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For a plant to grow and thrive, its needs must be met as much as possible. Here is a brief overview of the most important growth factors.

In order for a plant to grow and reproduce, the growth factors must be right.

Not every plant can grow in every condition. Each species has its own ideas about how its environment is just right for well-being. While one plant species is somewhat more tolerant if the optimal conditions are not met exactly, the other resents even the smallest deviations. It is all the more important to know the preferences of your protégés as precisely as possible. This is the only way to control and contribute to lush and he althy growth. But what are the most important factors that influence the growth of plants in general? A brief overview of the so-called growth factors should provide clarity.

Light - rays with a lot of effect

Light is a crucial factor that provides energy to the plant. Green creatures are able to convert light energy into energy reserves in the form of sugars in chemical reactions. If the plant gets too little light, it cannot acquire the resources necessary for growth. But light can do even more to the plant. Depending on the composition of the light, the plant grows rather compact or is very vigorous.

Scientists are gradually finding out how light quality affects plants.

For some plants, the length of the day determines when the plant flowers. So-called long-day plants switch to flowering as soon as the days exceed a certain critical length. In the case of short-day plants, on the other hand, the flowers appear as soon as the day length falls below that. How many hours this day length, which decides whether to flower or not to flower, is dependent on the plant.

Warmth - variety for he althy growth

Heat, like light, is a special form of energy. It also helps the plant to produce energy carriers for growth. However, there is an optimal range for these processes of photosynthesis. For some plants, a rhythm between day and night should also be expressed in the temperature. Some gardenerstake advantage of the fact that certain temperature controls regulate the growth size of the plants and thus save on pesticides.

Native trees like the apple need a cold stimulus lasting several months to determine the timing of new sprouting.

And the temperature can also play a role in flowering: Some plants such as Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) need a cold stimulus so that the flowers develop. This phenomenon of the plant world is called vernalization.

Water - The Blue Gold

Water is absolutely necessary for every plant. It ensures that there is pressure in the cells of the plants and that they can stand upright. It also allows nutrients to be released from the soil and aids in transport within the plant.

Water is also crucial in the air. The humidity regulates the opening of pores in the leaves and thus also the exchange of important gases for photosynthesis in the air and transpiration.

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide - Two Gases of Great Importance

As with humans, the gases oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) also play a central role in plant life Role. CO2, which is harmful to humans, is the source of the sugars produced in photosynthesis, which the plant uses as energy. The plant produces O2 in this process, but needs oxygen itself for other reactions. In productive horticulture, the greenhouse is fertilized with CO2 by adding it to the atmosphere in the glass house. Growth and yields can be increased in this way, since the concentrations in the ambient air do not meet the required optimal concentration for the plants.

Nutrients - distinguish between micro and macro

Various nutrients contained in the soil are necessary and indispensable for the growth of plants. The most important nutritional elements can be divided into two groups - plant macro- and micronutrients or also known as main nutrients and trace elements. The micronutrients are no less important. They only require smaller amounts than the macronutrients. Depending on the plant species, there is a specific need for nutrients. The limiting factor for the growth of plants is always the insufficiently accessible nutrient element, regardless of whether it is a macro or micro nutrient. But is too much of the necessary items for thatplant present, it can have undesirable effects on growth or even be toxic.

If there is a lack of nutrients, deficiency symptoms develop in plants - here a magnesium deficiency in tomatoes.

The main nutrient elements contained in water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) include hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and carbon (C). In addition, the plant is dependent on large amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
The group of trace elements includes boron (B), chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn).
Other elements are known to have a growth-promoting effect . However, an absolute dependency of plants on these substances has not yet been established.

Tip: In our Plantura Shop you will find a selection of sustainable organic fertilizers for different plants. Our organic fertilizers contain all the important nutrients that plants need for he althy growth.

pH value - acidic, neutral or alkaline

Whether something is basic, neutral or alkaline depends on the concentration of positively charged hydrogen ions (H+) in that substance. Usually, the optimal pH for plants is between 5.5 and 6.5. However, there are of course both upwards and downwards deviations. Peat plants such as hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) or blueberries (Vaccinium) prefer acidic soil with a low pH. Other plants may tolerate or even prefer more alkaline or even chalky soil. These include, for example, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) or boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ).

The acidity of the soil determines how well nutrients are absorbed.

And the pH value is also crucial for the necessary nutrients. Depending on the element, too low a pH can result in it being available in toxic concentrations for the plant, while in an alkaline environment it gets trapped in the soil and cannot be taken up by the plant. However, when and what happens varies individually depending on the nutrient element.
The pH value of a soil or substrate in which the plants are to take root can, however, also be influenced by the gardener. In general, however, it is easier to raise the pH, simply adding and incorporating ordinary garden lime at the appropriate ratemust.

Tip: Different plants have different demands on the substrate in which they grow. That is why you will find our peat-free and CO2-reduced organic soils in our Plantura Shop, which are tailored to the needs of your plants.

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Garden Design