Do Plants Grow Better In Water Or Soil?
When I first moved to the country I currently call home, I was gifted some plant cuttings by a stranger. A little odd you might think, but I was grateful having grown up surrounded by plants both in the house and the garden.
This stranger advised me to keep the cuttings in water and I recall feeling quite surprised. I had up until then always popped my cuttings in a little root powder and then into the appropriate soil. So why was I expected to grow them in water for the foreseeable?
I did as she suggested, and was surprised to see that all the cuttings she gave me grew plant roots and went on to become plants with good root structure! Seriously, not one of those plants has died!
So, let’s dig into whether plants grow better in water or soil and why you might need to consider this the next time you’re planning new plants for your space!
What Nutrients Do Plants Need?
Let’s start with the basics – the nutrients that plants need in order to exist. Because like all living organisms, plants do require a specific set of nutrients to not only survive but have healthy plant growth.
Nutrients that they need are quite vast and depend on the species of flora, but there are six essentials that all plants need to survive and thrive. Without these specific nutrients, the survival rate of the plant diminishes substantially. So, to avoid such problems, ensure that your garden soil contains the following:
Nitrogen
First and foremost, nitrogen, or nitrate to be precise, is an integral element in a plant’s development. Nitrogen is a crucial element that will assist the growth of the plant’s foliage and it is also the nutrient that gives leaves their green color as it promotes the healthy production of chlorophyll.
Phosphorous
From the leaves, we now go to the roots. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient which helps the healthy development of roots and flowers. Additionally, soil containing a healthy dose of phosphorus can significantly strengthen a plant’s hardiness and survival ability against environmental stress.
Potassium
Potassium further enhances a plant’s toughness and is a vital mineral during a plant’s early stages, as it can improve water retention. Potassium can also fortify the plant’s ability to stave away pest infestation and diseases.
Calcium
Another nutrient that fortifies the health of plants is calcium. Calcium can improve the development of a plant’s cell walls. A more substantial cell wall translates to stronger resistance against diseases. A healthy amount of calcium can also enhance the plant’s metabolism and increase its ability to absorb nutrients.
Magnesium
Like nitrogen, magnesium also contributes to the green hue of leaves and improves their overall phosphate metabolism. Magnesium is also integral for a plant’s ability to absorb sunlight during photosynthesis.
Sulfur
Finally, sulfur is essential for a plant’s ability to produce proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins. Sulfur also helps reinforce the plant’s immune system against diseases. Additionally, sulfur is a crucial ingredient in the plant’s seed production capability.
Why Do Plants Need Water?
We know why plants need various nutrients, but what about water?
We know that water is a crucial ingredient of life and is a necessary element for all living things – plants too. But why exactly do plants need water? There are several reasons why plants require water to survive, and it is vastly different from other living organisms.
First of all, plants need water for them to germinate. Next, seeds need to go through the germination process to grow sprouts; moisture is the primary trigger for this stage. Next, similar to us humans, plants are mostly made of water. Humans are made of 60% water, while plants, specifically their cells, are 80 to 90% water. As such, plants need water to retain their cell integrity, giving them their shape and ability to stay upright. This is why a plant lacking water will droop and become limp.
Water is also essential for the plant’s photosynthesis or primary energy source and is also the critical reason nutrients are absorbed by the plant through their roots. Another crucial aspect that water provides plants with is the ability to regulate temperature. Yes, plants also sweat by releasing water from the stems to cool themselves down during blisteringly hot days.
Can Plants Grow In Water Exclusively?
With water being such an integral factor in the plant’s survival, can we leave it in a body of water? Well, yes and no. Some plants are categorized as hydroponics. These plant types thrive within bodies of water and will not require soil to survive.
