Wow, well researched. And the sun reflect/ block both seem to be the same basic mechanism. The red sun stress happens on the front of the leaves facing the sun, whereas the red on the back blocks it from passing through, so keeps it on the green side for use by the plant. Makes sense. As your opinion of context in nature, their design seems to fit their habitat and growth. Always enjoy your interest in everything planty! Thanks for your hard work and sharing with all.
I love these geeky videos, where you talk about science behind plants. Thank you so much, it must take a lot of time to read through all those studies. ❤
Fascinating! It makes sense that there may be an antioxidant quality to the coloration - we know it in our fruits and veggies - why not other plants? The theory I've heard most was the first you discussed and it makes sense with both explanations... Leaves may suffer less stress the higher they grow - maybe? And with more light, they don't need the reflective quality. Fabulous way to start my day especially as I was working with a Calathea - getting her from soil to semi-hydro by way of water propagation. The plants I put in water to grow new roots always do better than those I move straight over. And it teaches patience! I love geeking out with you 💚
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences Meredith! 😊 Antioxidants in plants make total sense, and your propagation method sounds awesome! 🌿💚
I´m in for the Theory 1 🙂 I wish the red/purple backs scared away all spidermites, thrips etc. - that would be so wonderful 😀 I love plants with red or purple backs. Since many of my plants are facing the window, the backs are often the only interesting thing I can see 😃 So the more interesting back, the better 😃 I very much prefer and select plants based on whether they have red/purple back or not 🙂
Theory 1 is fascinating, isn't it? 😊 Red and purple backs are stunning and functional-here's hoping for natural pest deterrents, but sadly mine haven't got the hint! 🌿🕵️♂️
I am not a botaniste, but I have many calatheas, stromanthe, maranta, all my plants are Marantaceae (Yes I love trouble 😆). On the other hand, it allows me to observe certain things or particularities, which no one mentions, example my two calathea with no purple or red (Zebrina, Orbifolia) really move less in evening (Nyctinasty movements). While my Stromanthe Talia triostar the rise in an impressive way and also set in flat way (like 180 degree or more). As if my more colorful plants move more. I can say in my home, at least, more a Marantaceae have red purple color, more they move. Whit some theories you mention it’s possible 🙃 Very nice Video Memo
Most/all mammalian herbivores are red/green colorblind so I don't think that hypothesis is well considered: the other large herbivores are reptiles and they aren't known to cause large scale crop damage, and insects which are destructive. There are certainly various pressures that have promoted red backed leaves, but the ideas that make the most sense to me are related to insect pests and reflected light. Many insects prefer the leaf backs to inhabit and a darker, less green backs may prevent certain pests from seeking the plant out. When I've shined light through blister variegation, I haven't seen a large drop in light transmission between blistered and non-blistered areas meaning that, while it looks bright to us, it's actually not that reflective of direct light: it appears to interact more by scattering ambient light. Considering that red light is both more likely to reach filtered locations (like a sunset), and that red is where a big chunk of the photosynthetically active radiation spectrum is found, reflection starts to make a lot of sense. I have additional evidence not discussed and that's the enormous number of plants that fluoresce bright red under blue light. I wonder if there is any evidence to support the insect pest hypothesis.
Thank you for sharing such detailed insights! 😊 The interplay between light, insect pests, and leaf color is fascinating and complex. Reflecting and scattering light seems very plausible! 🌿🔬
I’ve been wondering about this very topic! I have a red stripe maranta and what I’ve noticed is if the new leaf gets a bit more light when it’s still rolled up, the back of it (which at that time is exposed to the light) becomes more red. Another thing is I’ve found a correlation between how red the backs are and how much dark green is on the front of the leaf. I love it when the leaves have a larger dark green surface and intense red backs and I’m trying to figure out the optimal conditions for those to occur
really interesting. Thank you so much for all the research you have done to enable you to create this post. It totally makes sense. I have a Calathea Lancifolia (rattlesnake plant) which I used to keep in low light and it had beautiful strong colour on the underside of the leaves. When I moved it nearer to a window the depth of colour has faded. Think its going to be moved this weekend.
