Anyone who has even a little experience with floriculture knows: one of the main reasons why plants have difficulty taking root in apartments is an acute lack of light. Even on the windowsills of bright, southern windows, the amount of light is tens of times less than on the street. What can we say about the more shaded areas of the house! Already at a distance of about a meter from the window, the flow of light is significantly less than on the windowsill. That is why shade-tolerant plants have always been in particular demand among nature lovers. houseplants.
They have become especially popular in recent decades, as the layout and design of premises become more diverse and non-traditional. The number of residential and office premises with a large area that you always want to “revive” with at least one large plant, able to survive and look good away from windows, in the shade.
This simple children's question is not so simple when it comes to floriculture. After all, the concepts of “shadow” and “penumbra” are very relative and subjective. For example, the window sill of a north window will already be a shadow for a plant; light-loving specimens will not grow here. If you go further, into the depths of the room, then at a distance of a meter or three meters from the window, the flow of light will differ by a factor of 10, although the human eye practically does not detect this difference.
There is a simple and time-tested technique developed by flower growers. If you, having good eyesight, are able to read newspaper text in this place at noon, then you can place shade-tolerant specimens here. If the newspaper is difficult to read, the place is too dark even for hardy plants. Yes, you can keep a flower pot here, but additional lighting will be required, especially in the autumn. winter time. And this is a completely different topic for conversation.
Usually shade-tolerant flowers are those that in natural, natural conditions, are accustomed to living in partial shade. This could be the lower floor of the forest, thick grass, deep gorges - all places where direct sunlight rarely reaches. Breeders and gardeners used natural property of such species, they developed it by breeding varieties and hybrids in which the ability to live with a lack of light is specially enhanced. And, to the delight of amateur gardeners, there were quite a few similar plants! They can be divided into several popular groups:
Now we will look at popular shade-tolerant indoor plants, their names and descriptions, separately for each of the selected groups.
Unfortunately, there are fewer of them. Still, plants need more light to bloom; very few are able not only to stoically endure the twilight, but also to delight the world with their flowers. As a rule, these species do not bloom in the depths of the room: either on the northern windowsill, or very close to the windows. That is, their destiny is the “light zone” of penumbra.
Everyone knows the Uzambara violet. It can bloom successfully on north-facing window sills, on a table near the window, and in other similar places. Easy to care for, popular plant that requires regular room temperature and regular watering.
Also a well-known, common plant. There are a huge number of its varieties that bloom beautifully, large flowers. Begonia can be safely called an unpretentious species.
Able to look great and bloom on a northern windowsill. Its white flowers look great against the background of dark green elongated leaves. A little more capricious than previous types, it requires regular spraying or increased air humidity.
One of the representatives of bromeliads. In nature, it grows in the shade of trees, so it can withstand lack of light. During flowering, bright flower “arrows” grow from the rosette of leaves and live for quite a long time. Requires slightly higher air humidity and regular watering. It is important that there is always water left inside the leaf rosette. In addition to Vriesea, a number of other bromeliads can bloom on northern windows.
Its inflorescence, similar to an umbrella attached to a powerful peduncle, can surprise with its beauty. At proper care flowering will occur even with a clear lack of light, and the plant has beautiful not only flowers, but also a powerful foliage rosette. Fertile soil and regular watering is all that is required from the owner.
It can bloom for months, pleasing the eye with graceful bell flowers. Like Saintpaulia, it belongs to the Gesneriaceae, it is easily propagated, hundreds of its varieties have been bred. It is rightly considered easy to care for, requiring only high air humidity.
This orchid is also called “pansy”. A relatively easy-to-care plant that blooms regularly even on northern windowsills. The main difficulty is to stand near the flower high humidity. A small, compact humidifier is best for this. Loves warmth and does not tolerate drafts.
It should be added that not only miltonia is a shade-tolerant orchid. Even many varieties of well-known phalaenopsis will bloom successfully on a north window.
There are many more of them than blooming ones. And this is understandable, because it is much easier for a plant to simply grow foliage than to lay flower buds and develop flowers. This group is valued for its beautiful leaves and attractive crown. They are able to live away from windows, and among them, as a rule, are the most shade-tolerant of indoor plants.
