Understanding What Is Photosynthesis

Gardeners know that their plants need the sun to thrive. Some require more than others but they rarely give much consideration to the entire process. Virtually every life form on earth needs the sun to survive. In this article, we will look at photosynthesis, nutrients, and plant health. 

What is Photosynthesis?  

A plant can harness the sun’s energy and then use it to create oxygen and glucose for growth. Animals then eat the plants for energy. It is a basic circle of life. A plant absorbs carbon dioxide and water. The plant then relies on its vast cellular system to kick off an oxidation process on the water which causes it to release its electrons. The carbon dioxide is then processed so it can gain electrons. The entire amazing process converts water into oxygen and carbon dioxide into glucose. 

A Plant’s Green Coloration 

A plant’s cells are made up of organelles (chloroplasts) which are used to transform sunlight into energy. The plant’s chloroplast features a membrane referred to as a thylakoid which has a light-absorbing pigment known as chlorophyll. The chlorophyll is what makes all plants look green. It has the ability to absorb the sun’s red and blue light waves. The energy the plant makes is then reflected via green light waves. 

The Health of a Plant

If your plants are not healthy then their ability to properly photosynthesize sunlight will be impacted in a negative way. Sometimes, the first indication that a plant is sick or failing to thrive is a change in its foliage colors. 

Here are a few things cause leaf color changes:

• Nutrient deficiency: A plant’s leaves will turn yellow when it starts to suffer a nutrient deficiency. All plants require varying levels of macronutrients and micronutrients to thrive. Nitrogen, sulfur, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium are all necessary for a plant to live. A plant might not need a lot of micronutrients but they are also important. Small quantities of boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, chlorine, and iron are all required to help the foliage flourish. 
• Water Stress: If your plants are not receiving enough water then their leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow. In extreme cases, they will fall from the plant and it will die. 
• Insect Damage: Insect pests can cause rapid defoliation. In many cases, you might not even notice that the leaves have sustained chewing damage. Instead, they just wilt, turn yellow, and fall from the plant. This is quite common with a spider mite infestation. Areas of off-color or chewing can occur on some of the leaves but not all. 
• Inadequate light:  Plants that do not receive sufficient light will fail to thrive and will drop their foliage. Each type of plant has its own light requirements. Some need full sunlight and others can thrive in low light situations. 

With the correct nutrients and light for photosynthesis, your garden will thrive. At Humboldts Secret Supplies, we sell all the nutrients that your plants need to flourish. Contact us to learn more.