Growing plants with UV light is an interesting topic on your mind, if you are striving to know more, as a result you would wish to grow your awareness that this type of light can easily promote healthy growth and the creation of lush green foliage.
Ultraviolet, also known as UV light, possesses several inherent properties that improve the plant’s overall health, regardless of whether it is grown indoors or outdoors, as well as the flavor of the fruit.
This article explains in detail what benefits the plants will gain from it. Read on to find out the best-suited type and how this can be used for foliage.
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Does UV Light Help Plants Grow?
Yes, UV light offers a variety of benefits to the plant and contributes to its overall growth by aiding photosynthesis and protecting the plant from diseases. However, these benefits greatly vary and depend on the plant species and the type of UV light used.
What Are the Effects of UV Light on Plant Growth?
The effects of UV lights on growing plants would be to increase the photosynthesis process, and increase the resins produced. It would also enhance the taste, and protect from different pests. Moreover, it would boost the roots’ growth, enhance the germination, and help in the chlorophyll production.
The reason behind how it is beneficial is through the wavelength of ultraviolet light as it would start to form of electromagnetic radiation, the radiation would become significantly shorter than visible light but considerably longer than X-rays.
As a result, they are terrific plant lights for either indoor or outdoor garden growth. UV light or Ultraviolet Light comes with various benefits when used correctly and with the appropriate intensity.
– Increase in Rate of Photosynthesis
Exposure to UV, including UV-A and UV-B light, at the appropriate levels stimulates photosynthesis in plants. When the process by which the plant develops has given a boost or an increase in the rate, that is when you will clearly see that the state of health is in a much better and a positive place.
With an improved rate of photosynthesis, it will experience long-term benefits, including a faster rate of how this plant grow, as they would be producing healthier leaves and stems and increased fruit production, and you would even see it become taller and start to shoot more leaves or bloom flowers.
– Increase Resins Produced
The increase in the resin production is another essential benefit of exposing plants to UV light. It stimulates the production of resin in plants, resulting in better quality and quantity of plant molecules such as flavonoids and terpenes.
Where terpenes are responsible for the plant’s smell, flavonoids are responsible for the plant’s dark color and glossy appearance. In addition, the resins also prevent plants from losing an excessive amount of water, and this is why the plant will grow in a sufficient manner, and not in a weaker way.
– Enhanced Taste
If you have a home garden where you grow food, such as fruits and vegetables, then this is a way that would indeed help you, and if you have a concern about the flavor of the produce you will harvest. In this regard, ultraviolet light can significantly assist you.
As was mentioned earlier, this light stimulates two plant hormones. Terpenes and flavonoids can bring about not only an improvement in the flavor of your crop but also an increase in its overall production.
You will have a fruitful plant, which would provide you an organic harvest, in the end, when they are fresh and ready to be cultivated, in short, it won’t disappoint you, because the flavor would be rich.
– Protection From Garden Pests and Insects
Resin is an essential component that offers your plant defense against annoying insects and other pests that may be found in your garden. However, when it is under light, the pests will not be attracted to the plant as much as they would be when the plant is growing under the sun.
In addition, it is known that exposure to UVB light can cause changes in the DNA of fungi, which can otherwise cause damage to a plant’s roots and compromise its overall health.
– Faster Germination
Under UV light, you can anticipate seeds to germinate more quickly. In short, you do not need to wait as long, because this artificial light will help the seed to sprout out properly and to start shooting little buds.
It strengthens the seed, reducing the shock the seedling experiences, which speeds up the germination process, which would save you so much time and get you excited for the plantation process.
– Improves Root Health
When UV light penetrates through the soil to reach the roots, you can expect your plant’s root mass to rise considerably. This gives the plant a substantial boost and would not require any additional nutrients to be added to its soil.
You will find a more robust growth pattern as the roots would be in better health. When the roots get stronger and longer, they will absorb water better and would also impact on the ongoing health preservation of the plant’s life.
Boost The Production of Chlorophyll
The production of chlorophyll, is essential because it allows plants to take in more sunlight and nutrients. This can be stimulated by UV light, making it possible for this type of light to play a dual role in improving plant growth. As a result, you will now see the leaves become green to their utmost potential, and they would
What Kind of UV Light Are Needed by Plants?
There are two kinds of UV lights needed by plants, the UVA light, and the UVB light. The UVA light will help the plant to grow better and larger, whereas the UVB light will help the plant build better immunity against different illnesses.
Several kinds of plants thrive well in UV, which is nothing but a form of electromagnetic radiation that differs from visible light because its wavelength is significantly shorter. There are several variations of ultraviolet light, but only some varieties benefit plant growth.
– UVA Light
Exposure to either ultraviolet UVA light benefits plants’ growth and you can use either type of light in your garden. The exposure of the plant to UVA light stimulates the process of photosynthesis, which in turn leads to rapid plant development. It promotes the growth of larger leaves and can boost the production of flavonoids. In addition to this, the resistance to diseases also considerably improves.
Further, exposure to UV-A light is not known to cause any hazards; this is in contrast to UV-B light, which may cause the plant to have minor difficulties at higher intensities. The reason of this case is that the A-type would help the plant to grow in a way that its growth will become more sufficient and developed.