One of the most persistent shade-tolerant home plants, a regular in kitchens, offices and utility rooms. Tolerates everything: deep shade, temperature changes, irregular watering. It can even survive on some shelf in the back of the room. The main thing is to grow it in this place from the very beginning, “from childhood.” Cute, varieties have been created with various shapes leaves with variegated colors.
The famous "pike tail". In terms of unpretentiousness and shade tolerance, I can compete with chlorophytum. The plant is so flexible that it can live both in deep shade and in bright sun. Varieties with variegated leaf color have been bred, but in the shade the brightness of the pattern fades.
Attention! This is important for all ornamental shade-tolerant plants. If their leaves have a variegated color, multi-colored spots and stains, this pattern does not stand out so brightly in shaded areas, often completely disappearing. By increasing the illumination, the variegation can be increased again, but this will take a lot of time.
For its noticeable golden spots on the leaves it received the beautiful nickname “golden tree”. At good care grows into a one and a half meter tree that lives for many years. The shade-tolerant indoor plant is moderate in all its requirements and lends itself well to pruning and shaping. If possible, provide it with slightly increased air humidity.
This small, shade-tolerant plant fits perfectly on a kitchen shelf or on a table in the back of the office. Beautiful leaves with variegated veins do not lose their expressiveness even in deep shade. True, this bush will require regular watering, spraying, and generally high humidity.
The plant is resistant in all respects, which is why it is called the “iron lady”. The leaves seem to be strewn with silvery powder, but if you plan to “drive” your pet into dense shade, it is better to immediately take varieties with green foliage - the white pattern in the shade gradually disappears. However, there are still beautiful green leaves, reminiscent of lily of the valley leaves! This species requires a cool winter.
Representative of ferns. There is an opinion that ferns are shade-tolerant indoor plants, but this is not always true. But in the case of this plant - quite! The main difficulty in its maintenance is the plant’s love of coolness: in summer it requires 18-20ºС, in winter - about +10°С. But remember how many cold rooms we have that could be decorated with this fern!
In addition to multi-row ferns, shade-tolerant and popular ferns are considered nephrolepsis And maidenhair. As a rule, they still prefer to “get closer” to at least the northern window, and they also need to be regularly sprayed and the surrounding air moistened.
The color of the leaves of this species from the araceae family can compete with the buds of many flowers. And the shape of the leaves can be very diverse. Can grow in deep shade and is generally considered an unpretentious species. Perhaps you should still pay attention to the increase in air humidity. Dense bushes can range in size from 30 to 60 cm and look very decorative.
They are grown in hanging pots, baskets, and used to decorate walls and corners, high stands and supports. Sometimes liana-like shade-tolerant indoor plants are used to hide interior details and decorate empty corner rooms.
Indoor vine, one of the most popular house plants. It grows quickly, the lashes reach several meters in length. Very unpretentious appearance, flexible, adaptable to any conditions. Several species and many varieties are cultivated: both with completely green and variegated leaves. Leaf sizes also vary greatly.
Fast-growing lashes descend from hanging planter, forming a kind of “green waterfall”. However, there are varieties with variegated leaves; they are more light-loving. A persistent shade-tolerant plant that is not afraid of temperature changes or irregular watering. Perfect for decorating a large corner of a room or a section of wall.
Known to many flower growers. There are species with huge leaves, and there are more miniature ones. But in any case, the lacy leaves of Monstera are always a pleasant pleasure to the eye. It grows well both in height and horizontally, obeying the support. Loves high humidity, but adapts to dry air.
The once incredibly popular shade-tolerant indoor plants are now a little out of fashion, but in vain! Many types of Tradescantia have variegated foliage that looks great in elegant planters. And how unpretentious this plant is! It just needs to be watered on time. Tradescantia is often used as ground cover plant, but it perfectly fulfills the role of a pendant.
It is popularly known as " indoor grapes" The leaves are large, reminiscent of chestnut. She is characterized by a special elegance of appearance, but this beauty requires appropriate “stages”. The liana grows quickly and powerfully, is capable of weaving an entire wall, so it is more appropriate in large offices and halls with high ceilings. Can also be used in an ordinary living room where there is a lot of free space.
