How do plants grow?

All plants have a genetic makeup that dictates growth and development just like all other living organisms. These internal factors determine what the plant will look like and when and where it will begin to grow. Unlike some living things, many seeds or plants can go into a dormant stage, and remain there without further development until conditions and temperatures change to accommodate the growth requirements.

As a plant grows, it develops roots, which are specialized cells that can transport water and nutrients that are necessary for survival. On the main roots are structures that are known as root hairs and these bring water and nutrients in from the environment whether that is air, water or soil. The nutrients are from fertilizers or decaying plants and other matter. Roots also act as an anchoring system for the plant and keep it stabilized. The structure of a root is composed of several distinct parts, the epidermis, cortex, vascular rays, stele, and the xylem. The xylem is where the actual transportation of water and nutrients occurs. These small tributaries are able to carry the water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and bring back food from the leaves that can then be used by the roots.


While humans and other animals need oxygen to live, it is green plants that can use carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and make food. This process is known as photosynthesis and the plants are able to absorb energy producing sunlight and combine this with CO2 and water to then create sugars and oxygen. The sugars are then transformed by the plants into starches, fats, and proteins. The tiny pores in a plant called stomata are the openings that the oxygen and CO2 can pass. At night, a plant closes these stomata and rests, because without the energy from the sunshine there is no work for it to do. Because plants are living organisms they not only grow, they are able to reproduce and create more plants that are just like them.


Most green plants require soil to grow, although some have roots that enable them to live without soil. Hydroponics has made it possible to grow wonderful plants using nutrient enriched water as the growth medium. The basics for healthy plant growth are air, soil, water, space, and proper light. Sunlight is the best choice for a plant to use as its energy source, but artificial lighting can be used in greenhouses and indoors if necessary. Some of the nutrients that plants need include nitrogen, which encourages large, lush foliage, potassium, sodium, phosphorous, sulfur, and magnesium. Another consideration for plant growth is the pH content, while many plants thrive in neutral to acidic soils there are some that must have a more alkaline environment to grow as they should.