Plant growth doesn't happen overnight. Proper care and support for the plant root system are the best ways to make plant roots grow faster.
You may wonder what the roots do to make plants grow. Like humans, plants are living things, and the plant root system is responsible for protecting the plant, storing, and distributing essential nutrients to other parts of the plant.
Whether you are trying to grow already established plants or you need a head start on how to make plant roots grow faster, this article is for you.
What Are Plant Roots?
The plant root is a primary part of the plant-usually underground, which is responsible for plant anchorage and absorbing nutrients from the soil.
The root system is the powerhouse of the plant system. It is where water and essential nutrients are stored. The root supports the plants, by keeping it from falling off, prevents erosion from the plant's surroundings, and distributes already absorbed water and nutrients.
It is necessary knowledge that all living things need delicate care to grow and blossom. For plants, this is not restricted to proper watering or adequate sunlight; their roots play a critical role in ensuring a healthy and robust plant root structure.
In return, a healthy and vigorous plant root is more likely to have strong and healthy leaves, flowers, seeds, and stems. A healthy root structure will equate to a healthy plant system.
If you seek a fast-growing plant root, then you need to understand the best practices on how to make plant roots grow faster. Without healthy roots, you cannot achieve all this, and your plant root will remain stagnant.
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How to Make Plant Roots Grow Faster
We've seen that the right nutrient and practices promote plant roots growth. Also, the right root boosters, hormones, or stimulants not only facilitate plant roots growth, but they restore what is already lost.
Plant Roots and Air
One of the primary methods of plant root care is ensuring the availability of adequate oxygen to take in. In order words, plant roots need oxygen to breathe.
The two main reasons plant roots need air (oxygen) is to photosynthesize (manufacture food) and to breathe. Just like us, plant roots need to breathe for survival – they need air to maximize energy.
How to increase Oxygen or airflow for the Plant Root System in Soil
To increase your root system oxygen capacity, you can use a series of soil amendments as additives. Any porous substance such as pumice, perlite, or hydroton can promote aeration.
This means to increase a soil's ability to store oxygen. Some soil amendment not only stores oxygen but are also good at water retention.
If your growers are in a pot, then you should consider using a smart or fabric pot. The pot isn't a necessity for plant survival, but smart pots are absorbent, and they allow oxygen to get in from the sides.
In return, this assists the plant roots to breathe in the air a lot better and remain air pruned than in a traditional hard pot.
The right pot helps the roots of plants breathe a little better than if they were in conventional hard pots, resulting in increased growth and healthy plant roots.
How to increase oxygen or airflow for the Plant Root System in Hydroponic System
A hydroponic system utilizes a mechanized type of aeration. A water chiller is an essential piece of hardware for a hydroponic system where the plant roots are fully submerged.
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Plant Roots and Water
Water is essential for the growth of the plant root system. However, the principles of watering are solely dependent on the plant breed you are growing, watering needs may differ.
Some plant breeds may need more water than others for fast growth, while others might not need much water at all.
Too much watering or under watering may cause more damage than good. If your roots are submerged in soil, ensure to allow the soil to get some dry time in between watering; when soil oversaturated, it chokes the plant's roots and prevents proper breathing.
Always be informed about your plant breed as some plants may require more water for growth than others, or refer to a plant growing guide to know its specific watering needs.
The best way to create a balance between over watering or under watering is to make use of a soil moisture meter.
Plant Roots and Root Stimulators (Hormones)
There are hormones referred to as plant hormones that serve as growth stimulants and boosters when added to the plant root system.
Plant hormones such as auxins can serve as plant root growth boosters to stimulate root growth. Also, there are a series of hormones usually found in rooting gels, such as naphthyl acetic acid and indole butyric acid and.
These two hormones are commonly known as root growth stimulators.
Plant Roots and Fertilizers
An excellent healthy fertilizer usually contains the plant nutrients required to enhance root growth. Potassium and phosphorous are some of the primary nutrients affiliated with plant root growth, and manure is likely to contain a higher ratio of these nutrients.
Tea Leaves
If you are on a very lean budget, you can make use of used tea leaves. A tea bag contains up to nutrients you need for a good fertilizer: potash, calcium, and nitrogen. Al you need is a Sprinkle at the plant base, and you are good to go.
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Conclusion
If you've been looking for how to make plant roots grow faster so it will be healthy and vibrant, hopefully, you now have all the information you need to achieve that.
Take care of your plant's roots by using the right potting practices and additives. This would go a long way in ensuring happy plants and growing roots systems with a bountiful harvest or beautiful garden in return.
Plant growers who dedicate the extra time to cultivate a healthy and robust plant root structure are less likely to encounter overwhelming challenges.
Remember that healthy plant roots equate healthy plants.
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