Plants, as living beings, need essential conditions to be able to live, grow and develop. One of the most important is to receive a minimum amount of light daily. But, How do you know if your plant needs more light?
If you notice that it is not as pretty and healthy as it should be, this may be happening because it is not receiving enough light. So it is time to learn more in detail what symptoms a plant that lacks light shows.
Why is light so important for plants?
Light is important for many vital functions that plants perform, such as the following:
- Photosynthesis. Light is essential for plants to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen to carry out photosynthesis. And glucose is the source of energy that plants use to grow and develop.
- Oxygen production. Light is essential for photosynthesis, and photosynthesis releases oxygen, which is a chemical element essential for respiration in many organisms, including humans.
- Energy. Light is a source of energy for plants, it allows them to carry out different metabolic functions such as protein synthesis.
- Growth regulation. In function of the amount of light they receive the plants, they will grow more or less.
- Perception of the environment. Although we are not aware of it, plants relate to the environment. The information they receive from light can help them detect factors such as the time of year we are in, something that influences processes such as flowering and leaf fall.
How do you know if your plant needs more light?
It is clear to us that light is essential, but how can we be sure that what is happening to our plant is that it is not receiving enough light and it is not another problem? Easy, observing the symptoms.
If the problem is that you are not getting enough light, you may notice the following:
Yellowish tone of the leaves
An obvious symptom of lack of light is that the leaves turn yellowish, and in some cases they can become whitish. This is because the plant lacks chlorophyll, which is the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis.
Excessive stretching
This is what we know as etiolation. If the plant does not receive enough light, It is likely that it will begin to stretch its stems excessively to try to get to the light you need.
The etiolation differs from normal growth in which the stems show a weak and elongated appearance.
Smaller size leaves
When it comes to how to tell if your plant needs light, pay attention to its evolution. If you notice that the new leaves are not reaching the size they were before, something is wrong.
In some cases you can find leaves of the same size as always, but with a weaker appearance.
Leaf fall
It is normal for plants to lose their leaves, but the frequency and timing of the fall can alert us that something is wrong.
If the leaves fall off before they are fully mature or before the time comes when the plant sheds them (if it is deciduous), it is possible that the plant you are not getting all the light you need.
Lack of flowering or fruiting
A plant that receives little light already has a hard time keeping its leaves in good condition, so imagine the great effort it has to make to produce flowers or fruit. Hence insufficient light manifests itself in a reduction in the number of flowers and fruits, and even in their total absence.
Growth deformities
If you notice that the plant begins to grow abnormally, and deformities appear in the stems or floral structures, This is also a symptom that you are lacking light.
Increased susceptibility to disease
A plant that does not receive enough light is a plant that is weak, therefore, it is easier for it to fall victim to pests or diseases.
Can a plant die if it doesn't get enough light?
These symptoms that we have pointed out warn us that something is wrong with our plant and, therefore, we should take action as soon as possible. Because yes, a plant can die if it does not receive enough light for a prolonged period of time.
It happens because several vital processes are affected:
- Energy production is reduced.
- Nutrients are not absorbed well.
- Structural development is poor.
- The plant loses resistance to diseases and pests.
What can you do if you have a plant that is not getting enough light?
Here are some recommendations so that your plant is as beautiful as the first day again.
Change of location
Obviously, the first thing you have to do is change the location of the plant and place it where it receives more light. Of course, first find out if the variety in question It needs direct light or if you prefer indirect light.
Pruning
If the plant has developed long, thin stems, consider doing a good pruning to return it to more compact growth.
If there are yellow leaves, do not hesitate to remove them so that they are do not continue consuming energy from the plant.
Moderate fertilization
Once you have the plant in its new location, water well and apply a balanced fertilizer to provide you with an extra dose of nutrients at a time when it is especially necessary.
Replant
If you see that the plant is quite bad, Consider replanting before changing location. Choose fresh, well-drained substrate, because this way it will receive more nutrients.
Each plant is unique, but when it comes to how to tell if your plant needs more light, the symptoms are very similar across species. Therefore, if you have detected a problem in your plants, it is time to take action.