The future of Kalanchoë cultivation is driven by smarter light, not more light
The Kalanchoë industry faces a complex challenge. Growers aim to reduce energy consumption and become less dependent on chemical growth regulators, while maintaining plant quality, uniformity, and production levels. To address this challenge, extensive research was carried out between 2023 and 2025 by Plant Lighting and Delphy Improvement Centre. As a specialist in assimilation lighting, Agrolux actively contributed to these studies with expertise in LED lighting, spectral control, and dynamic lighting strategies.
One of the key conclusions is that Kalanchoë does not require the same lighting conditions throughout the entire production cycle. During the propagation phase, a relatively low light intensity proved sufficient to produce a high-quality final product. The use of higher light levels did initially result in more side shoots and a fuller crop, but these differences largely disappeared by the end of the cultivation cycle. The research therefore shows that more light does not automatically lead to a better end result.
In addition to light intensity, light spectrum also played an important role. Blue light and far-red light in particular influenced plant compactness and the prevention of unwanted vegetative growth. One particularly interesting finding was the clear impact of blue light on crop compactness. Treatments with a higher proportion of blue light generally produced more compact plants with shorter internodes, while lower blue-light levels resulted in increased stem elongation. These results confirm that light spectrum influences not only photosynthesis but also serves as a powerful tool for shaping plant architecture. At the same time, the optimal level of blue light was found to vary by cultivar and production stage. This once again highlights the importance of flexible and dynamic lighting strategies rather than relying on a single spectrum throughout the entire crop cycle.
Where assimilation lighting was once primarily evaluated based on light intensity and efficiency, the LED era has demonstrated that light quality also has a major impact on plant architecture, compactness, and flowering. Until recently, greenhouse lighting was generally limited to a fixed spectrum, but with the widespread availability of multi-channel controllable fixtures, the key question is shifting to: “How can I optimally steer my crop in every stage of cultivation?” This requires an approach in which light can be adapted to the production stage, cultivar, outdoor conditions, and desired plant architecture.
A second important outcome of the research is that high-quality Kalanchoë can be produced with relatively low energy input. By combining full LED lighting, smart screening strategies, and a carefully managed climate, crop quality was maintained while energy consumption was significantly reduced. This potential can be further enhanced by dynamically adjusting light spectrum and intensity according to crop requirements, natural daylight availability, worker presence, and current energy prices.
Perhaps the most important lesson from three years of research is that Kalanchoë cannot be optimally managed with a single universal lighting recipe. Differences between cultivars are substantial, and genetics play a major role in determining how plants respond to light. As a result, the most successful cultivation strategies are likely to become increasingly crop-specific.
For Agrolux, these findings underline the importance of continuing to invest in developing flexible LED systems and intelligent lighting control. The more we learn about the interaction between light spectrum, climate, and plant development, the clearer it becomes that the greatest gains lie in providing smarter light. The future of Kalanchoë lighting is therefore shaped by dynamic, crop-driven cultivation strategies rather than fixed settings.