"red" light vs. "Blue" light

[Becky15349]

Hello all!

I have a horticulture-related question that I swear I learned in hort class, but I can't for the life of me remember the answer.

Q: I know that fluorescent lights are considered "blue" lights, and incandescent lights are considered "red" lights. Which type of light stimulates vegetative growth, and which type stimulates flowering?

Q: I was also taught that for proper plant growth, both types of light wavelengths are necessary. Do you believe this is particularly important for orchids as well? Should I be supplementing "red" light?

Thanks!
~Rebecca

[clintdawley]

Blue light stimulates growth and red light stimulates flowering...

This is usually accomplished with a cool white and a warm white florescent fixture. The color temperature (K) determines this spectrum. Lower K is red light and higher K is more blue. In my light stand I have 2800 K warm and 5000K cool...

[smartie2000]

Clint is right. No need to give too much red though, the plants will turn red themselves indicating that it is protecting itself from too much red light.

[Mahon]

All has been answered! Also, if interested, look into blue and red LED lighting... this reduces emitted heat and possibly more "concentrated" efficiency.

-Pat

[Becky15349]

I definitely will look into these lighting options- I know my plants need it!!

Thanks for the advice!!

~Rebecca