2Hearts
Well-Known Member
Ive heard all that mumbo jumbo about purple genetics and stems but then i read a lot of intresting articles on the use of anthocyanins in osmoregulation (one a stoner myth the other a factual study).
Multiple experiments show anthocyanins (purple) to be linked to stress, trees do not show their autumn colours till significant stressors have occured (wind, rain, low humidity, snow) and is not wholey temperature dependant.
Anthocyanins out compete chlorophyl thus a stressed leaf can photosynthsise less.
Anthocyanins accumulate in cold conditions due to slowed transport systems and sugar accumulation.
Seems a bit weird to give the answer to 'Why is my plant purple' as 'purple genetics' or 'dont worry it will grow out of it' and those who promote it when the obvious answer is stress i.e. too much air circulation, low humidity, low temps etc etc basically anything similar seems to cause its production, theoretically it acts as sunscreen to bright light lessening the light absorbed by chlorophyl and resulting damage.
Why make it such a mystery when it is clearly an environmental problem i.e. adjust the fan or temps or humidity etc etc?!
Multiple experiments show anthocyanins (purple) to be linked to stress, trees do not show their autumn colours till significant stressors have occured (wind, rain, low humidity, snow) and is not wholey temperature dependant.
Anthocyanins out compete chlorophyl thus a stressed leaf can photosynthsise less.
Anthocyanins accumulate in cold conditions due to slowed transport systems and sugar accumulation.
Seems a bit weird to give the answer to 'Why is my plant purple' as 'purple genetics' or 'dont worry it will grow out of it' and those who promote it when the obvious answer is stress i.e. too much air circulation, low humidity, low temps etc etc basically anything similar seems to cause its production, theoretically it acts as sunscreen to bright light lessening the light absorbed by chlorophyl and resulting damage.
Why make it such a mystery when it is clearly an environmental problem i.e. adjust the fan or temps or humidity etc etc?!
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