differs depending on the time of the day.
What is The Best Light Spectrum for Vegetative Growth?
Vegetative growth refers to the growth period between germination and flowering. During this stage, plants photosynthesize and collect the energy they need to flower and reproduce. If you’re growing plants under a grow light, you need to ensure they have the right light during this developmental stage.
Blue and red light waves are best for the vegetative stage. If you use a mixture of both, you’ll get great results! Blue light improves plant structure. Red light is responsible for increasing leaf growth and stem elongation. This wavelength also promotes flowering and fruit development.
If you need to encourage structure strength, increase the ratio of blue light. Use more red light if your plants are leafy or near flowering.
Do Full-Spectrum Grow Lights Emit UV Rays?
If you’re keeping your plants under grow lights, you need to mimic natural sunlight as closely as possible. A full-spectrum light will do this task best.
Full-spectrum grow lights emit UV rays. The wavelength of your light should be between 100 and 400nm for effectiveness. You’ll have to keep your plants under this light for at least 12 hours daily.
Compared to standard blue and red fluorescent light bulbs, a full-spectrum light can almost double the quality of light. It’s the closest to the natural sunlight you can give your plants.
How to Make a Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light?
It’s relatively easy to set up your own full-spectrum grow light. I suggest buying a kit that contains all the elements you need. This will work out cheaper, especially if you have nothing on hand.
Your kit should include blue, red, green, and white light. The lights your choice will determine the quality of your setup. Ultimately, the outcome of your plants!
Full-spectrum LED growth lights should range from ultraviolet to infrared. This will ensure it mimics natural daylight as closely as possible. The wavelength range of your setup should be between 400 nm and 700 nm.
Remember to evaluate the CRI (color rendering index) of your setup. The higher this is, the closer your lights are to sunlight.
Clone Light Conclusion
We have concluded that the best light spectrum for clones is blue and red colors. They are required for the development of roots for your clones and optimal growth.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
