What do Plants Need to Survive

If you are planning for gardening, then you must know about what do plants need to survive. Water, soil, mineral nutrients, atmosphere, sunlight, optimum temperature and pH are the basic factors that every plant needs to grow.

1. Water: It is one of the most essential factors needed for the plant growth. Most plants need optimum quantity of water to grow. Each plant has its own water requirement. Some plants grow well in dry atmospheric conditions, while some need a consistent supply of moisture.
2. Soil: Soil with an appropriate humidity and having a correct balance of nutrients and minerals is one of the important factors for the growth and survival of a plant. The type of soil and its composition required varies according to plant species.
3. Sunlight: Light is a main source of energy for plants. Plants prepare their food through the process of photosynthesis, in which atmospheric carbon dioxide is converted into simple sugars, using the energy in sunlight. Light can be provided using natural or artificial sources.
4. Temperature: Temperature of the soil as well as surrounding atmosphere greatly influences the plant growth. A range of optimum temperature widely varies from species to species. The most favorable atmospheric temperature for most of the plant species is between 65-85 degrees. Optimum temperature is necessary for several plant processes such as germination, respiration, photosynthesis and flowering.
5. Atmosphere: It includes relative humidity and carbon dioxide. Relative humidity ranging from 40-60% is advantageous for most of the plants. Plants require carbon dioxide for manufacturing the sugar through the process of photosynthesis. Oxygen is required for plant respiration and utilization of photosynthesis byproducts.
6. Mineral Nutrients: They are known as 'plant food'. They come from the soil, get dissolved in the water and are absorbed through the plant roots. The nutrients plants need to survive are classified into two groups such as macronutrients and micronutrients. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are known as primary nutrients, while sulfur, calcium and magnesium are referred to as secondary nutrients. Copper, boron, cobalt, chloride, silicon, zinc, iron, molybdenum and manganese are called micronutrients.

I hope the above information was of use to you. For those interested in gardening, here you're done with the fundamentals.