Why LED Grow Lights Give You Purple Light? Do Your Plants Need Ultraviolet (UV) Light?

People have long assumed that the sun is the only life force capable of fueling plant growth. However, contrary to popular belief, plants can do just fine under certain types of artificial light — sometimes even better than under direct sunlight, in fact. While some fun in the sun allegedly never hurt anyone, exposing your plants to its golden beams may be detrimental if done carelessly. In addition, the ray king isn’t available on demand year-round, so helping your green friends catch some much-needed light might get increasingly challenging as the seasons change.

So, do plants need ultraviolet light from a natural source to thrive? Not necessarily, and that’s where LED grow lights come in. These increasingly popular indoor gardening tools allow you to grow healthy and beautiful crops under controlled lighting conditions and with benefits of all kinds. No wonder why these lighting solutions are in high demand these days. But as you scour the internet for the best choice available, you might be asking yourself, “Why are LED grow lights purple?” Well, let’s find out!

Indoor Gardening Lighting 101: Why Are Grow Lights Purple?

There’s a prevailing misconception that plants can only reach their fullest potential when exposed to the light of day. The truth is that, as long as plants receive purple UV light with the right characteristics, the source becomes pretty much irrelevant. Plants do not discriminate, and, let’s face it; sunlight might be just a tad overrated. 

If you’re an indoor farmer concerned that your earthly sprouts are not getting the light they need and deserve to flourish to the max, purple LED grow lights might just be what you’ve been looking for. This popular lighting solution has the required wavelength to help plants assimilate the nutrients they need to grow as healthy as possible — even with no sun in sight. 

Debunking the Myth: Do Plants Need Ultraviolet Light From the Sun?

The obvious answer is yes, but in all truth, they really do not. While plants naturally develop outdoors and might enjoy the sunshine, they can thrive under different lighting circumstances, including LED grow light exposure. As unbelievable as it may sound for some, numerous studies suggest that this type of artificial light can support plant growth as much as sunlight does, if not better. 

While plants do need light to carry out the photosynthesis process, the role ultraviolet (UV) rays play in it is often misunderstood. Plants mainly rely on the blue and red wavelengths of visible light to transform light energy into chemical energy. Unlike sunlight, purple LED grow lights can give plants a targeted light spectrum that maximizes photosynthetic efficiency. In other words, purple lamps can be fine-tuned to deliver the specific wavelengths your plants require for photosynthesis without any unnecessary UV-related harm. 

So, Why Are LED Grow Lights Purple?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock your whole life, you’ve probably heard about a little biochemical process called photosynthesis. Through it, plants are able to convert light energy into chemical energy and use it to fuel their growth and development. To achieve this fundamental goal, plant leaf cells have specialized structures called chloroplasts, containing chlorophyll and carotenoids that absorb certain regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Within the electromagnetic spectrum, there is a specific range of light wavelengths known as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). This range includes the visible light spectrum, which is composed of different wavelengths that represent a variety of shades, each serving unique purposes. Red light, for example, stimulates flowering and fruiting, while blue light promotes leaf, stem, and root growth.

So why are grow lights purple? Because they provide plants with a unique combination of the red and blue light they need to grow healthy and strong. When purple LED grow lights emit their balanced blend of red and blue wavelengths, the chlorophyll pigments do not distinguish them from the red and blue in natural light. They still use the absorbed energy to power the chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Talk about flexibility and adaptability!

The Primary Benefits of Purple Light for Plants

Light Emitting Diode (LED) grow lights are specialized indoor gardening lamps that produce purple light plant growth. Purple LED grow light has become a widespread horticulture tool that promotes plant development when little to no natural light is available. Purple grow lights offer numerous known advantages, including but not limited to:

• Energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness: Purple LED lights consume less energy than traditional lighting sources. This characteristic allows you to save some of your hard-earned money on your electricity bill.
• Durability and low maintenance: Purple lights for plants have a long lifespan, often lasting tens of thousands of hours. This longevity eliminates the need for frequent replacements, saving you money, time, and effort in the long run.
• Customizable light spectrums: Purple LED lights let you adjust the ratio of red and blue light to optimize growth during different stages of plant development. This way, you can ensure your leafy dreamers get the exact lighting conditions they need every day.
• Heat management and plant safety: Purple LED lights emit very little heat, allowing you to avoid leaf damage and dehydration. Keeping your plants at the right temperature will spare them unnecessary stress that could hinder their productivity.

