What plants need to grow — Biology, 4–6 years
Find out how water, light, air and a suitable place help a plant stay alive and grow. Biology, 4–6 years.
Plants are living
A plant is alive even though it usually stays in one place. Its roots take in water, its leaves use light and air, and its stem carries water to the growing parts. With the right care, a tiny seed can become a large plant with new leaves and flowers.
Why give a plant these things?
A plant cannot walk to a drink or move into sunshine, so its place matters. Water helps it carry materials, light gives its leaves energy to make food, and air gives it gases it needs. Soil can hold roots and provide minerals, although plants do not all need the same soil.
Two bean seeds
Put one bean seed on a damp cotton pad by a bright window, and another on a dry pad in a dark cupboard. After a few days, the first may show a root and shoot, while the second may stay unchanged. This is not a perfect test of every plant need, but it shows why water and a suitable light place matter.
More water is not always better
When a plant looks thirsty, it is reasonable to think that a lot of water will help most. But roots also need air, and soil that stays soaked can harm them. Check the soil and give the plant the amount it needs; a cactus and a lettuce plant will not want the same drink.
Caring for a plant
At home, you can use this idea to choose a good place for a plant and remember to check its soil. In a garden, different plants may prefer shade, sun, dry ground or damp ground. Good care means observing the plant rather than giving every plant exactly the same treatment.
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