What is phototropism and how does it occur? What will be an ...

[codyclark]

What is phototropism and how does it occur?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the effects of directional sun exposures on interior plants? Explain the problems and benefits
  associated with different exposures.

 
  What will be an ideal response?

[harveenkau8139]

Answer to Question 1

Phototropism, or bending toward the light, is the plant movement that results from plant growth in the
direction of available light. This growth is not perceptible to the human eye. Phototropism is a
hormonal response within the cells of the plant. Cells on the topside of the stem elongate while those
on the underside remain the same. When this occurs, a curvature of the stem is produced so that the
newest growth is oriented toward the light source. When plants receive light from a single direction,
their pots should be physically turned about 25 every week or so in order to keep the plant visually
balanced.

Answer to Question 2

In general, interior plants will do well when placed near an unobstructed window with an eastern
exposure. This bright, indirect light is a close simulation of the dappled light plants would enjoy in
tropical regions. Eastern exposures gain light from the morning sun when temperatures are generally
cool. A western exposure would potentially have many days of bright light over time. Southern
exposures provided bright light, but the suns intensity could burn leaves. Northern exposures have, in
general, the lowest light intensities of the four exposures. This does not mean that plants cannot be
maintained in these spaces, however. Interiorscapers can select plants that do better in lower light as
well as take advantage of plant placement closer to the light source, simply place plants closer to a
window than further away to keep it healthy.