Why do some plants grow faster in the dark?
All plants need some light. However, some plants with Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) produce an intermediate enzyme that stores the energy from the sun in limbo until the night time, when it is cooler. They do this to keep their stomata (little holes on the underside of leaves that allow air in but let water out) closed during the day to prevent water loss. At night, the stomata open when there is less water stress to let air in and then complete the photosynthetic cycle. This type of metabolism is usually found in desert plants. So why would your house plants do it? It’s probably some of the same logic. While I’m not completely sure, I assume it’s because the plants open their stomata and complete the photosynthesis process at night when it is cooler so they undergo less water stress. This is probably a strategy for plants that like full sun. When the stomata close, it stops water from bring pulled into the roots, like a string of pearls being let go. It’s all about water conserva