Their self-sufficiency and ability to look appropriate in splendid isolation do not leave you indifferent! Decorators and designers adore them, using plants to decorate interior spaces.
An ancient popular plant with large, expressive leaves. Very undemanding, can grow away from windows. Just don’t forget about timely watering and periodic wiping. sheet plate from dust.
Its appearance resembles a palm tree (many consider it a palm tree). Loves moisture, both in the soil and in the air. It still prefers not the densest shade; it grows well near windows.
Appeared in our apartments relatively recently. Hybrid of fatsia and ivy. It can quickly form a green “pyramid” in a bright corridor, reminiscent of a clothes hanger. Loves plenty of fresh air.
One of the shade-tolerant palm trees (of which, by the way, there are very few). Like all palm trees, it attracts with the delicacy of its leaves. A rather demanding plant that loves moist air, regular spraying and high-quality watering. It looks great if you plant several specimens in a large pot at once.
Any plant that grows in an open area under abundant sun and does not experience, so to speak, discomfort, but, on the contrary, needs such conditions, is a heliophyte. an example of which will be discussed below, have their own distinctive features.
Leaves light-loving plants have their own characteristics and are easy to notice. Namely:
Also, light-loving plants (for example, birch, and in hotter latitudes, cactus) contain a huge number of chloroplasts in their leaves: there can be from fifty to three hundred of them per cell, due to which there is a high intensity of photosynthesis. This is the most characteristic physiological trait of plants with high sun requirements. With this in mind, let’s look at a few more questions about the characteristics of light-loving plants.
With low doses of lighting, the plant develops symptoms such as depression, and a delay in its development is also observed. And the older the plant, the higher its need for sun.
Listing the characteristics of light-loving plants should begin with parameters such as location and nature of growth. What exactly are we talking about? Heliophytes can grow both in conditions of intense solar radiation and in some shaded areas. Prolonged blackouts, as mentioned above, will have a detrimental effect on them. Heliophytes, which are classified as shrubs or trees, usually grow as sparse plantings in order to have access to the sun at any time of the day.
An example of heliophytes can be cited from any type of plant, be it trees, bushes, grasses, or representatives of flora growing in water. Let's look at what heliophytes are found in our latitudes.
Those who like to grow flowers at home need to take into account data on the light sensitivity of the flower that will grow in a pot on the windowsill. Before purchasing a certain plant, it is worth knowing all its characteristics so that it can live in your apartment without any problems. Returning to the current topic, we can give several examples of light-loving indoor plants.
The environment is not always kind to light-loving plants. An example of how a cherry tree disappears and does not bear fruit if it is in the shade will be familiar to many people who are at least a little involved in gardening. But first, the plant will do everything it can to get more light. This is mainly expressed in the increased surface area of the sheets and a deeper green tint, because it is known that dark colors absorb more energy sun rays. Also, for the same purpose, the stems of plants are stretched, but at the same time they become more fragile, and the trees grow taller or can change their shape in order to receive more light.
Svetlana Yurievna Shapkina
"Photo-loving and shade-tolerant plants" Ecology lesson in the preparatory group
COMPREHENSIVE CLASSES
"Light-loving and shade-tolerant plants"
(PREPARATORY GROUP)
Program content: expand children's knowledge of what light- the main condition of life plants. Clarify and expand knowledge about general and characteristic features light-loving and shade-tolerant plants. Form a generalized concept: light-loving and shade-tolerant plants. Continue to teach to see the connection between living conditions and appearance. Strengthen the ability to care for plants and determine their place in relation to to the world. develop children's mental activity and promote emotional self-expression. Cultivate a keen interest and love for indoors plants.
Move classes: introduce children's vocabulary words: photophilous. shade-tolerant. I will invite the children to walk along the paths of our garden and admire plants. I will pay attention to the wealth plants, variety of leaf and stem shapes. the beauty and freshness of greenery, the brightness of the first flowers. Then I will suggest you to sit comfortably on the chairs and listen to one “true story”.
