Adjusting veg light schedule for sleeping plants

[kntrlfx]

Ive noticed that near the end of my veg light on period the plants start to droop. ive searched a million threads and most agree this is the sleep time for the plant. Buy my plants do it about 2-3 hours before lights off. They are about 3 weeks from seed and have had no intteruptions of the light schedule. Im wondering if i should adjust my veg light schedule to follow what the plants are doing naturally. I.E. shorten veg cycle to coincide with the apparent sleeping. Is there a limit to how much light a plant absorbs and then shuts down. Or is it strain dependent. (which could be the answer for every question) Some knowledge would be great on this subject.

 

[VerdantGreen]

there is always great debate on this subject, and it probably doesnt make a huge difference...

but basically, if you veg under strong light, your plants will be happier with a dark period. most use somewhere between 4 and 8 hours. plants do perform some functions during the dark period.

also, if you veg with a dark period, you can have the lights off during the hottest part of the day if necessary, and you will find they will bud up a bit quicker when you put them to flower.

VG

 

[Builtaforest]

Seems to me this "going to sleep" is habitual and 'learned' by the plants...

When I run 18/6, like you say few hours before they know nite nite is coming but if I run 24/0 they are 'awake' nearly continuously

I may be crazy here tho

Also, VG, do you think that works because of the indirect tighter temp differential? (Since outside temps are less critical to those with AC)

baf

 

[Hydro-Soil]

Check your temps. I've seen a lot of setups that can handle the temps just fine... but close to the end of the day it gets hotter in the room. Once the light has been shut off for a while, things go back to normal.

Just a bit can make a diff. I shoot for 72F as a constant. If the room can't handle that at any time of the day/year, the cooling needs to be upgraded.

Stay Safe!

 

[VerdantGreen]

Also, VG, do you think that works because of the indirect tighter temp differential? (Since outside temps are less critical to those with AC)

baf

can you explain the question a bit better? i cant quite understand what you are asking...

 

[padawan]

yeah temps are fine. i run a tent in the basement. 600w cool tube with a 6inch 400 cfm inline. bringing in basement air. Exhausting outside of the room.basement temps 71 f canopy temps 75-79f running a 18/6 veg schedule. interesting to note that the 24/0 schedule keeps them awake all the time. Ive digged on this subject like i was looking for a sacred record. seems there is no definitive answer. Hmmm.

 

[padawan]

sorry got two accounts but im the op

 

[Builtaforest]

also, if you veg with a dark period, you can have the lights off during the hottest part of the day if necessary, and you will find they will bud up a bit quicker when you put them to flower.
VG

Does this imply that they will bud up quicker because of being under 18/6 vs 24/0? Or

Does this imply that lights off during hottest part of day will relieve temp increase in the flower room due to higher ambient temp at this time of day? Or

Does this imply that the resultant night/day temperature differential is now within as closer range, and thus more ideal

I'm really bad with words

Appreciate the insight

baf

 

[VerdantGreen]

at 18/6 they will have a little bit more flowering hormone in them already when you flip, so they should start flowering a bit faster.

and yes the lower ambient temps at night help to compensate the heat of the light, resulting in a lower daily temp range which the plants like better.

VG

 

[Builtaforest]

Thanks bro! Just like the train of thought straight in my head :what:

Following this... Seems to be more credence to darkness period before flip too!

baf

 

[grow_right]

actually what is happening is, the plants transpire during the light cycle. if the lamps are too close, they will wilt sooner than later. ruling out over watering.

 

[Hydro-Soil]

canopy temps 75-79f

Not on the original topic but...

Those temps will hurt your turpene and thc production levels. Not a *huge* issue, but will be a noticeable difference from say 72F.

Can your setup maintain those temps on the hottest day of the year or if your A/C goes out? Things to keep in mind.

Stay Safe!