Facts About Plants Growing Under Different Colored Lights
By Kim Schumer, eHow Contributor
Plants convert light into energy and oxygen by photosynthesis. Indoor lighting can
provide the full spectrum of light needed for photosynthesis. Plants use the different
colors of light in varying ways during the photosynthesis process.
Cool-White Light
Fluorescent lighting in most offices and many homes provides the cool-white light
rays favored by foliage plants, such as vines, ferns and African violets. These
plants require 18 hours of artificial light a day, so control light sources with timers.
Blue Light
Blue light regulates a plant's water retention by controlling the size of tiny
openings on leaf surfaces that release moisture. Blue light also promotes seed
growth. Metal halide lights and full-spectrum LED grow lights emit blue-spectrum
light.
Red Light
Red and orange lights trigger germination in plants and cause the release of the
hormones that prompt budding and flowering. Too much red light causes spindly
plants. High-pressure sodium grow lights emit a reddish glow and are used in
conjunction with sources of blue light.
Full-Spectrum Lights
Horticultural fluorescent lights, the closest alternative to natural sunlight, provide
the full spectrum of light colors to plants. Plants do not need any other light source
to grow.
Green Light
The only color of light that plants do not absorb and use is green. Photosynthesis
makes use of the other colors of light. Plants reflect green light, which is why
plants appear green to human eyes.
Downloaded from www.ehow.com
Page 1