- "He lived and was on lover and connoisseur of plants - gardener. One day a gardener came up with a wonderful idea thought: create an evergreen for children blooming garden. He planted hundreds shade-tolerant indoor plants and began to look after them with loving care. Whether it took a long time or a short time, the garden grew and blossomed. Autumn has passed, winter has come, spring has come. And then the gardener, coming into the garden one day, noticed that something was wrong with his loved ones plants. Near the far wall, some of them suddenly began to lose the beautiful color of their leaves, the stems stretched out, turned yellow, and their attractiveness disappeared. Yes, and windows appeared plants with unhealthy people signs: formed on the leaves brown spots, yellowish, dried flowers. The gardener was afraid for the life of his “green friends” and began to treat them with diligence, gave them medicine, applied fertilizers, regularly watered and loosened them, but they still did not get better. And then he decided to try to change plants in places: those who fell ill near the far wall, he seated against the far wall. One day, another, and the gardener saw that things were getting better, the plants began to come to life, and some even released buds and bloomed. And again beauty and prosperity reigned in the garden."
Guys! Which of the main conditions do you think has such an impact on health? plants? (light) .
Why did you get sick? plants on the far wall? what happened with plants by the window? Let me summarize that it turns out that it always follows remember: in relation to quantity light indoor plants are divided into light-loving and shade-tolerant(the first ones love a lot Sveta, the second ones are just as good grow in shade and partial shade).
Light-loving plants differ in their characteristics from shade-tolerant plants.
Today I will teach you how to distinguish. Then we will be able to help the gardener place it correctly and we can even compile a gardener’s book in which we will place our advice. (I show the “Gardener’s Book”, we look at it).
Then I will invite the children to come to group of shade-tolerant(clivia, sansevieria, aspidistra). What do you guys think, what are these? plants, light-loving or shade-tolerant? (shade-tolerant) . Why do you think? What color are the leaves of these plants? (dark green). I suggest you try the leaves by touch. I ask, what are they? (dense, leathery). In the end I will summarize everything characteristic features shade-tolerant plants: all these indoor plants can grow successfully in dark places, and most of them feel bad when standing in bright to the world. leaves shade-tolerant plants They are closely green in color, denser and leathery. I suggest you find it in the central flowerbed shade-tolerant plants. I will try to find out from children what signs plants suggest this.
then I'll turn my attention to the other one group of plants(pelargonium, geranium, chlorophytum, spotted begonia, coleus, netcreazea, genura, balsam).
What can you say about the color of the leaves? (All plants consider and name the color of the leaves). Let me summarize the answers children: All light-loving plants differ from shade-tolerant plants in leaf color. They either have light- green color of leaves, or variegated, bright.
I'll suggest finding light-loving plants in nearby flower beds and prove that they really love light.
I will draw the children’s attention to the “sun” and “cloud” decorating the garden. Let's look at them. I ask, why does it become a cloudy day? What do the kids want to do when it’s bright? the sun is shining? (play).
I suggest you play with the sun. Children say words: “Sunshine, sunshine, shine, play with our guys.” And “clouds” and “suns” will fly into their hands (Handout). Children look at them and then play didactic game"Sun and Cloud" (Children use the card to find plants in the flowerbed and with the help of the “sun” and “cloud” they show knowledge about).
On the last card I will show a ficus. children will find him and determine his attitude towards to the world. Next I’ll tell you about ficus. Ficus is native to India. evergreen tropical plant. In the jungle, ficus reaches a height of 30 m, and the leaf can be up to 1 m in length. Ficus is very useful plant for humans. It produces rubber, which is why it is called rubber tree. The ancient Indians made it from ficus resin ("tears of a tree") balls and played with them. And our ficus beautifully decorates the garden.
Let me summarize that the guys have perfectly learned to determine light-loving and shade-tolerant plants. Now you can get down to designing your “gardener’s book.” I’ll say that since everyone knows how to draw, we’ll make a book out of drawings, only in the drawings we’ll be sure to mark photophilous plants -"sunny" shade-tolerant -"cloud".
I will suggest that the children take an easel and everything they need for painting. In the process of work, I will individually consolidate children’s knowledge about light-loving and shade-tolerant plants. To the music of "Waltz of the Flowers" children solemnly carry their drawings to the book (if the paints are dry, then they are placed directly in the "gardener's book", if not, then next to the border). Then we look at the drawings with the children, thanking them for their efforts and work, for helping the gardener. I suggest children check group are they positioned correctly? plants in relation to light.