My angel wing begonia has SUPER dark maroon backs now that it has good light I don't know which of the reasons you mentioned it would be but it's so gorgeous so I'm happy whatever the reason!
Hm. I like the second theory. Like many others, the El Choco Red loses the red as the plant matures, i.e. mature leaves no longer emerge with that intensity of red. Also makes sense that emergent leaves are more delicate, hence the redness being most intense at that point. Edit: Plot twist… it’s a combo of one and two. And something at a cellular level can shift to either reflect the light, or draw it in. I don’t think it has to do with 3 or 4. Plants are very zen.
I can always count on you for great observations Tanya! 😊 The dynamic nature of leaf color is fascinating, and a combination of theories might just be the key! 🌿
The red as a warning is normal for animals but plants use red to show something is ripe as a come and eat me ( to disperse the seeds ), think tomato oisonous when green, edible when red.
Drinking coffee and watching your video. So happy 😊
Antioxidants in your coffee!
☕😊 Glad to be part of your coffee time! Thanks for watching! 🌿
Wow, well researched. And the sun reflect/ block both seem to be the same basic mechanism. The red sun stress happens on the front of the leaves facing the sun, whereas the red on the back blocks it from passing through, so keeps it on the green side for use by the plant. Makes sense. As your opinion of context in nature, their design seems to fit their habitat and growth. Always enjoy your interest in everything planty! Thanks for your hard work and sharing with all.
Thank you so much! 😊 The interplay of sun stress and leaf color is indeed fascinating. Glad you enjoy the deep dives into plant science! 🌿
I love these geeky videos, where you talk about science behind plants. Thank you so much, it must take a lot of time to read through all those studies. ❤
Thank you! 😊 I love diving into plant science and sharing it with fellow enthusiasts! 🌿❤️
Plants are so interesting; they’ve evolved over time to withstand their environment..more than humans have. Thanks for sharing Memo!
Thanks for the thoughtful comment Carol! 🌿 Plants are truly fascinating in their adaptations. 😊
Fascinating! It makes sense that there may be an antioxidant quality to the coloration - we know it in our fruits and veggies - why not other plants? The theory I've heard most was the first you discussed and it makes sense with both explanations... Leaves may suffer less stress the higher they grow - maybe? And with more light, they don't need the reflective quality. Fabulous way to start my day especially as I was working with a Calathea - getting her from soil to semi-hydro by way of water propagation. The plants I put in water to grow new roots always do better than those I move straight over. And it teaches patience! I love geeking out with you 💚
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences Meredith! 😊 Antioxidants in plants make total sense, and your propagation method sounds awesome! 🌿💚
Great video. Wonderful way to start the day. I love all this science nerd stuff. Thank you for all your study on this subject.
Thank you! 😊 It's great to share these plant science theories with fellow enthusiasts! 🌿🔍
I´m in for the Theory 1 🙂 I wish the red/purple backs scared away all spidermites, thrips etc. - that would be so wonderful 😀
I love plants with red or purple backs. Since many of my plants are facing the window, the backs are often the only interesting thing I can see 😃 So the more interesting back, the better 😃
I very much prefer and select plants based on whether they have red/purple back or not 🙂
Theory 1 is fascinating, isn't it? 😊 Red and purple backs are stunning and functional-here's hoping for natural pest deterrents, but sadly mine haven't got the hint! 🌿🕵️♂️
Oh great topic!!! Keep up the great work.
