What is the difference between long-day plants and short-day plants?
About the differences between long-day plants and short-day plants and how to care for green plants and flowers, let's learn about it together below.
Long-day plants and short-day plants are two types of plants categorized based on different light requirements. They have certain differences in growth habits, flowering time, and care methods. Understanding the characteristics and care methods of these two types of plants helps us better raise green plants at home, allowing them to grow strong and healthy. The following will introduce in detail the differences between long-day plants and short-day plants and care tips.
I. The differences between long-day plants and short-day plants
Light requirement
Long-day plants: These plants require a longer period of light to grow and bloom normally, usually needing more than 12 hours of light per day. In China, long-day plants mostly bloom in late spring, summer, and early autumn.
Short-day plants: Conversely, short-day plants require a shorter period of light, usually less than 12 hours per day. These plants mostly bloom in early spring, late autumn, and winter.
Growth habits
Long-day plants: These plants mostly grow in warm seasons, are adaptable, and grow quickly.
Short-day plants: These plants mostly grow in cool seasons and have a relatively slower growth rate.
Representative plants
Long-day plants: Such as chrysanthemum, marigold, gladiolus, and cyclamen.
Short-day plants: Such as night-blooming cereus, purple mallow, begonia, and poinsettia.
II. Care methods for long-day plants and short-day plants
Light management
Long-day plants: During the growing period, the plants should be placed in a sunny area as much as possible, such as on a balcony or windowsill. If the light is insufficient, artificial light sources such as supplemental lights can be considered to ensure that the plants receive more than 12 hours of light per day.
Short-day plants: During the growing period, appropriate shading is needed to avoid direct sunlight. The lighting should be around 10-12 hours to allow the plants to grow and bloom normally.
Watering management
Long-day plants: Due to their fast growth rate, they require more water. Keep the soil moist and avoid drought.
Short-day plants: With a relatively slower growth rate, they require less water. Keep the soil slightly moist and avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing management
There is not much difference in fertilizing between long-day plants and short-day plants. During the growing period, apply a compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer every 15-20 days to meet the nutritional needs of the plants.
Disease and pest control
Both long-day plants and short-day plants may be affected by diseases and pests. Regularly inspect the plants and deal with diseases and pests promptly. Use biological control methods or reduce the harm of chemical agents to the environment and the human body.
Pruning and management
Both long-day plants and short-day plants need proper pruning during growth. Remove sick and weak branches and unnecessary growth to maintain good ventilation and light, which helps the plants grow healthily.
In summary, long-day plants and short-day plants have certain differences in light requirements, growth habits, and care methods. Understanding these differences and managing the plants according to their needs can help the plants grow strong and beautiful. I hope the above content can help you take better care of the long-day and short-day plants in your home.
Have green plant enthusiasts understood the content shared above about the differences between long-day and short-day plants and how to care for them?