Light is the main, vital factor determining the development of plants. It is a component of photosynthesis - with the help of chlorophyll (a pigment contained in the green part of plants), the energy of the ray is converted into growth energy.
The attitude of plants from different climatic zones to light is different. Species of open habitats of the tropics and subtropics require very high illumination and do not tolerate the slightest shading. For example, succulents, cacti, many palms, some bromeliads, orchids). Plants of the lower tiers of tropical and subtropical forests (many arrowroots, aroids, ferns, begonias) in cultivation require more or less strong shading from direct sunlight.
Depending on light consumption, all plants are divided into 3 groups:
- neutral,
- long day plants
- plants short day.
Neutral plants start to bloom if they receive enough light over a long period of time (fairly bright light for 8 hours, or better yet 12-16 hours). Depending on the species, neutral plants require different quantities Sveta. Example: begonia, abutilone, asparagus.
In long-day plants only when the ovary is formed and flowers appear, when over several weeks they receive the so-called minimum light per day, the amount of which is not the same for different plants and ranges from approximately 13 to 15 hours. If the plant does not receive its daily minimum, then it does not bloom. The nature of the lighting (natural or artificial) does not matter. Illumination should not be excessive. Example: gloxinia, saintpaulia, calceolaria, coleus, cineraria, primrose, campanula, impatiens, epiphyllum, pelargonium, stephanotis.
In short day plants the ovary and flowers appear only if they receive a strictly defined amount of light for several weeks (usually 8-10). They usually need 12,13 or 14 hours. Although the amount of light in winter is small, it is nevertheless quite sufficient for short-day plants. Example: zygocactus, tradescantia, kalanchoe, azaleas, large-flowered begonias, poinsettia.
The consequences of light exposure (phototropism) can be observed on almost any plant - it is drawn to the light. But you don’t need to think that if we constantly move the plant closer to the light, then we are doing it a favor. If stronger plants with decorative leaves react positively to light, then for flowering plants that are more sensitive to light, the consequences of rearrangement may be detrimental. Azalea, camellia, "Decembrist", gardenia are known for the fact that when the angle of incidence of light changes, they immediately drop their buds and sometimes even leaves. Therefore, it is necessary to put a “light mark” on the pots of these sensitive plants, because Use a felt-tip pen or marker (or simply glue a strip) on the side of the pot facing the light to place a strip. It helps when temporarily taking plants from the windowsill and then putting it back exactly as it stood.
As a rule, in the vast majority of cases, flowers are placed on the window. But windows are different.
If your window faces north, northeast or northwest, then you can place a plant near it that does not particularly need light. West side considered very warm. Only suitable for light sensitive plants southwestern side, in other cases the plant must be darkened. In the absence of blinds South side dangerous even for cacti. Plants can withstand very dry air and rapid evaporation of moisture only in winter. This unshaded side is least suitable for indoor plants. East side no less favorable to the western side, but on the northeastern side only shade-loving plants can grow well.
When placing plants a little further from a window or in a room, it should be taken into account that the amount of light entering the room decreases sharply with distance from the window. Even a simple curtain “eats” more light than we think. Even the dust that accumulates on the leaves prevents the access of light, so the plants need to be washed regularly, and the pubescent leaves should be cleaned with a soft brush. By the way, the cleanliness of the windows also plays an important role - clean windows increase illumination by 10%. Close to window glass The illumination is about 80% of the illumination outside the window; at a distance of only 1 m it drops to 50; at 3 m from the window it is only 3-5%. Amount of light necessary for the plant for its normal development (growth, flowering, fruiting), is determined by illumination, measured in lux, and the duration of illumination (length of day). Used to measure illumination special device- lux meter. On cloudy days autumn days Outdoor illumination is approximately 1000 lux. Some shade-tolerant plants (aspidistra, cissus rhombica, asparagus, aloe, billbergia, chlorophytum) are satisfied with this in winter. The winter light minimum is 500 lux. Experts unanimously believe that shade-loving plants need at least 1000 lux, and for light-loving and flowering plants this figure increases to 5000 lux (for example, aphelandra, sanchetia, beloperone, abutilon, bellflower, ceropegia, cacti). Flowering plants and many variegated species need more light, therefore, when placing plants indoors, you must first take into account their need for light. However, it should be remembered that in spring and summer, many plants on southern windows suffer from overheating by sunlight through the glass. Under the influence of direct sunlight, their leaves lighten and fade, and there may be burns - brown marks or thin and papery areas - this is a common problem for plants located in too sunny places if they are not adapted to such conditions. Most often, such problems arise if you leave drops of water on leaves illuminated by the bright sun (water acts like a magnifying glass) or if you keep the plant near patterned glass that collects the rays. Therefore, in summer, most plants located on southern windows need light shading with paper or a transparent curtain.
