The Effects of the Light Spectrum on a Plant

The visible light spectrum cover colors from violet to red. Plants preferentially absorb blue-violet and red light that is captured by chlorophyll molecules. Chlorophyll traps light and generates chemical energy.

Light is Needed by All Plants

Sunlight and Artificial Light Energy

Daylight has All Colors of the Spectrum

Light energy behaves as an electromagnetic wave and a particle. The wavelengths vary from short (blue-violet) and long (red, infrared). The energy packets (photons) are highest with short wavelengths, and lowest energy packets (photons) with long wavelengths.

Proper Light Promotes Plant Growth

The green color of leaves means that the plant is reflecting that light back and not absorbing the green portion of the light spectrum. The question then is: how is it known what colors are absorbed and useful for a plant? That answer is provided by the use of a spectroscope or spectrophotometer, which reveals that blue and red light are absorbed when plants are exposed to spectral light sources.

Growing Plants at Home

Plants may be grown indoors with incandescent or fluorescent lighting. Special fluorescent "grow lighting" is available for plants to enable optimal growth. These special growth lamps emphasize the generation of blue and red light.

Indoor Plant Growing is Easy

Success with indoor plants is easy with proper lighting, water and occasional small amounts of fertilizer. Regarding light sources, consider using incandescent, economy-efficiency bulbs, or for large area of bench-top growing in garages or shops, purchase special grow lights from 20 to 48 inches at any big box or hardware store.

Choose Indoor Plants You Like

Choose the plants that you like, and enjoy great indoor decor with live plants. Many excellent indoor plant reference books are available

References

• Biology, 2006. Alters,S. and B. Alters, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N.J.