Your Houseplant Loves the Dark!
By Melody Leal
Plants are a staple of human life, so much so that many people keep houseplants. And just like people, plants have some basic needs: sunlight, water, nutrients, and a good environment. But plants need something else that you likely haven’t thought about……sleep!
Yes, plants also need to rest. Lately, many houseplants in the US haven’t been able to get enough sleep due to the increased use of artificial indoor lighting.
Plants, like us, have a circadian rhythm (aka a sleep-wake cycle). When the sun is out, we’re up and active. As the sun sets below the horizon and night falls, we relax and eventually rest. Our sleep is regulated by melatonin, a chemical produced by our bodies. Melatonin production relies on perceived darkness. We can block out the light to sleep, but plants can’t shut out the light like we can. They’re constantly bombarded with streetlights, porch lights, car headlights, and more. The frequent light exposure makes plants believe they should be active. This disrupts their natural sleep cycle and puts stress on them.
With that knowledge, think about your houseplants. Maybe you stay up late into the night or have a family member who does. Your plants wind up being awake for as long as the lights are on. Even if you don’t stay awake all night, open shades and windows let light from outside seep into your home, keeping your plant awake.
To save your houseplants some stress, try moving them to a room with the least amount of light during the night. Or you could close the curtains. Your plant will be a bit happier with some proper rest. And definitely less cranky!
If you have questions on plants and gardening, visit Annie’s House and ask away. We have a team of gardening experts who oversee several community gardens throughout Greenville and are always happy to help you on your gardening journey – even if you’re just getting started! You can help support Sustaining Way’s local sustainability initiatives by giving a donation, however small. Every penny is poured back into the community to continue helping people like yourself!
Sources:
Hirschlag, Ally. “How Light Pollution Disrupts Plants’ Senses.” BBC, 8 Mar. 2023, www.bbc.com/future/article/20230308-how-light-pollution-disrupts-plants-senses.
Gilkeson, Joanna . “Dim the Lights for Pollinators and Plants at Night.” U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 31 Jul. 2023, www.fws.gov/story/2023-07/dim-lights-pollinators-and-plants-night.