Under-canopy lighting isn’t just the latest trend; it’s a powerful upgrade that gives every part of the plant equal exposure, especially those lower buds often left in the shadows. In a typical setup, the upper canopy receives most of the light, leaving lower branches and buds shielded. This often results in airy, underdeveloped buds. But by adding targeted lighting below the canopy, growers can now ensure those hard-to-reach areas get their fair share of light, leading to more uniform growth and quality throughout the plant.
Setting Up Under-Canopy Lighting for Success
The most popular under canopy lights on the market right now are utilizing LED technology due to their low-heat output, energy efficiency, and the fact that they can be positioned closer to plants without risking light burn compared to other forms of lighting. Most available under canopy lights are dimmable, which allows you to dial in the exact amount of lighting intensity needed without having to adjust their positioning throughout the growth cycle. Starting slow and monitoring light intensity is crucial, as each strain will react differently to added light. By dialing in your lighting intensity to match what your specific cultivars can handle, you can help to avoid potential "herming" due to added stress. Once you identify the optimal setup for each strain, having access to Growlink’s Cultivar Blueprints will allow you to save and replicate lighting schedules, bringing consistency and control to your grow. The aim here is to achieve consistent bud development, helping lower branches ripen at the same rate as the upper canopy for uniform trichome and color development.
Experimenting Carefully and Monitoring Environmental Shifts
Adding light under the canopy means extra heat, which can disrupt temperature and humidity levels, potentially creating a “micro-climate” beneath the main canopy. Without adequate airflow, pockets of heat and moisture can build up, inviting pathogens as well as altering the plant’s transpiration rates. Installing extra fans below the canopy will help prevent this from occurring and ultimately help keep that environment consistent with the rest of the grow space.
On our Only Grows podcast, Dylan Knapp recently shared the importance of preparing for these added challenges:
Adjusting Irrigation Schedules for Enhanced Growth
Once you’ve dialed in the right under-canopy lighting, expect extra bulk in your plants. This increase in plant mass and vigor often means adjusting your irrigation schedules to match the increase in transpiration. The same routine that worked before may not meet the demands of plants now photosynthesizing at a higher rate.
During your first few grows with under-canopy lighting, close monitoring of substrate moisture levels is essential. Not only will your plants drink more, but the changes in the under-canopy environment could also impact the timing and extent of drybacks. If you’re using Growlink, make sure to leverage your substrate moisture graphical data to adjust irrigation schedules to keep up with your plants’ increased needs under the new lighting conditions.
Staying on Top of the Under Canopy
Under-canopy lighting, when thoughtfully integrated and managed, is a valuable tool for achieving balanced, high-quality growth. By staying vigilant about environmental shifts and adjusting care schedules accordingly, you can leverage this approach to its fullest potential, ensuring every part of the plant is productive and primed for a strong harvest.
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