Yes, flowers and flowering plants generally need some period of darkness to develop properly.
While many flowering houseplants are not particularly sensitive to the duration of light exposure, all plants require a period of darkness as part of their daily cycle. Exposing plants to more than 16 hours of light can disrupt their natural processes. Some specific flowering plants, such as poinsettias, kalanchoe, and Christmas cacti, are short-day plants, meaning they only flower when the day length is short (11 hours or less).
Here's a breakdown:
- Most plants need darkness: Although the exact duration may vary, all plants require a period of darkness to carry out essential functions.
- Photoperiodism: This is the physiological reaction of plants to the length of day or night. Certain plants flower only when exposed to specific periods of darkness.
- Short-day plants: Plants like poinsettias, kalanchoe, and Christmas cacti need long periods of darkness (usually at least 12 hours) to initiate flowering.
- Long-day plants: These plants require shorter periods of darkness to flower.
- Day-neutral plants: These plants are not affected by the length of day or night and will flower regardless of the light cycle.
In conclusion, while the specific darkness needs vary between plant species, a period of darkness is essential for the proper development and flowering of most plants.