Spring and summer are the most favorable for plants. At this time, with an abundance of light and long days, plants rapidly accumulate organic substances, shoots, leaves, root system. Many plants bloom at this time, while others begin to develop flower buds for autumn-winter flowering. In spring and summer days the amount of organic substances formed in a plant during photosynthesis significantly exceeds their consumption for respiration. When the level of photosynthesis decreases in the short autumn-winter days, there is barely enough organic matter to breathe, and growth stops. On the darkest days, with an extremely low level of photosynthesis, plants are forced to spend on respiration the reserves of organic substances accumulated in the leaves and roots.
Among indoor plants there is a large group shade-tolerant species, which can exist for quite a long time in low light conditions (below 500 lux) without losing their decorative qualities. These include many aroids (aglaonema, dieffenbachia, monstera, syngonium), ivies, dracaenas, fatsia, ficus, sansevieria. In dark rooms, plants with a well-developed root system should be used. Large, strong specimens are much more stable in conditions of lack of light, since with a low level of photosynthesis they can use up reserves for some time nutrients, accumulated in the roots.
Artificial lighting (additional lighting)
To create more favorable conditions When keeping plants in poorly lit areas in winter, it is recommended to use artificial lighting. In conditions of short daylight hours from November to the end of February, plants are illuminated additionally for 10-12 hours. In this case, the illumination should be at least 500-800 lux. In rooms without daylight, artificial lighting should be 1000 lux for shade-tolerant plants and at least 5000 lux for flowering plants and cacti. The duration of illumination is set depending on the species of the plant. For artificial lighting It is recommended to use fluorescent lamps - they are more economical and emit less heat. Moreover, special “flower” lamps from Philips, Osram, and Hagen are now being produced. They need to be placed based on power - for example, if you take 40 W lamps, then you need to place at least 6 of them per 1 sq.m. Lamps should be hung at a height of 25-30 cm for ornamental flowering plants and 30-60 for ornamental leafy plants.
Usually only two opposite groups of plants are considered - light-loving and shade-tolerant; the latter are sometimes called sciophytes, thereby using the term in a slightly different, broader meaning. In any case, the boundaries of groups are arbitrary; there is enough a large number of species that, according to various characteristics or different phases development could be attributed to one or another group.
The term is also widely used in plant growing shade tolerance- it means the ability of cultivated plants to tolerate reduced illumination in general, or in comparison with illumination in natural habitat conditions. Shade tolerance is a relative term, its correct understanding depends largely on the context. When comparing different woody plants, “shade tolerance” will have the same semantic content, but when comparing shade-tolerant trees with shade-tolerant shrubs or herbaceous plants, “shade tolerance” can mean completely different levels of illumination. Shade tolerance is a rather complex, multifaceted property of plants, depending on many factors, including how various types adaptation to shading is developed. Plants of the same species grown in different conditions, can show varying degrees of shade tolerance: it is influenced by soil fertility, water availability and other abiotic factors.
All but a few species require sunlight to survive. However, in quantitative terms, high lighting intensity does not always contribute to normal development plants. With a lack of water in the soil and moisture in the atmosphere, it is easier for plants to exist in shaded habitats than in open sun.
