Why do plants need light?
Light is one of the most important factors for growing houseplants. All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process within a plant that converts light, oxygen and water into carbohydrates (energy). Plants require this energy in order to grow, bloom and produce seed.
How does light help plants grow?
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.
Do plants need sun or just light?
The sun, a torch, and a light bulb all emit energy in the form of particles called photons. Researchers can successfully grow plants using only artificial light in growth chambers. But sunlight is best for most plants.
How do I know if my plants are getting enough light?
If your plant is not getting enough light, the most common sign is the yellowing and dropping of leaves, stunted leaf growth, elongated stems, and a dull-green color. If your plant is getting too much light, then its leaves will have singed tips, burned patches, or will be falling off (yikes!).
Can I use regular light bulb for plants?
Yes, bulbs that you have in your house can be used to grow plants. However, regular incandescent bulbs do not provide the range of color spectrum light that plants thrive on. A better choice for indoor growing would be LED lights designed for that purpose.
Why is blue light so bad?
Almost all blue light passes straight through to the back of your retina. Some research has shown blue light may increase the risk of macular degeneration, a disease of the retina. Research shows blue light exposure may lead to age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.
What color LED light do plants like?
Blue is the most important light for plant growth, because it is readily absorbed by chlorophyll and converted into energy through photosynthesis. That said, blue light on its own is not nearly as effective as blue combined with red. And you want far more red than blue light.
How far away should light be from plants?
12″
Can a grow light burn plants?
Light, even intense light, probably won’t burn your plants. If a plant is getting too much light, it can challenge your crops and be counterproductive, but it won’t actually cause burning. Usually, it’s the heat that burns your crop, causing tissue death and crop losses.