Plants without sunlight?

[rk386]

How does it work that sometimes plants can be kept in a place without sunlight and still not die?

[JackBean]

Do you die immediately after stoping eating?

[rk386]

We have a plant though that keeps living even after a prolonged time of not being near the sun, which seems strange.

[JackBean]

Do you know, how long can animals survive without food?

[JackBean]

I'm just curious, where do you keep it if it is for so long (how long?) in dark? And why do you keep it there?

[rk386]

So plants can last a really long time without sunlight but eventually will need more?

[rk386]

It isn't my plant, a friend asked me this question. I will try to find out more details.

[JackBean]

Of course they will eventually need light or die. It's the same like if you got no food. You will starve, but you can "digest yourself" first to prevent dying before getting something to eat. Similarly plants can grow without sunlight. They actually grow even more (taller). That's classical response of young seedlings which must ensure by this way they will reach the sunlight from soil with help of nutrients from the seed.

[rk386]

So growing taller is an adaptation to get sunlight? That is very cool.

[JackBean]

Of course, because in nature those plants which grow in dark are usually those which are still below the ground.

[vazque]

Sansaveria (mother-in-law tongue) can do well in very low light situations.
Which plants do best without...depends on whether they are dormant or not. Some plants if dormant can last a long time between growing seasons.

[rk386]

Thanks.