Plant Growth Process: How Does A Plant Grow?

One day I noticed a neat patch of green chili saplings planted in our vegetable garden. I guessed it was my son’s work. Later, he told me he is doing a project in plant growth process and wanted to see how the plant growth takes place. He showed me his project work written on "Plant Growth Process".

What are the Different Plant Types?

Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, divided the living things into animals and plants. According to him, the animals are mobile whereas the plants are not. There are different types of plants ranging from trees, bushes, vines, herbs, ferns, and algae. The different plants display different kind of characteristics. The growth process is different for each of them. Depending on the growth process and the distinctive characteristics exhibited by the plants they are grouped as Annuals, Biennials and Perennials.

Annuals are seasonal plants and live for a year. Biennial plants have a growth process of almost two years and die by the end of the second year. Plants belonging to this category will bloom only in the second year. The perennial plants have a longer life. Unlike the annuals and the biennials, the perennials need not be planted every year. The perennial plants take almost two years to mature.

Generally, plants are categorized into two types - non-flowering and flowering plants. The examples of flowering plants are rose, tulips, samantha and so on. Coniferous trees such as spruce and pine fall under the non-flowering plants. The process of growth is more or less similar in non-flowering and flowering plants

What Does a Plant Need to Grow?

Like all living things, plants also require nutrients to grow. The growth process depends on the nutrients like sunlight, water, fertile soil and minerals. If ample amount of these nutrients is not provided the plant will lose its color and eventually die.

• Abundant Sunlight

One of the major nutrients that a plant requires is sunlight. If the plant does not receive plenty of sunlight the stems of the plant become thin. The leaves lose their coloration and the plant leans towards the source of light. This is not a very health sign.

• Sufficient Water

Amount of water required will differ from one type of plant to another. However, the dryness of the soil signifies that it requires water. The plant has to be watered till the water starts seeping out of the hole in the bottom of the pot. However, make sure that the soil is not saturated.

• Fertile Soil

Ensure that the soil is suitable for the plant growth before planting. Fertile soil will be rich in minerals like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. You have to replenish the soil with these minerals on regular basis by using right kind of fertilizers and manure. These minerals play a vital role in the plant growth. They enhance plant cell division that helps in development of firm root system, aids plant growth above the soil and also provides immunity to fight off any diseases.

• Adequate Air and Temperature

You should have an idea about the suitable temperature requirement for the plant that you have decided to plant. A plant should get sufficient air and the temperature should be agreeable to its growth. Harmful pollutants like chemical fumes and smoke will hamper the plant growth.

What is Photosynthesis?

Sunlight plays an important role in the process of plant growth and is a vital ingredient in the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process by which the energy from the sun is trapped by the chlorophyll. This is later converted to chemical energy, which is stored in the form of sugar. For the photosynthesis to take place, the plant needs water, CO₂ and light.

Do Fertilizers Affect Plant Growth?

Fertility of the soil is an inherent feature of the soil. However, continuous planting and replanting can exhaust the major minerals - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Infertile soil can stagnate the plant growth. Usage of fertilizers will replenish the soil and enhance the growth process.

The fertilizers affect the growth process of the plant. It is ideal to use a fertilizer that is a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Symptoms like leaf turning yellow and falling of leaves are witnessed when there is lack of fertilizer. The growth of the plant is limited. Even a small amount of fertilizer added to the soil will show immediate results.

Similarly, excess amount of fertilizer can also have an adverse effect on the plant growth. Excess amount of fertilizers can increase the saline content in the soil, which is harmful to the plant. The toxicity of the soil will increase resulting in the death of the leaves eventually leading to plant death.

To summarize, plants play a vital role in the ecosystem. They provide not only an overall greenery but also food for animals and human beings. If the growth process of the plants gets stagnated the entire ecosystem is likely to collapse.