Fast Plants need specific light requirements to grow successfully.

Once the plants have emerged from the soil, 24-hour continuous fluorescent light is a critical component for growing Fast Plants successfully. Over the last 25 years, Fast Plants have been bred under high intensity fluorescent light. Fast Plants will not grow well in windowsill or under other low light conditions. Several lighting options have been developed for using Fast Plants in the classroom and laboratory.

The Light Bank

The Solar Circle Light

Plant Light House

For more detailed information about measuring the quantity of light and the spectrum of light for plants, see The Physical Environment in Understanding the Environment

Light Bank System



The light bank system is most appropriate for growing large numbers of plants. The light bank uses only 4.5 X 2.5 feet of space, which will accommodate several large classroom experiments. The light bank consists of 6 or more 4-foot fluorescent bulbs side by side. The most common bulb used is a 40-watt Cool White Deluxe™, but other 4-foot bulbs such as a 34-watt or a 40-watt Cool White™ are also acceptable for growing Fast Plants.

Building your own light bank

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Assembling a wooden stand (33K PDF file)

Assembling a PVC light stand (33KPDF file)

Assembling a Light Bank (33K PDF file)

Purchasing Light Banks

Carolina Biological Supply Company supplies a Plant Light Bank System Kit which includes a bank of six 4-foot fluorescent light fixtures, a rack for suspending the light bank, a 9-foot extension cord, all hardware for assembly, and complete instructions. Fluorescent bulbs are not included. Product #FP15-8998 Plant Light Bank System

The Solar Circle Plant Light

The Solar Circle Plant Light is sturdy, safe (UL approved), and easy to assemble and disassmble for compact storage. The height of the bulb and reflector unit is simple for even young children to adjust. Its ease of use makes it ideal for individual science projects.

This compact fluorescent light systems accommodates up to 64 plants in quads or eight 20 oz. bottle systems, or any other plants up to 27 inches tall. The light requires only 16 square inches of lab or table space, stands 31 inches tall, and uses a special 30-watt compact fluorescent ring bulb (included) for required high-light intensity.

Since the circle light provides energy from only a single bulb, it is particularly important to grow the plants within the cylinder of space defined by adequate irradiance.

Reflectors made from aluminum foil or reflective mylar (available from fabric or stationery stores) greatly increase the irradiance reaching the plants, particularly those around the edges of the lamps, and contribute to uniform lighting.

The Solar Circle Plant Light is available from Carolina Biological Supply Company. Product # FP-15-8995 Solar Circle Plant Light

Plant Light House

The Plant Light House is a low-cost alternative for growing Fast Plants and other plants. It is ideal for small classroom experiments or group projects, and is designed so students and teachers can build their own.

Materials

• One empty "copy paper" box, (e.g., Xerox)
  
• Aluminum foil (approximately 10-15 feet)
  
• Electrical cord with socket
  
• Plastic plate or lid (5-10 inches in diameter)
  
• Glue stick
  
• Clear tape
  
• Scissors
  
• 30-watt fluorescent circle light (Lights of America™) OR a 39-watt fluorescent circle light (GETµ)

1. Cut a 1-inch hole in the center of a plastic plate or lid and trim off edges to make approximately a 4-5 inch disk with a center hole.
   
2. Cut several 4 X 14-cm ventilation slots in top, upper sides and back of box as shown.
   
3. Cut a 1-inch diameter hole in the center of box.
   
4. Apply glue stick to the each inner surface of the box and paste in aluminum foil to cover entire surface. Use tape to reinforce corners and edges.
   
5. Insert light fixture base through hole in top and through plastic plate from the inside of the box. Secure fixture by attaching socket from the outside of the box.
   
6. Tape an aluminum foil or reflective full-length mylar curtain to the top front edge of box. Let curtain hang down in front
   
7. Strengthen curtain edges with tape.