Is All LED Grow Light Purple?

LED grow lights come in all shapes, sizes, and hues. Indoor agriculturers use a variety of LED grow lights in different colors for various purposes. While purple is an excellent choice for many reasons, you can also opt for:

• Red LED grow lights: This light color is crucial during the flowering and fruiting stages of plant growth. It has a wavelength range of approximately 600-700 nanometers, which is ideal for triggering the blooming process and promoting the development of bigger, better, and prettier fruits and vegetables. 
• Blue LED grow lights: Blue has a wavelength range of around 400-500 nanometers, stimulating chlorophyll production during the vegetative stage. Blue light also regulates plant height and promotes overall plant vigor.
• Combination of red and blue lights: Purple or pink LED lights give you the best of both worlds, with wavelengths between 380 to 450 nanometers — based on the shade. These hues enable you to provide your plants with a comprehensive spectrum that ensures optimal plant development, from healthy foliage and strong roots to vibrant flowers and bountiful fruits.

Familiarizing yourself with your plants and their different needs can help you pick the right LED lamp and wavelengths to reach your objectives. Meticulously managing the light spectrum in your greenhouse is vital to optimizing plant productivity, quality, and yield. Ultimately, keeping tabs on your grow light gues will enhance the success of your indoor farming endeavors so that you can reap the benefits.

Choosing the Right Purple Led Grow Lights

With a wide range of options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which purple LED grow lights will best suit your plants’ needs. To help you make an informed choice, here are some factors to consider when learning  how to choose the most suitable purple lamps for your indoor garden:

• Coverage area: Each purple light lamp has a specific beam angle and coverage capacity. Measure the size of your indoor garden and determine the coverage area needed for uniform distribution.
• Light spectrum: Look for purple LED grow lights with a balanced mix of red and blue light. Alternatively, make sure there’s some indicator they cover the PAR range.
• Light intensity: Too much or too little light intensity can negatively affect plant growth. Assess the light intensity output of the purple LEDs you’ve been eyeing and match it with your specific plants’ needs.
• Energy efficiency: Look for LED grow lamps that consume less electricity while still producing the desired light output. Doing so will help you save money and protect the environment at the same time.
• Heat management: Choose purple LED grow lights with efficient heat dissipation systems or built-in cooling mechanisms. This is crucial to ensure that your plants are not subjected to excessive temperature stress.

What Types of Purple Lights for Plants Are People Buying?

To ensure you buy a great product that actually serves its purpose, check what other users have said about it online. Customer reviews and recommendations are often a reliable way to determine whether your purple lights will live up to your satisfaction, reliability, and performance expectations. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can proceed to do your research on the brand’s credibility and prestige.

Always opt for reputable brands of purple grow light known for their quality and innovation in purple LED grow lights. Established companies often offer attractive warranties, providing product quality assurance. For added peace of mind, check the warranty coverage, duration, and any associated terms and conditions. When in doubt, seek expert advice from fellow indoor gardeners and horticulturists. 

Conclusion

Purple LED grow lights are an increasingly popular tool for indoor growers around the globe. They provide just the right balance of red and blue light for optimal plant development and increased yields. In addition, grow lights in the purple spectrum offer numerous other benefits regarding sustainability, savings, energy efficiency, and more. 

Whether you are growing plants indoors for commercial or domestic use, you need the right equipment for high-quality production. Purchasing the right purple light for plants, be sure to do your due diligence and find a product that covers all your needs. The guide above will give you the necessary information to make an educated choice. If you’re ready to explore what purple LED grow lights have to offer, visit BATA’s website for more details.