On the other hand, the best time to expose your plants to UVA light is while they are still in the growth stage. It is also known to improve the appearance and flavor of some fruits and vegetables, in short, if it grows in a great health, it will be rich in its flavor already.
– UVB Light
The texture and color of the plant are all enhanced when it is exposed to this light, in addition to the advantages equivalent to those offered by UV-A. The stimulation of photosynthesis by this specific light spectrum also results in the production of trichomes and terpenes.
The UV-B scope also provides inbuilt defense against pesky insects and microbiological illnesses. It will have a more resilient health, that will not be prone to be effected by the diseases that would cause it to fatal results. Despite this, you should still avoid subjecting the plants to high intensities of UV-B radiation because doing so could alter their DNA and harm their general health, which means that you should balance it out properly.
Which UV Light Is Suitable for Plants Indoor?
The UV light that is suitable for plants indoors would be the full spectrum head lamp, the UV LED lights, and the HPS lamps. Moreover, when determining the appropriate lighting for your indoor growth, consider the plant’s species and the extent of the growth.
There are several lights, but the best UV light for indoor plants produces the appropriate amount without resulting in excessive plant growth. Aloe vera, pothos and the dracaena marginata plant are indoor plants that do well with indoor UV lighting.
– Full Spectrum Head Lamp
A full spectrum LED headlamp commercially give out full light, and this is why it would be boosting photosynthesis and encouraging bud development. This LED grow light for indoor use often comes with a plant stand and is convenient for an indoor garden.
What you can do is to set the perfect adjustable tripod so that it would feature this light, as the latter would alter the proximity of the UV light from the plant. Some gardeners have also set an automatic timer that allows them to turn themselves on and off without human intervention, because it may be harmful. In addition, these LED lights on a tripod can also be suitable for use inside grow tents or grow rooms also; enclosures that house similar types of houseplants.
– UV LED Lights
Among UV light for plants indoors, Several LED grow lights provide a similar full spectrum like sunlight to plants. For example, the Gooing UV light comes with ten red and seventy white LEDs and is equipped with an ultraviolet component.
On the other hand, you can also consider the gooseneck LED grow lights that also have a UV which would allow you to place it in any direction to provide the best lighting angle for your plants, and it can meet the cover around the plant because it comes with a flexible gooseneck and a strong clamp. You should also consider the distance between your plants and the grow light.
– HPS Lamps
UV lights, such as HPS lamps, produce a narrow range of wavelengths that do not allow for photosynthesis but instead increase plant growth by creating more sunlight form of lighting. This results in more light reaching the plants, leading to more growth, which is why this lamp is considered the ideal one for flowering, because the light that it transmits is the perfect amount for a plant to bloom.
FAQ
1. Can UV-C Light Be Harmful to Plants?
Yes, plant exposure to certain forms of UV light may pose a risk to foliage. UV light, such as that emitted by tanning lights, for example, can be harmful to the plant foliage if too much of it is exposed to the plant.
So, does UV-C light damage plants? Yes, it does as well, too, because it is not a natural form of UV light, and even the smallest amount of it can cause harm to the DNA of your plant. Also, the bleaching that might result from excessive exposure to UV light can harm your plants, mainly if the light is intensely powerful or is located very close to the plant.
2. For How Long Should a Plant Be Exposed to UV Light?
It is recommended that plants be exposed to ultraviolet light for a period of time ranging anywhere from ten minutes to two hours. Avoid potential overexposure, as it may be detrimental to the plant’s health. Additionally, the amount of light that each species of plant prefers can vary greatly from one another, even within the same family.
3. Is UV Light for Plants Safe for Humans?
Yes, the UV light that is intended for plants is not completely hazardous to human health, but prolonged exposure to LED light can be harmful to one’s well being. The amount of time spent under these lights is the most important factor; exposure for shorter periods of time won’t have any effect on humans.
Conclusion
You are now aware that there are significant benefits that can happen to plants if they are exposed to UV light while they are being grown.
The following provides a synopsis of the most important information that we learned from reading this insightful guide.
- Ultraviolet light, also known as UV light, has several properties inherent to it and improves not only the overall health of the plant but also boosts yield, regardless of whether the plant is grown indoors or outside.
- Plants receive a boost in photosynthesis when subjected to ultraviolet light, including UV-A and UV-B light, at the appropriate intensity levels.
- UV light causes an increase in the production of resin in plants, which in turn leads to an improvement in both the quality and quantity of plant molecules, such as flavonoids and terpenes.
- Resin is an essential component that acts as a barrier between your plant and potentially harmful organisms such as insects and pests.
- Several different UV lights are available for indoor plants; however, the one that is the most efficient is the one that generates a suitable quantity of light without causing excessive plant growth.
After reading this article, you will be aware that it is necessary to enhance the growth of your plants by making use of UV lights, which are easily accessible for purchase. If you want your plants to grow to their full potential and produce more fruit in the garden, you should provide them with the proper lighting as soon as possible rather than waiting any longer.
