Will a light therapy lamp work on plants?#happyplants
5” pot with drainage
Last watered 15 hours ago
3
Best Answer
@YeahMayten98 That’s a good question. I did a google search and found this: Light therapy lamps (SAD lamps) are generally not a good alternative to dedicated grow lights. While they provide bright, full-spectrum white light that can technically support photosynthesis, they lack the necessary intensity, optimized wavelengths (blue/red), and coverage for healthy plant development, often leading to weak, leggy growth. Key Differences and Considerations:
Intensity (Lux vs. PAR): SAD lamps are designed to provide 10,000 lux at a short distance to interact with human eyes, but they do not provide the necessary Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) intensity required for plants.
Spectrum Requirements: Plants rely on specific blue wavelengths (430–480 nm) for vegetative growth and red wavelengths (640–670 nm) for flowering. While "cool white" LEDs are acceptable, dedicated grow lights provide a more effective, tailored spectrum.
Heat and Damage: Some users suggest the infrared components in, or high heat from, certain therapy lights could damage plant tissues.
Application: SAD lamps are designed for short-term, daily exposure at close range to a person's face, not to provide consistent, sustained light for photosynthesis over a wide area. For long-term, healthy plant growth, particularly for plants requiring medium-to-high light, dedicated, energy-efficient LED grow lights are much more effective than light therapy lamps.
Intensity (Lux vs. PAR): SAD lamps are designed to provide 10,000 lux at a short distance to interact with human eyes, but they do not provide the necessary Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) intensity required for plants.
Spectrum Requirements: Plants rely on specific blue wavelengths (430–480 nm) for vegetative growth and red wavelengths (640–670 nm) for flowering. While "cool white" LEDs are acceptable, dedicated grow lights provide a more effective, tailored spectrum.
Heat and Damage: Some users suggest the infrared components in, or high heat from, certain therapy lights could damage plant tissues.
Application: SAD lamps are designed for short-term, daily exposure at close range to a person's face, not to provide consistent, sustained light for photosynthesis over a wide area. For long-term, healthy plant growth, particularly for plants requiring medium-to-high light, dedicated, energy-efficient LED grow lights are much more effective than light therapy lamps.
Greatful for the help!
