Plant Growth Requirements Temperature, Light, Water, Air and Nutrients

Plant Growth Requirements There are 5 basic items that all plants need/require to conduct regular life processes. They are: Temperature Light Water Air (CO2 & O2) Nutrients

Temperature Most seeds need a certain degree of warmth to germinate (sprout). Most plants have an optimal (best) range of temperature for growth. Higher: Plants have smaller leaves, thicker cuticles, and wilt is more likely to occur. Lower: Grow lower to the ground, have shorter life cycles, and dish-shaped leaves. Temperature affects moisture and nutrient uptake for the plant.

Light Plants need light to produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Plants use sunlight as their energy source. Type: Red and blue light (visible light spectrum) Intensity: Amount of light given off. Exposure: Length of time in light (photo period) Short day plants flower when nights are over 12 hours long. Long day plants flower when nights are under 12 hours long. Day neutral –flowering is unaffected by photo period

Water Water enters through the root system and carries nutrients throughout the plant. Water cools the plant. Water helps give structure to the plant. Keys to successful watering: Water all the way through the root zone for even growth. Pots need drainage holes to allow oxygen into the root zone.

Air=Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide • Air contains O2 and CO2 which are both necessary for plant growth. • CO2 is a gas that is taken in by the leaves (stomata) of the plant and is used for photosynthesis. Together with sunlight, the plant makes food from CO2. O2 is necessary for normal respiration. It enters through the roots of the plant.

Nutrients Plants need 16 essential nutrients to grow and produce. The primary nutrients (macronutrients) that plants need most are: Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) (most fertilizers have a balance of these 3 nutrients)

Micronutrients The other 13 nutrients are called secondary nutrients (micronutrients). They are needed in smaller amounts. They include: Carbon (C) -Hydrogen (H) -Iron (Fe) Calcium (Ca) -Magnesium (Mg) -Zinc (Zn) Sulfur (S) -Manganese (Mn) -Boron (B) Copper (Cu) -Molybdenum(Mo) -Chlorine (Cl) Oxygen (O2)