Article: Grow Distance Plant Lamp 100W LED - The perfect distance for healthy plant growth
Indoor growing is all the rage, whether among home gardeners or passionate plant fans. 100W LED grow lights are particularly popular because they provide a lot of power and are still economical in terms of consumption. But one crucial question often remains in the background: what is the right grow distance between plant and lamp (100W LED) for optimum growth? This guide will shed some light on the subject and provide you with everything you need to know.
Of course, plants need light for photosynthesis. If you give them too little, they will only grow puny. However, too much of a good thing, especially if the distance is too short, quickly leads to heat stress, burnt leaves or strange growth. The grow distance between the plant and a 100W LED lamp therefore has a direct influence on quite a lot:
This is precisely why it is so important to know the perfect distance for each phase and each type of plant and to adjust it again and again.
Before we get to the distance, let's talk briefly about the lamp itself. What actually characterizes a modern 100W LED grow lamp?
The optimum distance is not an exact science, but depends on many things. However, the following can be used as a rough guide.
| Growth phase | Recommended distance (cm) | Approximate light intensity (PPFD) |
|---|---|---|
| Seedlings / Cultivation | 40-50 cm | 100-200 µmol/m²/s |
| Growth phase (vegetative) | 30-40 cm | 200-400 µmol/m²/s |
| Flowering / Fruiting | 20-30 cm | 400-600 µmol/m²/s |
Very important: This is only a starting point! As the plants grow, you need to keep checking the distance.
If you want to know exactly, measure the PPFD values with a special PAR meter. For home use, however, a lux app on a cell phone is often sufficient. Although this is not super-precise, it gives a good estimate.
Young plants in the growth phase prefer bluish light, while plants in the flowering phase prefer reddish light. Many modern LEDs can adjust the spectrum. With a high red component, you can often get a little closer, as red light emits less heat.
The climate in the room also plays a role. If it is rather cool, the lamp can hang a little closer. In a stuffy, hot grow tent, however, even an LED can be too much of a good thing if the distance is too small. The rule of thumb is: always approach carefully and observe the plant. A thermometer and hygrometer are your best friends here.
Not every plant is the same. Here are a few examples of the grow distance:
You should know and avoid these beginner's mistakes:
The right grow distance between plant and 100W LED lamp is not rocket science, but it is one of the keys to success in indoor gardening. It's not just about providing light, but the right light in the right dose. Even the most expensive lamp is useless if it is hung incorrectly. But with a little patience and a good eye for your plants, you'll soon get the hang of it.
Very simple: with the "back of the hand test". Hold the back of your hand at the height of the plant tip for 30 seconds. If it gets uncomfortably warm for you, it is definitely too hot for the plant. And pay attention to the plant's reaction, as described above.
Yes, absolutely. This is even ideal for larger areas. Just make sure that the light cones overlap slightly so that no dark zones are created.
Don't panic. Usually nothing bad happens immediately. But in the long term, the plant can either suffer heat damage or not develop its full potential because it lacks light.
Yes, as a rule it does. The plant consumes the most energy in this phase. By moving the lamp closer (e.g. to 20-30 cm), you give it the necessary "boost" for a rich harvest.
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