Plants absorb light energy mainly from the violet-blue and partly red zones of the spectral range of visible light. Light radiation in the red range is mostly absorbed by light-loving plants that form the upper tiers of forests, but radiation close to infrared penetrates through the foliage to the plants that form the lower tiers. The shade-tolerant plants living here are capable of absorbing light from the extreme red zone of the spectrum (with a wavelength of 730 nm).
However, less light means less energy is available to plants. Just like in the sunny and dry environment The limiting factor in plant growth and survival is moisture deficiency; in shady habitats, the limiting factor is usually a lack of solar energy.
The absorption of nutrients by plants often differs between those living in shade and those living in sunny places. Shading usually comes from trees that form the upper layers of forests. This causes differences in soils, which in forests are regularly enriched with nutrients due to the decomposition products of discarded leaves. Compared to forest soils, soils in sunny habitats of the same climatic zone are usually poorer. Compared to light-loving plants, shade-tolerant plants are better adapted for greater absorption of nutrients; and shade tolerance as such depends to some extent on soil fertility.
Shade-tolerant plants are characterized by a relatively low rate of photosynthesis. Their leaves differ from the leaves of heliophytes in a number of important anatomical and morphological characteristics. In the leaves of shade-tolerant plants, columnar and spongy parenchyma are usually poorly differentiated; characterized by increased intercellular spaces. The epidermis is quite thin, single-layered; epidermal cells may contain chloroplasts (which is never found in heliophytes). The cuticle is usually thin. Stomata are usually located on both sides of the leaf with a slight predominance on the reverse side (in light-loving plants, as a rule, on front side stomata are absent or located predominantly on the reverse side). Compared to heliophytes, shade-tolerant plants have a significantly lower content of chloroplasts in leaf cells - on average from 10 to 40 per cell; the total surface of the leaf chloroplasts does not significantly exceed its area (2-6 times; whereas in heliophytes the excess is tens of times).
Some shade-tolerant plants are characterized by the formation of anthocyanin in their cells when growing in bright sun, which gives a reddish or brownish color to the leaves and stems, which is uncharacteristic in natural conditions habitat. Others have paler leaves when grown in direct sunlight.
The appearance of shade-tolerant plants also differs from light-loving ones. Shade-tolerant plants typically have wider, thinner, and softer leaves to capture more diffuse light sunlight. They are usually flat and smooth in shape (whereas in heliophytes, folding and tuberculation of leaves is often found). Characterized by a horizontal arrangement of foliage (in heliophytes, leaves are often located at an angle to the light) and leaf mosaic. Forest herbs are usually elongated, tall, and have an elongated stem.
Many shade-tolerant plants have high plasticity of their anatomical structure depending on the light level (primarily this concerns the structure of the leaves). For example, in beech, lilac, and oak, leaves formed in the shade usually have significant anatomical differences from leaves grown in bright sunlight. The latter in their structure resemble the leaves of heliophytes (such leaves are defined as “light”, as opposed to “shadow”).
Although most plants grow towards the light (see phototropism), many shade-tolerant tropical vines (for example, Monstera attractive and many species of the genus Philodendron) initially, after germination, move away from the light. This helps them locate the tree trunk that serves as their support, and onto which they climb as they grow, reaching areas of brighter light.
In forests where precipitation is sufficient and water is not a limiting factor for growth, shade tolerance is one of the determining factors characterizing various tree species. However different types trees show different adaptations to shading. For example, hemlock, one of the characteristic shade-tolerant plants native to North America, is able to germinate and fully develop under a completely closed forest canopy. Sugar maple is also classified as a characteristic shade-tolerant tree; it also germinates under a closed canopy and can develop well as an inhabitant of the understory, but unlike Canadian hemlock, it reaches full size and development only when open space is formed above it. Shade-intolerant trees - heliophytes, such as willow, aspen, birch - cannot develop as plants of the lower tier of the forest. They prefer open habitats with plenty of light: they often grow in wetlands, along rivers and lakes, or in former burnt areas. Compared to light-loving trees, shade-tolerant trees of temperate climates usually have greater durability to lower daytime temperatures during the growing season.
Some shade-tolerant plants are valuable forage crops. The common vetch grown for these purposes is also used as green manure.
For more information on this topic, see: Shade-tolerant houseplants.
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