Under Canopy Lighting

Under canopy lighting refers to low-intensity grow lights placed beneath or within the lower plant canopy to supplement the light that doesn’t reach these shaded areas. These lights typically emit broad-spectrum or far-red-enriched wavelengths, helping the lower leaves contribute to photosynthesis rather than becoming energy sinks.

Yes, in dense plant canopies where top lighting struggles to penetrate, under canopy grow lights can improve lower bud and leaf development. They help deliver light to shaded areas, enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health. This is especially beneficial in commercial cannabis grows with SCROG setups or dense vertical farms.

In high-density canopies, under canopy lighting has been shown to improve yield and bud quality by boosting photosynthesis in shaded lower branches. Multiple studies show yield increases of 5–15% in optimized setups, especially for light-hungry crops like cannabis. However, the benefit depends on the grower's canopy management and overall light strategy.

Yes, you can place low-heat, low-intensity grow lights underneath plants to supplement light in areas where top lighting can’t reach. LED strips or bars designed for under canopy use are recommended, as they produce minimal heat and are optimized for supplemental light rather than primary light delivery.