The Effects of Light on Plant Growth
Plants depend on light to grow. The quantity, quality and duration of light affects the health and growth of all plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Benefits
-
Photosynthesis is the process a plant uses to convert light into energy as building blocks for plant growth.
-
Function
-
The more intense the light, the more the plant will be able to use photosynthesis to grow. Photosynthesis is dependant on the quantity, quality and duration of light.
Amounts
-
Some plants require more light for growth, while others need less. Plants that need full sun (quantity) require at least 8 hours a day during the most intense (quality) hours between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (duration). Plants that need less light may shrivel or burn in too much sun.
Types
-
The quality or color wavelength of light affects plant growth and health. The two most important wavelengths of color are blue (fluorescent), which helps leaves grow full and green, and red (incandescent), which allows the plant to flower. Sunshine has both blue and red wavelengths.
Indoor Plants
-
If you want to grow plants indoors, use fluorescent lights for plant seedlings and healthy leaf growth. Later, as the plant begins to flower, add incandescent light for short periods of time or put the plant in a window that gets sun part of the day.
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of John Lindie
