Learn about the different types of light and how they affect the growth of cannabis.
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Indoor vs Outdoor
Cannabis plants are unique in that they can be grown indoors or outdoors. However, the type of light you need will differ depending on which method you choose.
Indoor cannabis plants need artificial light from grow lamps in order to thrive. The most common type of grow lamp is a high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp. HID lamps come in two varieties: metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS). MH lamps emit a blue spectrum of light, while HPS lamps emit a red spectrum. Both types of light are necessary for photosynthesis, but the red spectrum is better for flower production. For this reason, many growers use a combination of MH and HPS lamps during the different stages of their plant’s life cycle.
Outdoor cannabis plants, on the other hand, rely on sunlight for their needs. Full-spectrum sunlight is ideal, but not always possible or practical. If you’re growing cannabis outdoors, you may need to supplement your plants with artificial light from grow lamps during certain times of the year. The best time to do this is during the vegetative stage when your plants are growing leaves and stems but not yet producing flowers.
Soil vs Hydro
Cannabis plants can be grown in two different ways, in soil or in water. The method you choose will affect what kind of light you need to grow your plants.
Soil
If you are growing cannabis in soil, you will need a light that is bright enough to penetrate the plant’s leaves and reach the ground. The best type of light for this is full spectrum sunlight. However, if you cannot provide your plants with full spectrum sunlight, you can use artificial lights that emit full spectrum light, such as fluorescent lights or LED lights.
Hydro
If you are growing cannabis in water, you will need a light that is bright enough to reach the bottom of the tank. The best type of light for this is full spectrum sunlight. However, if you cannot provide your plants with full spectrum sunlight, you can use artificial lights that emit full spectrum light, such as fluorescent lights or LED lights.
Lighting
Different cannabis plants grow best under different types of light, so it is important to know what kind of light you need to grow your particular plant. The most common type of light used to grow cannabis is fluorescent light, but some growers prefer to use high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, such as metal halide (MH) or high-pressure sodium (HPS).
Incandescent
Incandescent lights are not commonly used to grow cannabis, but can be used in a pinch. They are not very efficient, and produce a lot of heat. If you must use an incandescent light, get one with a full spectrum (often called a “daylight” light). Incandescent lights are measured in watts (W), and cannabis plants do best under 50-200W of incandescent light.
Fluorescent
Fluorescent bulbs are a great option for seedlings and young plants, and they are very inexpensive. They give off very little heat, so they are perfect for small grow spaces. However, they do not produce as much light as other options, so you will need several bulbs to properly illuminate your grow space.
HID
HID, or high intensity discharge, lights are some of the most popular lights used to grow cannabis. They are very effective at producing large yields, and can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of your plants.
There are two types of HID lights: metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS). MH lights are best for the vegetative stage of growth, while HPS lights are best for the flowering stage. You can also get combination MH/HPS lights, which can be used for both stages.
HID lights require a ballast to operate, and need to be kept at a distance from your plants (usually 18-24 inches). They also produce a lot of heat, so you will need to provide ventilation and make sure your grow room doesn’t get too hot.
Some growers prefer LED lights because they don’t produce as much heat, but they are not as effective at producing large yields.
LED
LED lighting is becoming increasingly popular for growing cannabis, as it is more energy efficient and can be better for plant growth than other types of lighting. LEDs also last longer than other types of bulbs, so you won’t need to replace them as often. When choosing LED lighting for your cannabis grow, look for a light that is specifically designed for plant growth, as not all LED lights are equal in terms of output and quality.
Ventilation
Cannabis plants need fresh air just like we do. Good ventilation is important for two main reasons: to remove excess heat and toremove the stale, used air that contains very little oxygen. Not enough ventilation will result in your plants “stretching” (reaching for the light), which reduces yields.
