It is not recommended to give seedlings 24 hours of light. While seedlings do need a significant amount of light each day, they also require a period of darkness for rest and proper growth. Just like humans, plants have a natural day and night cycle that they need to follow.
Seedlings typically require 14-16 hours of light each day to promote healthy growth. This is because light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth. Providing them with the right amount of light ensures that they can carry out this process effectively.
However, it is important to remember that seedlings also need a period of darkness to rest and recover. During the night, plants undergo various physiological processes that are essential for their overall development. These processes include respiration, which allows plants to break down stored energy and carry out necessary cellular functions.
Leaving the lights on 24 hours a day can disrupt these natural processes and put stress on the seedlings. It can lead to overexposure to light, which can cause plant stress and potentially even damage the seedlings. Additionally, without a period of darkness, the seedlings may not be able to properly regulate their internal processes and may experience stunted growth or other negative effects.
In my own experience, I once made the mistake of leaving my seedlings under constant light for a few days, thinking it would help them grow faster. However, I quickly noticed that the seedlings started to look unhealthy and wilted. After doing some research, I realized that the constant light was the cause of their distress. I immediately adjusted the light schedule to provide them with a proper period of darkness, and they soon recovered and resumed healthy growth.
To avoid similar issues, it is best to mimic the natural day and night cycle when providing light to your seedlings. Set up your artificial lights to be on for 14-16 hours during the daytime, and then turn them off for the remaining hours to provide a period of darkness. This will ensure that your seedlings receive the necessary light for growth while also allowing them to rest and carry out essential nighttime processes.
Seedlings need a specific amount of light each day to thrive, but they also require a period of darkness for rest and proper growth. Providing them with 14-16 hours of light during the daytime and turning off the lights overnight is the best way to meet their needs and promote healthy development.