If they stay in the dark, they would have no source of energy to produce their own food (carbohydrates) through photosynthesis. Without carbohydrates, plant cells will not survive and finally die.
However, as long as the roots remain alive and continue to extract water and mineral salts from the surrounding soil, the plant will also remain alive because it is able to extract these essential substances from its lower leaves which act as a form of ‘food storage’.
what happens to indoor plants if they are kept in the dark?
If a house plant is kept in complete darkness it will still survive but eventually the roots will die and the plant will slowly die. It should not be forgotten that plants get all their nourishment from the surrounding air, soil, water and sunlight whether they are grown indoors or outside.
Some small houseplants will continue to grow during darkness because they are able to store carbohydrate in their roots, stems and lower leaves. But most plants stop growing altogether when there is insufficient natural or artificial light available .
Note: It is a good idea to turn off any grow lights at night if you want your house plants to rest.
Can house plants survive in the dark?
House plants can survive in the dark but only for a short time. If they are given water and occasional light, they will be able to produce food.
Some people hang their house plants up near a window where there is some sunlight and others use special grow lights which emit red and blue light wavelengths (specific to plant photosynthesis).
The bulb should be close enough to the plant so that it receives the correct amount of red and blue light but not too close which may burn its leaves.
Here is best guide on Mosquito Repellent Plant Indoors.
How do you keep plants alive in a dark house?
In order to keep house plants alive, even in a dark house, they need
- Water (from the tap or bottled)
- A balanced fertilizer once every month or two during their growing season
- Moderate amounts of light This can come from a window, grow lights that emit red and blue light wavelengths (specific to plant photosynthesis), or “Sun Pulse” fluorescent tubes
- House plants should be checked regularly for signs of insect infestation and treated if necessary with an approved insecticide
Check out How To Prevent Indoor Plants From Leaking Water?
Indoor plants that can survive in complete darkness?
Some plants are able to survive in the dark for extended periods. These include:
- Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)
- Money Plants (Epipremnum aureum)
- Dracaena (“Janet Craig”)
- “Janet Craig” Dracena
- Clivia
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Maltese Cross (Prostanthera lasianthos)
- Weeping Fig or Ficus Tree (Ficus benjamina)
- Corn Plant/Dracaena Fragrans “Massangeana”
- Orchids
- African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
Note: Please do not place sensitive plants in complete darkness. They need some available light to photosynthesize and produce carbohydrates.
do plants need darkness?
No, plants do not need darkness. For example, many plants are able to grow their best during the summer months when they are exposed to long periods of daylight and short periods of darkness.
Which plants does not need sunlight?
Plants that do not need sunlight are called Shade plants. Some examples of shade plants are:
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) 2. Peace Lily 3. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii) 4. Philodendron 5. Heart-Leafed Philodendron 6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Crispum ‘Deborah’) 7. Spider Plant 8. Hedera Ivy 9 . Wandering Jew/Tradescantia
Note: Most houseplants grow their best and produce flowers when they receive a combination of natural and added light throughout the day in an east or west-facing window at least three hours outdoors on a sunny day.
See also Best Low Maintenance Plants For Bedroom.
Can you keep living plants on a window sill without sunlight?
Yes, it can be possible to keep live plants on a window sill without sunlight but the plant will not thrive and may eventually die. A few common indoor flowers which can survive under low light conditions include:
1 Jasmine 2 African Violet (Saintpia ionantha) 3 Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii) 4 Jade Plant (Crassula argentea) 5 Orchid 6 Hoya 7 Peace Lily 8 English Ivy 9 Calathea
