Valoya is a spectrum-driven company, with extensive research dedicated to understanding the interaction of plants and light.
Plants absorb light particles, or photons, through photosynthetic pigments and convert this energy into biomass via photosynthesis. Beyond energy capture, light also serves as an information signal, influencing plant morphology, development, and physiological behaviour.
By controlling the light spectrum, specific plant responses can be guided, including biomass accumulation, flowering, rooting, and secondary metabolite production. Because light requirements vary by species and growth stage, Valoya has developed tailored spectra to support plant development from seed to sale.
The terms wide, full, or continuous spectrum refer to light that covers a broad range of wavelengths across the photosynthetically active and photomorphogenic regions of the spectrum. At Valoya, the proportion of each wavelength is carefully tuned to the specific needs of different plant species and growth stages.
Unlike approaches based solely on red and blue LEDs—which meet only the minimum requirements for photosynthesis—Valoya’s spectra are developed specifically for horticulture.
Through extensive testing, we have evaluated the roles of green, far-red, deep blue, and UV wavelengths to better understand how light can be used to guide plant development. As a result, most Valoya spectra are wide, complemented by monochromatic far-red and UV modules and multi-channel solutions for research and specialized cultivation.
Valoya spectra are built on two decades of proprietary research and one of the industry’s largest patent portfolios, with over 100 patents worldwide.
Plants look natural under our lights – this not only supports research and crop monitoring but also enables growers to assess plant health and quality visually, under conditions that closely resemble natural sunlight.
We have tested over 60 different spectra in more than 700 plant trials, across species, growth stages, and cultivation environments. This extensive research allows us to offer evidence-based recommendations.
Explore Valoya’s spectrum portfolio below, featuring lighting solutions tailored to different plant species, growth stages, and cultivation goals. We also offer monochromatic far-red and UV modules, as well as custom spectra. By consulting on crop species, growth stage, cultivation environment, and objectives, we recommend the optimal spectrum from our portfolio for each client.
| Type & Values | Solray385 / SolrayX | NS1 / NS12 | AP67 | AP673L | G2 | Lumi-VF | Lumi-CS | Lumi-GH | AP-Sur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV (<400 nm) | 2% / 0% | 1% / 1% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Blue (400–499 nm) | 19% / 19% | 21% / 20% | 12% | 10% | 9% | 14% | 19% | 14% | 15% |
| Green (500–599 nm) | 36% / 37% | 36% / 38% | 16% | 19% | 2% | 30% | 36% | 35% | 29% |
| Red (600–699 nm) | 40% / 42% | 36% / 36% | 57% | 63% | 66% | 49% | 38% | 46% | 40% |
| Far-Red (700–780 nm) | 3% / 2% | 4% / 5% | 15% | 8% | 23% | 7% | 7% | 5% | 16% |
| PAR | 95% / 98% | 95% / 94% | 85% | 91% | 77% | 92% | 91% | 95% | 84% |
| CCT | 4500 | 4800 | 2500 | 2000 | – | 3700 | 4300 | 3700 | 4600 |
| CRI | 90–95 | 90 | 70 | 60 | – | 90 | 94 | 90 | 83 |
| B:G Ratio | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 3.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| B:R Ratio | 0.47 | 0.5 | 0.21 | 0.16 | 0.13 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| R:FR Ratio | 12.9 | 9.1 | 3.7 | 7.9 | 2.8 | 6.5 | 5.3 | 8.4 | 2.5 |
Typical values presented in the table.There may be some variation between the spectra in different fixture models due to a disparity in the LED layout.
This section explains the key terms and concepts used in horticultural lighting spectra. Use it as a reference to better understand how different wavelengths and light qualities affect plant growth, development, and physiology.
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), designates the wavebands of solar radiation from 400 to 700 nanometers that photosynthetic organisms are able to use in the process of photosynthesis. All wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm contribute to the photosynthesis, in addition wavelengths carry information about the plant’s surroundings.
There is critical information for plants beyond PAR area, in the UV range below 400 nm and in the far- red region above 700 nm. These areas and their relative ratios strongly affect plant growth. Hence, it is more accurate to refer to photobiologically active radiation 280-800 nm.
The R:FR ratio of a spectrum determines the ratio between active phytochromes (Pfr) and inactive phytochromes (Pr). R:FR ratio is the main cue for plants about their environment. Plants grown in shade conditions try to elongate their stem and leaves in order to achieve a better position in the canopy (catch more light), and produce seeds quickly (premature owering). Sunlight has a R:FR ratio of 1.2 and light under a canopy of leaves has a R:FR ratio closer to 0.1. The lower the R:FR ratio is, the higher is the portion of Pfr of the total phytochromes, thus the stronger the shade avoidance response is. The R:FR photon ratios can be calculated according to the definition by Sellaro et al.(2010); R:FR = (650–670 nm)/(720–740 nm).
Measured in Kelvin (K), CCT describes the visual appearance of light (warm to cool white). It does not directly measure plant growth efficiency but helps characterize light quality.
How accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural light. A higher CRI provides better visual clarity for human observation.
Describes the proportion of active phytochrome (Pr/Pfr) relative to the total phytochrome pool. This ratio influences plant developmental responses such as germination, stem elongation, shade avoidance, and flowering timing, helping regulate how plants perceive and respond to their light environment.
The absorption spectrum shows which wavelengths of light are absorbed by plant pigments, while the action spectrum describes how effectively different wavelengths drive physiological processes such as photosynthesis or photomorphogenesis. Together, they explain how light quality influences plant performance beyond intensity alone.
The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to support growth and biomass production. Light quality, intensity, and spectral distribution all influence photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant performance.
Specialized plant proteins that detect specific wavelengths of light and trigger physiological responses. Key photoreceptors include phytochromes (red/far-red), cryptochromes and phototropins (blue light), which regulate growth, development, circadian rhythms, and flowering.
Plant pigments such as chlorophylls and carotenoids absorb light for photosynthesis, while phenolic compounds play roles in protection, pigmentation, and stress response. Light spectrum composition influences pigment production and the accumulation of phenolic compounds, affecting plant quality and resilience.
