Can an Infrared Grow Light Impact Your Weed?

Since Infrared wavelengths are invisible, some growers question the effects of an infrared grow light on plant growth and health. Does an infrared light lead to better yields? How many types of grow lights are there?

Read on to understand the effects of infrared light on your plants and how to use them for best results.

What is an infrared grow light, and what does it do?

Rays from the sun are split into visible, Ultraviolet (UV), and infrared light. Contrary to popular belief, visible light makes up a small percentage of the sun’s radiation. 

Outside the visible light spectrum are wavelengths that are too long or too short for the human eye.

Infrared light is classified under the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, where wavelengths are longer than visible light. Infrared wavelengths are between 700 nanometers and 1 micrometer. 

The wavelengths are classified into:

• Far-infrared: these wavelengths are hot. They’re used in infrared grow lights to help cannabis plants to grow, sprout and flourish.
• Mid-infrared: These wavelengths are warm but not hot enough to harm plants. Scientists have built devices to harness these wavelengths to observe and study planets and stars.
• Near-infrared: these are the shortest wavelengths on the IR spectrum. They’re close to visible light and are used in TV remote controls.

Should you use Infrared Lighting in your Grow Room?

Yes, you should. The sun shines infrared light on the earth, which outdoor marijuana plants receive and use to thrive. In the same way, infrared LED lamps provide the necessary infrared light for indoor weed cultivation. 

Some growers fear using infrared light for plants, but the fear is unfounded. Why? 

Heat lamps for weed are designed to produce infrared wavelengths that help photosynthesis and trigger cannabis plant growth. Before jumping in, consider the following factors: 

• Cannabis plant needs: an infrared light panel can help your weed plants grow and flourish through its interaction with the phytochromes. Be careful not to flood your plants with too much infrared light as it can lead to plant damage.
• Plant shape: since infrared light triggers plants to grow and stretch, your marijuana plants may grow bigger and wider than expected. Ensure your infrared room has enough space for plants to stretch out when you add the best LED grow lights.
• Safety precautions: too much infrared effect can damage cannabis plants and may put your health at risk. When using infrared lamps, wear protective gear to prevent burns. Also, make sure you set the plants far from the grow lights to prevent light burn.
• Cost: though helpful, infrared light LED isn’t a core element necessary for weed growth and survival. Before introducing grow lights, calculate the cost. Aside from the grow lights, you’ll need an HVAC unit to regulate heat released.

How grow lights utilize IR light

Infrared grow lights are categorized into three:

• HID 

These heat lamps for weed plants emit infrared light through a chemical reaction between ionized plasma and the filled gas. The resulting color depends on the gas in the bulb. HPS lights emit warm yellow light, while metal halides emit white light. 

• LED 

Infrared light LED is made using multiple diodes, with some emitting infrared wavelength. Many LEDs produce red and blue wavelengths. To increase infrared light production, you may have to increase the number of infrared diodes.

• T5 infrared grow light

These are fluorescent bulbs available in different strengths, sizes, and shapes. Though simple-looking, T5 infrared grow lights can emit all light wavelengths that MH and HPS grow lights emit and more. Also, their cost efficiency and customizability make them a favorite amongst growers.

Effects of infrared light on cannabis plants

Marijuana grow lights helps stimulate growth through:

Improved blooming

Cannabis leaves have phytochromes which are special receptors that regulate processes like flowering, leaf expansion, and stem growth. The phytochromes receive light all day and alter their structure depending on the amount of light they receive.

Through these receptors, plants can tell the season and time of day for growth. With an infrared grow light, you can manipulate these senses and alter the growth process. 

Increased plant growth

Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis. When exposure to light is threatened, the plant grows toward the infrared grow light for survival. Plants in an infrared room receive long wavelengths and visible light which together cause accelerated plant growth.

Growing any time of the year

With an infrared light panel, you can provide plants with specific light for different growth phases. Using the power it affords you, you’ll have complete control over the weed light cycle.

How to use infrared light in a grow room

An infrared light panel will help you achieve better cannabis yields, but you should exercise caution. 

Regulate light intensity so that heat doesn’t damage the plants. Also, ensure you have ample room to accommodate the stretching and rapid growth of your plants. For safety, always wear protective gear to reduce exposure to harmful rays. 

FAQ related to infrared grow light

Does infrared light affect plant growth?

Yes, it does. In the right amounts and intensity, infrared LED lamps improve blooming and accelerate plant growth. In excess amounts, infrared light emits a lot of heat that discolors leaves or kills the plant. 

What is infrared light used for?

Infrared wavelengths are thermal and are used in special lamps to heat foods in restaurants and improve plant growth. 

What does infrared do?

They target phytochromes in plants to affect blooming, leaf expansion, and stem growth. For example, infrared grow lights trick phytochromes into thinking it’s time to grow, or flower leading to improved yields.

Do infrared cameras affect cannabis?

No, they don’t. The infrared wavelengths from cameras aren’t strong enough to cause a change. The camera would have to be ¼-inches from the plant to have any infrared effect. The camera doesn’t produce strong infrared wavelengths like the sun, or infrared grow lights.

Is infrared light good for seedlings?

Yes, it is. It stimulates vegetative growth and flowering, but you have to balance light intensity and light duration. Too much light intensity or duration can cause the seedling to grow tall and thin. 

Key takeaway

Installing an Infrared grow light isn’t mandatory, but they have noticeable advantages for plant health and growth. Infrared lighting stimulates growth, development in plants. When used correctly, you’ll reap better yields from cannabis seeds than you thought possible. 

Bear in mind that different cannabis strains have different characteristics and don’t react to IR light in the same way. So learn about your cannabis strain and take notes to keep track of their progress.