Infrared waves can increase the speed of growth for plant stems. A balance of red light and far infrared light can greatly increase the growth of internodes within the plant. Short exposure to infrared light alone will increase the growth while plain red light can reverse the effect.

Do plants react to infrared light?

Reflected near-infrared radiation can be sensed by satellites, allowing scientists to study vegetation from space. Healthy vegetation absorbs blue- and red-light energy to fuel photosynthesis and create chlorophyll. A plant with more chlorophyll will reflect more near-infrared energy than an unhealthy plant.

Why can't plants use infrared light?

A short exposure to infrared increases the space between nodes . However too much infrared may actually damage plants. because infrared is a kind of light that can emit a great deal of heat. Heat may discolor or kill plants, especially those plants haven’t recently been watered.