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In general, sunlight is better for plant growth as it is intense and contains the full spectrum of electromagnetic radiation required for optimal plant growth.

Artificial light, if it is an ordinary room light, will only support low-light tolerant plants. Most artificial light sources (fluorescent and incandescent) do not provide the full visible light spectrum that is required by plants for optimal growth, this results in plants that are tall and spindly (etiolated) and sometimes discolored.

However, there are special lights with a spectrum that is tailored for growing plants. They have to be on for longer hours than sunlight, but as long as a plant is getting enough light-energy to manufacture its food, it will grow well. It doesn't matter whether that light is coming from the sun or from grow lights.

The downside to extended exposure to light is the plants metabolic functions operate twice as hard for the same amount of output. Recent studies have also highlighted some of the negative aspects of extended photosynthetic periods (extended light reactive period and shortened dark reaction period).

There are times when artificial light has an advantage.

Hydroponic gardening with artificial light makes it possible to grow plants in unreliable climates that are lacking in sunshine - think of the long "night" periods of areas of the northern hemisphere. In some places in Canada forage for animals is produced indoors during the winter months in artificial conditions.

Supplemental lighting is used in horticulture to produce plants in flower outside of their normal flowering period. For instance Christmas cactus, poinsettias, tulips, narcissus, chrysanthemums, etc.

Many houseplants grow better under artificial lamps, not because of the lights, but because it keeps them away from drafty windowsills!


Plants will grow better under sunlight; artificial light lacks the complete spectrum of light provided by the sun. You can purchase "grow lights" which have a special coating on the bulb to produce more light in the spectrum that plants need to photosynthesize. However, they can never completely duplicate natural sunlight.

Artificial lights are produced to help humans see in the dark, so they only need to produce light in the visible spectrum.

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Will plants grow as well inside with plant lights?

Fluorescent light works for most of plants and even aquarium fish. But when it comes to special races of plants, such as mariguana or some philotherms, HPS or MH can achieve a better effect. Check the link below for more detail about fluorescent light.


Do plants grow under artificial light?

Yes, plants can grow under artificial light, such as LED or fluorescent lights. However, it is important to provide the right intensity, spectrum, and duration of light to support healthy plant growth. Specialized grow lights are available for indoor plant cultivation to mimic natural sunlight.


When light intensity is below 200 photons do sun plants or shade plants have a higher rate of photosynthesis?

No, shade plants have a higher rate of photosynthesis at lower light intensities. They are more adapted to use the end range of light (red, 730 nm) that is present in shady conditions than sun tolerant plants are.


If a plant is kept under green colored light for an exteneded period of time what will happen to the plants food production?

If a plant is kept under green light for an extended period, its photosynthesis will be affected as green light is not efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis. This can lead to a decrease in the plant's food production as it may not receive the necessary light energy required for photosynthesis.


Do plant grow faster under certain colors of light?

Plants, in fact, do grow faster under certain colors of light. The reason for this is that chloroplasts can only absorb certain wavelengths of light because of the pigments they contain. There are 2 photosystems in plants called photosystem I and II. PS I absorbs light on the wavelength of 700nm while PS II absorbs 680nm because of their utilization of chlorophyll A and B. These two frequencies are known as the peak absorption points because they are the wavelength at which light is most strongly absorbed. Different forms of chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments absorb other frequencies of light, but PS I and PS II are what is used for synthesizing ATP and reducing power which plants use to grow. The visible spectrum of light is between 380-750nm for humans. Therefore PS I and II require red light to perform photosynthesis. As stated before, however, there are other photosynthetic pigments present in plants and other phototrophic species such as bacteria and algae that absorb other pigments. An example of this is the carotenoid pigment that absorbs primarily blue light as do chlorophyll A and B. Blue light contains more energy than red light but for PS I and II and plant growth both are needed. Studies in the 50's showed that the rate of photosynthesis increased under far-red and red light compared to other frequencies. Green plants will grow SLOWER or not at all under green light. Basically, green is the only brand of light that the plant's chloroplasts doesn't use. That is why it is the only color reflected from the leaf, and is what we see.

Related Questions

Can plants live under green light?

no.


Do plants grow better under light bulbs or under sunlight?

Sunlight


Plants grow best under which kind of light?

sunlight


Can plants grow under fluorescent light?

Yes, plants can grow under fluorescent light, but they may not grow as well as they would under natural sunlight or specialized grow lights. Fluorescent lights provide some of the necessary light spectrum for plant growth, but they may not be as intense or have the full spectrum of light that plants need for optimal growth.


Will plants grow under fluorescent light?

Yes, plants can grow under fluorescent light, but they may not grow as well as they would under natural sunlight or specialized grow lights. Fluorescent lights provide some of the necessary light spectrum for plant growth, but they may not be as intense or have the full spectrum of light that plants need for optimal growth.


Can plants grow under regular light-bulbs?

Explain why light is essential for a plant to grow


How well do plants grow under yellow light?

Plants require a full spectrum of light for optimal growth, including red and blue wavelengths. Yellow light is less effective for photosynthesis compared to red and blue light, so plants may not grow as well under predominantly yellow light. However, some plants can still survive and grow to some extent under yellow light, but they may exhibit elongation or other signs of stress due to the lack of optimal light spectrum.


Will plants grow better under a black light or sunlight?

Sunlight


Under which color light will plants grow fastest?

Plants grow fastest under blue light, as it is responsible for promoting vegetative growth and chlorophyll production. Blue light also enhances photosynthesis, which is essential for plant growth.


Do plants grow under fluorescent lights?

Yes, plants can grow under fluorescent lights because they provide the necessary light spectrum for photosynthesis to occur.


Can plants grow under fluorescent office light?

Yes, plants can grow under fluorescent office light, but they may not thrive as well as they would under natural sunlight or specialized grow lights. Fluorescent lights provide some of the necessary light spectrum for plant growth, but they may not be as intense or balanced as natural light.


How can I optimize the growth of plants under fluorescent light?

To optimize plant growth under fluorescent light, ensure the light is the right distance from the plants, provide the correct amount of light for the specific plant species, and maintain a consistent light schedule to mimic natural sunlight. Additionally, consider using full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs and rotating the plants regularly to ensure even light exposure.