Cree XPL Clone Kit-2

Why 5000-6500K for Cloning?

The color temperature of light is an essential factor in plant growth, development, and reproduction. In particular, for cloning plants, a color temperature range of 5000K to 6500K is considered optimal. This range is commonly known as “cool white” or “daylight” spectrum, which mimics the natural sunlight and promotes healthy growth of plants.

The primary reason for this preference is that plants rely on a specific range of wavelengths of light for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing light energy, absorbs blue and red wavelengths most efficiently, which corresponds to the 450-490nm and 640-680nm ranges, respectively. These wavelengths are abundant in the 5000K to 6500K range, making it ideal for plant growth.

Studies

A study published in the journal HortScience in 2015 investigated the effect of different color temperatures on the rooting and growth of cuttings from four ornamental species. The results showed that cool white LED light with a color temperature of 5000K was the most effective in promoting root growth and the highest fresh and dry weights of the cuttings.

Another study published in the Journal of Plant Physiology in 2016 examined the impact of light quality on the growth and photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings. The researchers found that cool white fluorescent light with a color temperature of 6500K was the most effective in promoting plant growth and chlorophyll content, compared to other color temperatures.

Additionally, a review published in the Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology in 2019 summarized the effect of different light spectra on plant growth and development. The authors concluded that cool white light with a color temperature of 5000K to 6500K was the most suitable for plant propagation, especially for ornamental plants and vegetables.

In conclusion, the color temperature of 5000K to 6500K is optimal for cloning plants because it provides the blue and red wavelengths of light that are most efficient for photosynthesis. Several scientific studies have demonstrated that this range of color temperature promotes healthy root growth, higher fresh and dry weights of cuttings, and better overall plant growth and chlorophyll content. Therefore, for successful plant propagation, it is essential to use lighting sources with a color temperature in this range.