Growing Hydroponic Organic Plants

How A Plant Works

Organic Plant Gardening

Plants are made up of many different parts and each part has a important function in the growing process. These include:

  • Fruit
  • Flower
  • Leaf
  • Roots
  • Root hairs
  • Vascular System
  • Xylem
  • Phloem

Our main concern as gardeners is with the leaves, roots, root hairs and the vascular system - these are the parts of a plant that contribute to the success of the flower and fruit.

Leaves

Leaves are where photosynthesis takes place and sunlight and carbon dioxide are taken in and then oxygen is released as a by-product. On the underside of leaves small openings called "stomata" open and close allowing carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit.

Roots

The roots anchor a plant in the ground and absorb water, nutrients and air. Tiny root hairs increase the surface area of the root for faster absorption. These tiny root hairs are extremely delicate and must be kept moist at all times. Larger roots are similar to the plants stem, as they transport water and dissolved minerals to the plant.

A plant's vascular system (Xylem & Phloem)

Grow Organic Plants

The stems are the heart of a plants vascular system and carry water and nutrients throughout the plant. The Xylem carries water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and the phloem transports food manufactured by the leaves to the stems and roots. The stem also supports the plant and bears leaves, flowers buds, and fruits.

The 5 basic needs of a plant

Plants have 5 basic needs and each one of these accounts for 20% of a plants ability to grow to it fullest potential. When all needs are met, maximum growth occurs. (20% x 5 needs = 100%)

Air 20%

  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • CO2 & O2 Content

Light 20%

  • Spectrum (color)
  • Intensity
  • Hours of light per day

Water 20%

  • Temperature
  • pH
  • Oxygen Content

Nutrients 20%

  • Composition
  • Purity

Growing 20%

  • Air content
  • Moisture content

A surprising thing happens if one of these needs is only partially met - all of these needs are negatively affected by a chain reaction. For example if a plant receives only 10% of its needed nutrients, that doesn't cause just a 10% negative impact. It creates a 10% negative impact on all of the other 5 needs as well. Causing an actual 50% negative impact on the entire plant. (10% x 5=50%).