What Do Plants Need to Grow?

What-Do-Plants-Need-to-Grow

We can’t think of a day without the contribution of plants in some way or another. From oxygen to timber, fruits to vegetables, wood to medicine materials, we need plants in every single aspect of our life. It’s like we can’t live without them; they make our world mostly inhabitable.

But how many of us know exactly what do plants need to live? Like every other living creature, plants also need certain things to grow. 

As they have life, do they need food, water, minerals, sunlight just like us. Plants need things like humans and animals, but they absorb these differently.

Basically, they need water, nutrients, air, sunlight, temperature, space, and time. The way we need a balanced diet along with a suitable environment to grow healthy, plants also need the same. If any of the primary things is missing, then it hampers their natural growth.     

Now let’s talk about the most important things that plants need to grow as healthy trees.

Water and Nutrients

water

For any living being, the first and foremost thing to survive is water.

Most plants absorb water through their roots and use it to have necessary moisture and nutrients. These are the form of foods for plants that they suck through the roots along with water from the soil. 

Except for underground nutrients, plants also need outside fertilizers sometimes for healthy growth.

Nitrogen, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium are some most necessary nutrients for plants to grow. As you see the greenery all around because of plant leaves, nitrogen is needed for making them green.  

Phosphorus is a prerequisite to making strong roots and big flowers. Potassium is needed to make the plants strong enough to fight against diseases. And Calcium helps to mitigate the damage of the soil. 

So, a proper balance of water and nutrients are the first two basic elements that plants need to grow.

Air

Other than water and nutrients, what does a plant need to live and grow?

Well, the next two important elements are clean, fresh air and fertile, healthy soil. Just like the way air pollution harms our health, the same way it also affects plants’ growth. 

If the surrounding air is dirty because of gases, smoke, and other pollutants, then it limits their ability to absorb carbon-di-oxide from the air. 

As they need carbon-di-oxide in order to make food through photosynthesis, polluted air disturbs this process, and makes it difficult for them to live and survive.

Soil

Soil

Soil is what plants live and grow on.

So, healthy soil is an extremely important element for plants as it is full of organisms. These organisms usually turn minerals and dead matter into vital nutrients that are needed for plants’ growth.

Healthy soil also works like a mock reservoir to protect plants where there is drought. 

As soil is the storehouse of organic matters and living organisms, plants help the soil to function properly by making the foundation. It allows the soil to take water and nutrients in, store and deliver the plants according to need.

Sunlight and Temperature

Sunlight-and-Temperature

Plants use their energy to make food, which is known as photosynthesis. And they get energy from sunlight. Less amount of sunlight means weak, leggy plants along with fewer flowers and fruits. 

During this photosynthesis reaction, water is turned into oxygen and glucose. The necessary energy is absorbed by chlorophyll. 

Temperature is another crucial factor for plants to grow. Too hot or too cold temperatures both are mostly harmful to plants. Either they may get burned or freeze to death. 

Most of the plants survive well if they get warmer day time and cooler nighttime temperatures.

Time and Space

Space and time are also two factors that need to be considered as necessary elements for plants to grow. 

Without enough space, the roots and the leaves can’t grow naturally. If there is not enough room for plants, then they can become too small or stunted. They might suffer from various diseases because of it.

So, enough space really matters for a plant to grow. 

Not to mention, time is also a key factor here. Plants also need time as they can’t grow overnight. Some plants grow a bit faster compared to others, and some plants grow a bit slower.

Most of the plants need to go through a certain period to produce flowers and fruits.

Difference Between Outdoor and Indoor Plants

Outdoor-vs-Indoor-Plants

Based on location, plants may differ in some cases regarding what they need to grow. There are some differences between outdoor plants and indoor houseplants in terms of necessary basic elements. 

As there is less light indoor, some plants can’t grow inside. Again, because of the harsh weather, some plants can’t grow outside.

Size

Indoor plants generally can’t reach the mature size like outdoor ones. On the other hand, outdoor plants have enough space and light to grow naturally. 

Although both forms of plants need nutrients, indoor ones need to be cared for with extra fertilizer, which outdoor ones can get naturally. 

Irrigation

One of the significant differences between outdoor and indoor plants is water regulation. Outdoor ones can have their necessary water from rainfall, but the owner must facilitate water supply for indoor ones. 

Indoor plants can’t drain out excess water like outdoor plants, so sometimes it becomes deadly for them.

Needed Care

Plants that you grow inside the house need much care from time to time, along with a suitable environment

Outdoor plants mostly grow on their own by collecting necessary elements from nature. Indoor plants grow quickly in some cases because of systematic care and provide flowers and fruits early.

Conclusion

Now that you know what do plant need to live, you can take proper care of both indoor and outdoor plants. 

We literally can’t live without them. That’s why it is also important to know what our best friends can’t live without. Just like humans and animals, they also need water, nutrients, fresh air, healthy soil, light, temperature, space, and time to grow. 

Finally, don’t forget to plant more and more trees and take care of the plants that you own.