If you are interested in these types of plants, here are some of the most popular water-based plants that you can grow:
- Lucky bamboo
- Spider plant
- Lotus
- Pothos
- Aglaonema
- Arrowhead plant
- Inchplant
So, why would you consider growing hydroponic plants? Well, these types of flora do have their specific advantages. Here are some of the reasons why people prefer hydroponic gardening over the standard gardening:
Low maintenance
One of the most enticing aspects of plants that can survive solely on water is that, in most cases, they are all low maintenance. A common issue when maintaining a garden is that there are instances wherein you might need help to water your plants regularly. This problem is completely negated with water-based plants as they are already in the water.
Not messy
Gardening, in general, requires you to get your hands dirty. However, you won’t need to contend with dirt or soil with water-based plants. All you need is a container filled with water, and you are good to go.
Less risk of pest infestation
With the exclusion of soil in the equation, you can cross out pest problems from the list of potential hurdles. Most plant pests tend to lay eggs underneath the ground; removing that element removes most pests from the table of things you need to worry about.
Do Plants Grow Better In Water Or Soil?
The answer to this question is subjective. As we have discussed, some plants can grow and thrive exclusively on water, while others need soil. For example, deep-rooted plants will grow exceptionally well in water, while short-rooted plants are best suited if planted in soil.
To help you decide, we will narrow down the pros and cons of growing plants in water or soil. But first, let’s start with the benefits of growing plants in the ground, as this is the standard method.
Advantages Of Growing Plants In Soil
Soil is the natural environment for most plants. It has some perks that will significantly assist a plant’s development. One of the most prominent benefits of planting in the soil is how it can help regulate the temperature of the roots. In addition, the soil can also help regulate the nutrient intake of a plant.
There is also the factor of healthy biodiversity. By this, I mean beneficial bacteria and microbes that can improve a plant’s overall health. Soil can also naturally store oxygen easily accessed by a plant when needed.
Disadvantages Of Growing Plants In Soil
The most common downside of growing plants in soil is the increased vulnerability to diseases and pest infestation. A fungal infection is also a possible risk which can affect the roots underground. Also, the soil’s pH level will be a factor depending on the type of plant that you want to grow.
Soil also has a limit to the nutrients that it can provide to the plant. Therefore, there will be a point wherein you must apply fertilizer to keep the soil viable.And there are many types of soil to consider too, from clay soil to sandy soil.
You also need to remember to water your outdoor and indoor plants as needed. If you fail to water your garden regularly, the plants will inevitably wither away and die.
Advantages Of Growing Plants In Water
As we have already stated earlier, most water-based plants are low maintenance and will require little to no help to thrive. Transporting it to different locations will also be incredibly easy as you won’t need to dig it up and replant it to a new area or container.
The exclusion of soil also eliminates most plant diseases and pests from the list of potential problems in the future. In addition, plants that are primarily water-based won’t need to scrounge nutrients from the soil, which is why these plants tend to grow faster.
Disadvantages Of Growing Plants In Water
Alas, it is not all sunshine and rainbows for team water, as there are also several notable drawbacks with growing plants in water. For one, these plants are still prone to waterborne diseases, which can be a death sentence to the plant.
Also, if you decide to implement a hydroponic system for your garden, this task can be quite a handful for beginners. First, you must learn the process and set up the system.And then keep on top of it too.
Is It Cheaper To Grow Plants In Water Or Soil?
Again, this depends on the type of plants you want to grow and if you decide to incorporate an indoor hydroponic system. However, if your primary goal is to reduce cost, try growing spider plants or lucky bamboo, as you only need to stick them in a water-filled container, and can get away with using tap water instead of distilled water!
You’ll also want to think about a nutrient solution for the plants, because water alone will not be enough.
Contrast this with growing plants in soil, and you can see how it can be more expensive. As well as the soil, you’ll need to replenish with fertilizer and fresh soil throughout the year. And keep on top of any possible pests and diseases too.
While I did love seeing the roots appear on the cuttings I received in 2019 – and the strong, sturdy grown plants I have now are testament that cuttings in water works! – I’m still a traditional person at heart and will be sticking to growing my plants in soil. It just makes more sense to me.
Are you team water or team soil? Let me know which – and why! – in the comments below!
