What Happens if a Plant Leaf Does Not Get Sun?

Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis is a biological process every plant completes daily. During this process, plants take in water through their roots along with carbon dioxide and sunlight through their leaves. Once these essential ingredients are taken into the plant it begins to process them and use them for growth, production, energy and repair. If any of these ingredients are missing or inadequately provided, photosynthesis becomes interrupted. Once interruption occurs, the plant's development slows and damages the plant.

Chlorophyll

• One of the most important contributors to photosynthesis is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that helps plants absorb wavelengths of sunlight. The light drawn in by chlorophyll is synthesized to produce energy and store food in the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis keeps the plant healthy and helps the plant continue producing chlorophyll pigments. Without sunlight, chlorophyll production within the plant becomes reduced or completely stopped. The result of this is that the plant becomes malnourished and weak. This also leaves the plant open to disease and pests.

Loss of Color

• Once photosynthesis and chlorophyll production become interrupted, plants begin to lose their green coloring. This results in pale, sick-looking plants with whitish or yellow coloration. It may even create a condition known as chlorosis, a yellowing of plant tissues due to lack of proper nutrients. Even plants that are not green in appearance suffer from chlorophyll loss, though their coloration may not change in the same way as green plants. These plants may still appear pale, weak and sickly. Once color begins to fade, the plant's state of health is in a steady decline.

Dormancy or Death

• The final stages of plant health decline due to lack of sunlight include dormancy and death. Some plants become dormant, meaning they go into a plant's version of hibernation. During this time the plant becomes inactive, not producing or growing. It is possible to bring a plant out of dormancy given the proper light, nutrition and moisture conditions, though some plants still may not revive. In this case, the final stage of decline is simply death. The plant has not received adequate light, therefore adequate nutrition was not provided. The plant shuts down and ultimately dies.