☀️ Drag the sun to see the plant respond!
Why do plants lean towards the sun?
Ever notice how a houseplant on a windowsill seems to reach for the light? That's phototropism in action! It's a plant's natural tendency to grow toward its light source. This simulation shows you how it works:
- The plant's tip senses where the sunlight is coming from.
- A plant hormone called auxin moves to the shady side of the stem.
- This hormone buildup causes the shady side to grow faster, making the whole stem bend toward the sun!
- As it bends, it also sprouts new leaves to soak up as much light as possible.
Drag the sun around and watch the plant chase the light!
Short-Day Plant
(Chrysanthemum)
Day-Neutral Plant
(Tomato)
How do plants know when to flower?
It's all about timing! Plants can sense the changing seasons by measuring the length of the day and night. This response, called photoperiodism, tells them when it's the right time to bloom.
- Short-day plants are late bloomers, waiting for the long nights of late summer or fall.
- Long-day plants prefer the short nights of summer to show off their flowers.
- Day-neutral plants are easygoing—they'll flower whenever they're ready, no matter how long the day is.