When growers think Infrared (IR) in LED grow lights, they picture far-red wavelengths that influence flowering, stretch, and morphology. But there’s another side to infrared: Thermal Infrared (800–1,000 nm). While it doesn’t fuel photosynthesis, it can help ornamental crops in ways that impact quality, timing, and operational efficiency. 

At Aelius LED, we focus on lighting that drives plant performance – that includes all elements of plant health. Thermal Infrared isn’t a tool for every environment, but if used strategically to heat the plant and not the environment, it can be a game-changer for ornamental growers in greenhouses. 

Why Thermal Infrared Has a Place in Ornamentals 

thermal infrared

Thermal Infrared delivers radiant heat directly to the plant canopy. In cool-season production or during temperature swings, that extra warmth can mean the difference between “good” and “market-ready” quality. 

1. Faster Morning Warm-Up

Cold mornings can slow photosynthesis before the day’s production really starts. Thermal Infrared gently warms leaves, flowers, and media, helping crops hit their stride faster. 

Grower Advantage:

  • Shorter lag time between lights on and peak plant activity. 
  • Reduced condensation on leaves, lowering disease risk from Botrytis and similar pathogens. 

2. Stronger Cold-Season Growth 

Some ornamentals like poinsettias, geraniums, chrysanthemums are very sensitive to leaf temperature drops, even when air temps are in range. 

Thermal Infrared can help by: 

  • Keeping tissue temps in the optimal zone for metabolism. 
  • Preventing cold stress that delays flowering. 
  • Supporting steady nutrient uptake and carbohydrate movement. 

3. Targeted, Energy-Efficient Heating 

Heating an entire greenhouse for a few degrees of warmth can be costly. Thermal Infrared applies heat where it matters, at the plant level. 

Result:

  • Reduced heating costs in transitional seasons. 
  • Added frost protection for sensitive varieties without heating the full air volume.

4. Protecting Visual Quality 

Ornamentals are sold on looks. Cold stress can cause blemishes that send a crop off schedule or downgrade its quality. 

With thermal Infrared, growers can: 

  • Maintain petal integrity and shelf life. 
  • Reduce cold-related leaf spotting and edema. 
thermal infrared

Use It Strategically 

Thermal Infrared isn’t for all-day, year-round use. In sunny midday conditions, it can risk overheating, and it adds no photosynthetic benefit. Think of it as a precision tool for environmental control, and not a primary lighting strategy. 

Bottom Line:

Thermal Infrared won’t boost photosynthesis, but it can help maintain crop timing, health, and visual appeal, which are all key factors in ornamental production. For greenhouse growers working through temperature swings, it’s worth considering integrating thermal Infrared into your lighting as part of a broader climate strategy. 

Aelius LED is currently in R&D with a new technology including thermal infrared, specifically for this use case, and has already seen visually appealing changes in test crops. If you are interested in being notified of the launch of this technology, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter below.  

Stay Up-To-Date With The Launch

About Aelius LED

Aelius LED is a global supplier of premium Horticultural LED products for all stages of a plant’s life cycle. Aelius aims to help cultivators worldwide realize the true genetic potential of their crops by providing results-driven LED Light Fixtures designed to master commercial cultivation. Aelius LED is dedicated to the discovery of new technology and contributing to growth of the controlled environment agriculture industry. Since its inception in 2018, Aelius LED has expanded to hang above a variety of crops in over 10 countries and is now on the hunt for distributors to bring even better customer service to the #AeliusFam across the globe.

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