Hortitek Far Red Enhancer Bar 30W

Unlock the Full Potential of Far-Red Light for Plant Growth

Far-Red light offers unique benefits to plant growth, with three key effects that can enhance your grow, depending on your plant species.

Emerson Effect: While Far-Red light alone cannot drive photosynthesis, when used together with Deep Red light, it triggers the Emerson Effect. This synergy between the two wavelengths significantly boosts the rate of photosynthesis, resulting in enhanced plant growth and higher yields.

Flower Initiation: In nature, the shift from Red to Far-Red light during sunsets triggers a response in plants. This is due to phytochromes, photoreceptors that switch the plant between active and inactive states based on the Red to Far-Red ratio. Under normal conditions, this shift from active to inactive takes 2-2.5 hours after lights go off. By introducing Far-Red light, this process is shortened to just 15-30 minutes, allowing plants to enter their inactive state more quickly. This trick effectively reduces the amount of darkness required, enabling longer periods of light exposure and promoting faster flowering and higher yields.

Shade Avoidance Response: Plants naturally compete for light, especially when neighboring canopies create shade. Far-Red light activates the shade avoidance response through phytochromes, which detect changes in the Red to Far-Red ratio. A higher Far-Red ratio encourages plants to expand their leaf area and extend internode length, allowing them to capture more light. While elongation may not always be desired, the trade-off is increased light interception and enhanced growth through larger leaf spans.

Far-Red Light Usage: There are two recommended ways to incorporate Far-Red light into your grow. First, supplement it alongside your main lighting to achieve the Emerson Effect and Shade Avoidance Response, fostering expansive growth. Second, use Far-Red light 20-30 minutes after lights off to transition your plants into their inactive state faster, reducing dark hours while maximizing light exposure during the day for improved flowering and growth.

Balanced Spectrum for Optimal Growth: It's important to remember that no single wavelength is the "best" for plant growth. The effects of each wavelength are either enhanced or counterbalanced by others. Achieving optimal results requires a well-balanced lighting spectrum. Improper use or incorrect ratios can lead to undesired outcomes. Understanding the role of each light enhancer is key to improving your existing lighting system.

Manual and Specifications Available