Sunlight Or Artificial Light Which Important: Why Is Light Needed For Photosynthesis?

All plants perform photosynthesis to make the food the plant needs to grow and produce fruit. A plant needs water, carbon dioxide, and light to perform photosynthesis. It absorbs water from the soil and carbon dioxide from the air. When grown outside (or on a sunny windowsill), sunlight provides the light plants need for photosynthesis.

During this process, the water molecules in the plant’s cells lose electrons in a process called oxidation, explains National Geographic. The carbon dioxide molecules gain electrons. The oxidation of water molecules changes it to oxygen, while the carbon dioxide molecules transform into a simple sugar called glucose, the energy that plants use to grow and to produce flowers and fruit.

Why is sunlight necessary for photosynthesis?

Plant cells also contain chlorophyll that absorbs energy from blue and red light waves from the sunlight. Because chlorophyll absorbs the red and blue light waves and reflects the green light waves, they make the plant’s foliage look green.

Without water, carbon dioxide, and light, plants cannot perform photosynthesis and will die. But that doesn’t mean plants always need sunlight. Artificial light can be used to grow plants when sunlight is limited.

Why is light important in photosynthesis?

Plants need water, carbon dioxide, and light to perform photosynthesis. Light is important because it is the energy source the plant cells use to make glucose. Without the energy from light, plants would not be able to make the energy they need to grow.

Why is sunlight needed for photosynthesis?

Sunlight is a natural source of light energy for plants, but plants can, and do, grow and thrive with artificial light, too.

Can plants perform photosynthesis under artificial light?

Artificial lights designed for plants can provide the light waves needed to perform photosynthesis. When given quality artificial light in the strength and duration the plant needs, it won’t know the difference between artificial light and sunlight.

As long as the plant receives adequate blue and red wavelengths of light, it will perform photosynthesis the same way it does under natural sunlight.

Why is light needed for photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert the energy from light to energy (glucose) the plant needs to perform normal plant functions. Without this energy, the plant could not grow or produce flowers and fruit.

The chlorophyll in the plant cells absorbs energy from blue and red light waves. It uses (or stores) energy for essential tasks such as growing, blooming, and producing fruit. Some plants store excess energy in the roots or tubers of the plant. Plants such as potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables store excess glucose in the roots.

Other plants store the excess glucose in the fruits, which is what makes fresh corn, peas, and tomatoes taste sweet.

Why is light important for photosynthesis?

Light is a plant’s energy source. The chlorophyll in the plant cells converts the energy from light to energy the plant can use to grow, called glucose. Glucose is important because it provides the plant’s fuel to grow and produce healthy foliage, blooms, and fruit. Without light, the plant could not make glucose that fuels its growth.

Why is sunlight needed in photosynthesis?

Sunlight provides the energy that plants need to grow. Chlorophyll in the plant cells absorbs the energy from red and blue light waves and converts it to energy the plant can use to grow. While sunlight can provide energy to plants, it isn’t the only source of light you can use.

Artificial light designed for plants can also provide the energy the plants need. Artificial lights are beneficial for growing plants inside when there isn’t enough direct sunlight to give them the energy they need.

Photosynthesis Artificial Light

Using artificial light via grow lights that provide both red and blue light waves will provide your plants with the light they need to perform photosynthesis. This should not be confused with ‘regular’ light bulbs designed to light your home’s interior. Look for lights that are labeled as grow lights when you are purchasing lights for growing plants.

Some use ordinary shop lights, which can be effective to a degree, but grow lights are a much better choice and often provide a higher intensity of red and blue light.

Both the intensity and duration of artificial light affect how well your plants will perform photosynthesis and, consequently, how well they will grow. For healthy, robust plants, providing them with the light they need to grow is vital.

Not all plants require the same amount (or intensity) of light to perform photosynthesis. For example, tropical plants that are native to the understory in the rainforest need much less light than garden vegetables or herbs.

Research the plant you are growing to determine its lighting needs before choosing or installing grow lights.

Using Artificial Light for Photosynthesis

Using artificial light for photosynthesis and the growth of your plants requires an understanding of the lighting needs of your plants, as each plant is different. For example, tomatoes need 12 hours of light a day, but the light intensity varies according to the plant’s growth stage. While tomato seedlings need 40% to 60% intensity from a full spectrum LED grow light, they need 90% to 100% intensity for flowering.

Do you need supplemental artificial light to grow seedlings inside?

Many gardeners enjoy starting and growing their own seedlings for the garden. This includes flowers, herbs, and vegetables. While you may be able to start a few seedlings on a sunny windowsill, they typically need more light than they will receive from a window. This is especially true if you live in a northern location where the sun is low in the sky in late winter and spring, when seedlings are typically started.

LED grow lights will ensure your plants receive the light they need to perform photosynthesis and thrive. They can typically be lowered or raised depending on the size of your plants and can be arranged so your seedling receives light from above instead of on an angle from a window.

For the best experience in starting seedlings inside, purchase full spectrum LED lights that can be adjusted for intensity. Those with timers (or attached to a timer) are recommended, as they allow you to set the hours of light your plants will receive each day.

Beware of Scam Lights

A word of caution is in order about the prevalence of scam plant lights. Some bargain lights can be found in stores (or online) that claim to be plant lights; however, with a close reading of the fine print, you will discover the lights are only intended to make your plants look good under the light. These lights may make your display of houseplants look like they are thriving, but they won’t help them grow.

Are full spectrum LED grow lights worth the time and investment?

Absolutely. Plants grown inside need adequate light to perform photosynthesis and grow. Full spectrum LED grow lights are an excellent way to meet their needs.

If you are serious about growing healthy, thriving plants inside or want to start a few flowers and veggies in the spring for your summer garden, grow lights will make the job easier and more enjoyable and increase your chances of success.