On average, those who own plants kill seven in their lifetime. This is pertinent now more than ever as the demand for houseplants continues to surge, growing 18% as a result of COVID and lockdowns. This is a lot of plants that die on account of people not knowing how to correctly grow and nurture plants.
Today, I will give you my tips for growing plants. Answering the question – how do plants grow step by step? And – how do you grow a plant in 4 steps?
What are the seven stages of plant growth?
There are a few key stages for growing plants. Seed Germination is the initial stage. This usually occurs in the ground, so this growth stage is not apparent to the human eye. Next is plant growth. As the plant grows out of the ground, it will start a period of healthy growth. It will develop the capacity to photosynthesise, meaning it can harvest energy from the sun.
Next is reproduction. As the plant continues to grow, it disperses seeds. This occurs in various ways. The first of these is wind dispersal. The wind may travel great distances carrying the light, fluffy, bristled seeds of plants such as dandelions. Another route of dispersal is water dispersal. Water is a common mechanism of seed dispersion in many plants. Many plants that are found near or in water contain floatable seeds that the water disperses.
Animals are the last means of seed dissemination. Birds frequently take off from the parent plant and fly far away. The seeds in their excrement are spread throughout this process. Also, people can distribute seeds if they stick to their clothes or shoes. The next stage is pollination, which occurs during the dispersal phase. In order for a new plant to grow fertilization must occur, leading to the formation of fruits and seeds. In summary, the seven stages of plant growth are seed germination, growth, seedling formation, development, differentiation, pollination and fertilization.
Using Apps to Choose What Plant to Grow
Are you unsure what plant you’d like to grow? Or, have you seen stunning flowers or trees outside that you do not know the name of? If you’re nodding yes to these questions – you need a plant identifier app. This is the best plant identification app on the market. Simply download this plant app, scan in your desired plants and receive the name of the plant and some invaluable advice on how to care for the plant.
How do you grow a plant in 4 steps?
Now that you know the seven stages of plant growth, I will give my top tips on growing plants.
Recognize the Signs That Your Plant Needs Water
In order to grow plants successfully, you must be able to tell when your plants need water. However, you should remember that over-watering is more catastrophic for your plants than under-watering. Many plants, especially houseplants, are better off slightly dehydrated than drowning. Keeping the soil soggy is my top tip. This can be achieved by periodically pouring water into the soil until you can see it dripping from the drainage holes. The best way to determine if your plant needs some water is to put your fingers two inches into the soil. If the soil feels very dry, then it needs some water.
Sunlight is Key
Another crucial element of growing plants is ensuring your plants get enough sunlight because they need this energy for photosynthesis. Particularly during the winter and in locations with lower daylight hours, certain indoor houseplants need artificial illumination to flourish. You must invest in fluorescent or LED grow lights, which feature full-spectrum bulbs that give a balance of cool and warm light to match the natural solar spectrum because regular household light bulbs are ineffective at providing light to indoor plants.
Soil
The soil you use is crucial when growing plants. This can be the difference between a long-living, healthy plant and a dry, shrivelled-up plant. The plant receives nutrients, air, water and stability from the soil. Additionally, the soil is crucial for plants’ defence against pathogens and pests. The best type of soil needs the perfect balance of minerals and nutrients. Pest repellents, unnatural fertilizers and weed killers disrupt the natural process occurring in the soil.
Prune
My top tip for growing plants is to prune them often. By pruning, I mean removing the dead leaves or branches without damaging the plant. Pruning also limits the growth/spread of plant disease because you can remove the diseased parts of the plant. You can utilise the plant identifier app to help you know the best pruning routine for your specific plant.
Concluding Thoughts
Today, I have discussed some steps on how to grow plants. There are a number of things to be conscious of, such as the soil, sunlight, pruning and water. To pick the plant that is best for your needs, use the plant identifier app. This will not only give you the name of the plant but also give you some tips for looking after it.
