Why Red Light Is Essential for Flowering Plants and Indoor Gardening

Indoor gardening is the latest trend in the gardening world. People are growing herbs, small vegetables and more on their balconies, while investing in technology to make their flowering plants flourish. One addition many may appreciate, though, is the addition of red lights to their gardening equipment.

One crucial point to note is that natural sunlight often isn’t enough for indoor or house plants to survive and thrive. That’s where grow lights step in.

Among all the colours in the light spectrum, red light plays a crucial role in helping plants flower and bear fruit. We’ll explain how, and also highlight what kind you should get.

What is the Plant Light Spectrum?

The key thing to note is that plants don’t utilise all wavelengths of light. Through a process called photosynthesis, they mostly absorb light in the blue (400–500 nm) and red (600–700 nm) ranges of the spectrum.

Read: A Beginner’s Guide To Growing Vegetables At Home

The two different types of light have two different purposes:

• Blue light encourages leafy growth and strong stems.
• Red light, on the other hand, is the most essential for the flowering and fruiting stages of a plant’s life cycle.
• A combination of both is ideal for professional growers, small-scale plant enthusiasts and hobby gardeners.

Why Does Red Light Matter for Flowering Plants?

Red light has a significant impact on flowering plants, as it affects the flowering and fruiting stages the most.

Here’s why red light matters for flowering plants.

• Production of phytochromes: These are plant proteins that act as light sensors and signal to the plants when it is time to transform. These are essential plant hormones for the plants to reach the flowering stage.
• Encourages the production of more buds, which in turn results in more flowers.
• Essential to complete the process of photosynthesis.
• Supports Longer Bloom Cycles: Many flowering plants with big flowers, which look great, respond well to extended red-light exposure, often helping in prolonging blooming periods.

Where Should Gardeners Use Red Light?

Hydroponics and Aeroponics benefit when red LEDs are used alongside blue.

Read: Beginner-Friendly Ways to Boost Plant Growth For Beginners

Herbs and Microgreens usually need more blue. So pick carefully.

Flowering and fruiting plants need more red light. Orchids and hibiscus thrive when given some extra red-light exposure, especially during their budding stages.

Will you try incorporating red light in your indoor garden? Tell us in the comments below.