Green light is useful for photosynthesis in indoor plants, although plants reflect more of it than other colors.
While it's true that plants reflect green light more than other colors in the visible spectrum (giving them their green appearance), it's a misconception that they don't use it for photosynthesis. The amount of green light reflected is relatively small compared to the amount absorbed.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Why the misconception? The idea that green light is useless stems from the observation that plants reflect it. This is correct, but it's a relative statement, not an absolute one.
- Photosynthesis and Green Light: Plants do absorb green light and use it for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis, absorbs red and blue light most efficiently. However, accessory pigments in plants can absorb green light and transfer the energy to chlorophyll.
- Penetration into the Leaf: Green light can penetrate deeper into plant leaves than red and blue light. This means it can reach chloroplasts (the sites of photosynthesis) that are deeper within the leaf tissue, potentially contributing to photosynthesis in those areas.
- Is green light as effective? No. Red and blue light are generally considered more effective for photosynthesis due to the absorption properties of chlorophyll. Therefore, relying solely on green light would not be optimal for plant growth.
- Practical implications: Grow lights typically focus on emitting red and blue light (or a full spectrum that includes these). While green light is present in many grow lights, the primary focus isn't solely on providing green light for optimal growth.
In conclusion, while plants reflect a portion of green light, they also absorb and utilize it for photosynthesis. However, for optimal growth, plants benefit more from light sources rich in red and blue wavelengths. Green light is a component of a beneficial light spectrum for indoor plants, but not the primary or most important one.
