Australia can be the place of sunshine, which makes it great for houseplant lovers! But why exactly do plants need sunshine? It's a fairly basic concept that's easy to understand. Once you know exactly what happens
Why Do Houseplants Need Sunlight To Grow?
First thing's first - there's no such thing as houseplants! Plants are born to be grown outside, and all plants need sunshine, even low light plants! This is because indoor plants rely on sunlight to perform photosynthesis. This is process that allows them to produce their own food for growth. YUM! Here’s how photosynthesis works in the leaves.
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Plant absorb light using pigment: Chlorophyll is the green pigment that makes your leaves lush. It also is crucial because it absorbs sunlight.
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Plant converts light into molecules: The absorbed light energy goes through a process where it splits water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen.
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The plant then produces glucose...yep, sugar!: Once hydrogen is in the picture, it combines with carbon dioxide (CO₂) that it pulls from the air. This is why plants are so important to the planet - they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to create glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). This glucose is the energy source that plants need to grow.
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The plant releases oxygen: after this chemical reaction, there is leftover oxygen. So when the water molecules split, the oxygen is released into the air. This is why plants are so healthy for humans!
What Happens When Plants Don’t Get Enough Light?
If your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight, you'll start to notice slow growth. Take a look at these signs:
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Leggy growth: stems will be weak with a low amount of leaves as they reach for sunlight that isn't there.
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Yellowing leaves: this can mean a few things, but often it can be a sign that your plant is struggling to produce energy.
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Slow or no growth: Without light, plants can’t make the food they need to grow.
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Leaf drop: Some plants will shed leaves to conserve energy.
How to Give Your Plants the Light They Need
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Know your plant’s needs: Some plants (like succulents) need bright, direct sunlight, while others (like ferns) prefer indirect light.
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Place them near a window: South-facing windows usually provide the most sunlight.
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Rotate them regularly: This ensures all sides of your plant get equal light.
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Use grow lights: If natural sunlight is limited, artificial lights can help keep your plants happy.