What Is A Green Light Flashlight Used For?

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

A flashlight with a green bulb may seem like a tool reserved for secret agents, but it is actually a handy piece of equipment for any homeowner. Green light is very helpful at providing visibility in dark places without creating a distractingly bright beam; for example, astronomers often use green light because it allows them to see without creating light pollution that obscures the stars. Since green light basically acts as night vision, a green light flashlight may be a smart addition to your emergency kit, along with some other essential items.

Aside from these benefits, green light flashlights are also useful in the garden. Green light is very unobtrusive to both flora and fauna, so you can take a close look at your plants and any surrounding pests without being noticed, allowing you to get the full picture.

If you tend to your garden in the cool evening hours once the sun has gone down, or if you keep plants indoors and supported via grow lights, you may have used a normal flashlight to inspect your flowers from time to time. While this practice seems innocent, exposing plants to regular light when the sun isn't up can actually affect photosynthesis.

Imagine being snuggled up in bed when all of a sudden someone wakes you up by shining a flashlight in your face: It would be a very unpleasant experience, and can be just as disruptive to plants as it is to humans. Green light does not disrupt the plant's growth cycle, so you can check on your garden at any hour.

Green light is also generally beneficial to plants. It has been shown to boost harvests and aid in photosynthesis, particularly when used in tandem with other grow lights. However, experts say that grow lights only help certain plants flourish, so be sure to read up on what you're growing before you use green light for anything more than quick inspections.

Additionally, green light is easier on our sensitive human eyes. That means less eye strain, which can make a big difference if you spend a lot of hours looking very closely at your plants. To make things more convenient, you could even pick up a green light head lamp, such as the Grow Room Headlight from Vivosun ($11.99).

Further, just as green light is less disruptive to our eyes, it's also less startling to any critters that might be rooting around your garden. If you suspect your plants are being pestered by insects like crickets, ants, or slugs, a green light flashlight can give you the advantage when trying to find these creatures. Instead of scaring away insects before you can confirm their presence with a sudden beam of bright light, the green light will let you properly check your garden.

Animals and insects can still see green light, but it's much less noticeable. Plus, insects tend not to flock to green light as they do other light colors. (Speaking of gardens at night, find out what a moon garden is, and the best way to design one.)