How Light Affects The Growth Of A Plant & Problems With Too Little Light
Light is something that sustains all life on this planet, but we may wonder why do plants grow with light? When you buy a new plant, you may wonder what kind of light do plants need? Do all plants need the same amount of light? How can I tell if my plant is having problems with too little light? Keep reading to answer these questions on how light affects the growth of a plant.
How Light Affects the Growth of a Plant
All things need energy to grow. We get energy from the food we eat. Plants get energy from light through a process called photosynthesis. This is how light affects the growth of a plant. Without light, a plant would not be able to produce the energy it needs to grow.
What Kind of Light Do Plants Need?
While plants need light to grow, not all light or plants are the same. If someone asks, "What kind of light do plants need?", they may be referring to the light spectrum. Plants are affected by light that falls into the "blue" spectrum of the light scale. Daylight, fluorescent light, and grow lights all have "blue" tones in them and will help provide the light your plant needs. Incandescent and halogen lights are more "red" and will not help your plant grow. The question, "What kind of light do plants need?", may also refer to time needed in light. Normally they are referred to as low/shade, medium/part sun or high/full sun plants. Low or shade plants may need only a few hours of light a day while high or full sun plants need eight or more hours of light a day.
Problems with Too Little Light
Sometimes a plant will not get enough light and will have problems with too little light. Plants affected by light shortages or too little blue light will have the following signs:
- Stems will be leggy or stretched out
- Leaves turn yellow
- Leaves are too small
- Leaves or stems are spindly
- Brown edges or tips on leaves
- Lower leaves dry up
- Variegated leaves lose their variegation
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.
-
4 Winter Composting Shortcuts To Fill Garden Beds In Time For Spring Planting
Discover quick, clever winter composting techniques to prep your garden beds and pots for spring planting. Reduce waste, enrich soil, and save time.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!
It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
By Tonya Barnett