Flowering light

Flowering light

Flowering is influenced by light or rather the critical night length through a process that is called photoperiodism. Photoperiodism which is a process in which plants respond differently to lengths of the day/ night.

Some plants only flower if the length of the night is below a certain threshold, whereas others flower when it is above that threshold. The former are long-day plants and the latter short-day plants. Examples of a long day plant is Campanula isophylla and dragon fruit, examples of short-day plant are Kalanchoe and Chrysanthemum. Not all plants are responding in this way and they are called day neutral plants. Examples are tomato and Cyclamen persicum. Some plants are triggered by different patterns of the daily light/ night period. For example, when a short days follow long days, just like a seasonal change where winter is followed by spring and summer.

Using HortiPower flowering bulbs could help you to manage the flowering time. For short-day plants light can delay flowering and for long-day plants it can help to advance flowering.

For photoperiodic light there are various tactics including; Continuous light periods of 4-6 hours from e.g. 22.00 to 04.00 hours which is called “night-breaking”. Cycles of light over 4-6 hours periods between 22.00 and 04.00 hours in 3 to 5 periods of 6 to 10 minutes per half hour which is called “cyclical lighting”.

All sorts of plants can really benefit from flowering light. For chrysanthemum it can help to delay flowering until the plant has reached the right height or season. For dragon fruit the light can help to advance flowering and fruiting which increases production. The HortiPower flowering lamp spreads red light and far red light. The lamp is easy to install and uses a regular E27 fitting. 

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