Thank you! So happy you enjoyed it! 🌿🌟
I am not a botaniste, but I have many calatheas, stromanthe, maranta, all my plants are Marantaceae (Yes I love trouble 😆). On the other hand, it allows me to observe certain things or particularities, which no one mentions, example my two calathea with no purple or red (Zebrina, Orbifolia) really move less in evening (Nyctinasty movements). While my Stromanthe Talia triostar the rise in an impressive way and also set in flat way (like 180 degree or more). As if my more colorful plants move more. I can say in my home, at least, more a Marantaceae have red purple color, more they move. Whit some theories you mention it’s possible 🙃 Very nice Video Memo
Most/all mammalian herbivores are red/green colorblind so I don't think that hypothesis is well considered: the other large herbivores are reptiles and they aren't known to cause large scale crop damage, and insects which are destructive. There are certainly various pressures that have promoted red backed leaves, but the ideas that make the most sense to me are related to insect pests and reflected light. Many insects prefer the leaf backs to inhabit and a darker, less green backs may prevent certain pests from seeking the plant out. When I've shined light through blister variegation, I haven't seen a large drop in light transmission between blistered and non-blistered areas meaning that, while it looks bright to us, it's actually not that reflective of direct light: it appears to interact more by scattering ambient light. Considering that red light is both more likely to reach filtered locations (like a sunset), and that red is where a big chunk of the photosynthetically active radiation spectrum is found, reflection starts to make a lot of sense. I have additional evidence not discussed and that's the enormous number of plants that fluoresce bright red under blue light. I wonder if there is any evidence to support the insect pest hypothesis.
Thank you for sharing such detailed insights! 😊 The interplay between light, insect pests, and leaf color is fascinating and complex. Reflecting and scattering light seems very plausible! 🌿🔬
Good morning thank you for Sharing your houseplants collections lovely
Good morning! 🌞 Thank you for watching and appreciating my plant collection! 🌿
Very interesting. Your channel is so informative which helps amateurs like me. Thank you
Thank you! 😊 Happy to help fellow plant lovers grow their knowledge! 🌿
I love the nerdy stuff ❤
I’ve been wondering about this very topic! I have a red stripe maranta and what I’ve noticed is if the new leaf gets a bit more light when it’s still rolled up, the back of it (which at that time is exposed to the light) becomes more red. Another thing is I’ve found a correlation between how red the backs are and how much dark green is on the front of the leaf. I love it when the leaves have a larger dark green surface and intense red backs and I’m trying to figure out the optimal conditions for those to occur
Interesting observations! 🌿 Light exposure definitely plays a big role in leaf coloration. Finding the optimal conditions is part of the fun! 😊
really interesting. Thank you so much for all the research you have done to enable you to create this post. It totally makes sense. I have a Calathea Lancifolia (rattlesnake plant) which I used to keep in low light and it had beautiful strong colour on the underside of the leaves. When I moved it nearer to a window the depth of colour has faded. Think its going to be moved this weekend.
Thank you Terri! 🌿 Your experience with the Calathea Lancifolia is a perfect example of how light affects leaf color. Hope the move helps! 🌞
My angel wing begonia has SUPER dark maroon backs now that it has good light I don't know which of the reasons you mentioned it would be but it's so gorgeous so I'm happy whatever the reason!
Those dark maroon backs sound stunning! 😊 Glad to hear your begonia is thriving in good light! 🌿🌺
Very interesting so could effect the light we should give the plant
Definitely! 🌞 Light conditions play a big role in plant health and leaf coloration. Thanks for watching! 🌿
Interesting video 🧐🇨🇦
Thank you Linda! 🧐 So glad you found it interesting! 🌿
Hm. I like the second theory. Like many others, the El Choco Red loses the red as the plant matures, i.e. mature leaves no longer emerge with that intensity of red. Also makes sense that emergent leaves are more delicate, hence the redness being most intense at that point.
Edit: Plot twist… it’s a combo of one and two. And something at a cellular level can shift to either reflect the light, or draw it in.
I don’t think it has to do with 3 or 4. Plants are very zen.
I can always count on you for great observations Tanya! 😊 The dynamic nature of leaf color is fascinating, and a combination of theories might just be the key! 🌿
The red as a warning is normal for animals but plants use red to show something is ripe as a come and eat me ( to disperse the seeds ), think tomato oisonous when green, edible when red.
Great point! 😊 The color red can have so many different functions in nature. Plants are incredibly versatile! 🌿
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Oh then why Calethea's always has bug issue 🤣 I guess thrips doesnt get the warning well 😅
Haha, thrips are definitely stubborn! 😅 Calatheas sure keep us on our toes! 🌿
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