Plants are incredible creatures! Not only do they soak up our CO2, feed us, and provide shelter, but they also perform complex nighttime calculations to ensure their survival and that of their descendants. Yes, you heard that right—plants do math!
In this article, we'll uncover the amazing activities plants engage in while we're busy dreaming. Plus, check out our YouTube video for more insights!
What Do Plants Do During The Day?
During the day, plants are hard at work with photosynthesis, converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process is crucial for their growth and our survival, as it only happens when there's light (natural or from grow lights).
What Do Plants Do At Night?
When the sun sets, plants don't just rest—they perform some of their most vital functions.
Plants Do Math At Night
Scientists at the John Innes Centre in the UK discovered that plants perform arithmetic division to ration their starch reserves through the night. If the night is long, they use their reserves sparingly. If it's short, they can afford to be a bit more generous.
Tip: Using a timer for your grow lights can help maintain consistent light periods, supporting your plants' natural rhythms. Check out our Grow Light Timer for an easy solution!
Photoperiodism, the science of how plants respond to day length, plays a key role in this process. Stay tuned for our upcoming article on this fascinating topic!
As plants 'exhale' during the night, they release oxygen back into the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the glucose accumulated during the day is used for growth, fueling the development of new leaves, stems, and flowers. This nightly cycle is crucial for plant health and development.
Changes In Day Length Help Plants Understand Seasonality
Plants are excellent predictors of the changing seasons. They use the length of night to gauge the time of year, which is vital for their survival. For instance, as days shorten and nights lengthen, plants prepare for winter by producing seeds to ensure the next generation thrives. This process also involves enticing animals (including humans) to help with seed distribution by embedding seeds in tasty fruits. Coffee plants are a prime example of this strategy, having captivated humans worldwide with their addictive fruit!
Shouldn’t We Let Plants Just Sleep All Day Then?
Not quite! Plants need a balance of light and darkness. The daytime light provides the energy necessary for growth, measured by Daily Light Integral (DLI). For example, indoor decorative plants like pothos or snake plants might thrive with a DLI of 1-4 mol/m2/day, while most edible plants require a DLI of 10-30 mol/m2/day.
For more detailed information on light duration and its impact on plants, check out our blog on How Long To Leave Grow Lights On For.
Thank you! Can’t wait to read it!