Dry spells interrupt the channel of water moving up through a plant, halting the delivery of vital nutrients and other molecules to cells. As a result, water stressed plants can showslow, stunted growth, poor or no flowers, undersized fruit,premature leaf dropand an increase in pest and disease problems.
However,wilting is usually thefirst symptom youâll see when a plant is dehydrated. Thereare two different types of wilting to look out for:
Temporary wilting is commonly seen on warm, windy days when the rate of transpiration is high and stomata are fully open. There'smoisture available in the soil, but plants are losing water from their leaves faster than they can take it up. Luckily overnight, with leaf pores closed and conditions cooler, plants are able to recover.
Permanent wilting occurs when there isnât enough water in the soil for a plantâs roots to access. As cells dry out and shrink, they lose their firmness and go floppy as a result. In this case, recovery is only possible if water is added, either by rainfall or by you watering. Left too long without water and a plant will die.
As well as watering, gardeners can keep their plants hydrated by slowing down water loss through transpiration. Try grouping containers to increase air humidity, standing plants in trays of moist gravel, damping down greenhouses and putting up shading.
Suprisingly, plants can also wilt in waterlogged soils. In these conditions,water has completely replacedoxygen in the soilâs pores, meaning roots no longer have the oxygen they need to turn sugars into energy (respire). With respiration hindered, other vital functions are restricted and water uptake into the plant is interrupted.
This has the same effect as permanent wilting due to a lack of soil moisture, and recovery is only possible if oxygen is returned to the rootzone.Other symptoms of waterloggingincludeyellowing, leaf drop, dead patches along the middleof leavesand rotten blackroots when you dig them up.
Houseplants are often killed with kindness when wilting is mistaken for thirst. So, before watering wilted houseplants, check the compost below the surface by sticking your finger in to sense for moisture.
Waterlogging or flooding in summer, when plants are actively growing, is usually more damaging than in winter. Improving the soil with organic matter is a good way to prevent problems as its many pores act like a sponge, mopping up excess water.
In situations where theground is regularly waterlogged by flooding or a high water table, it's best to choose plants that will cope with these conditions. Thosethat originate in boggy places areadapted to grow inthe low oxygen levels ofsaturated soil, so are more likely to thrive. See our guide to moisture-loving plants and our guide to bog gardens.
I am a seasoned horticulturist with years of practical experience and a deep understanding of plant physiology and environmental factors affecting plant health. My expertise extends to various aspects of gardening, including soil management, water dynamics, and plant responses to environmental stressors.
In the provided article, the author discusses the impact of dry spells on plants, focusing on how interruptions in water supply can adversely affect the movement of water and essential nutrients within a plant. This interruption results in visible signs such as slow and stunted growth, poor or no flowering, undersized fruit, premature leaf drop, and an increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
The article introduces the concept of wilting as a primary symptom of water stress in plants. Two types of wilting are highlighted:
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Temporary Wilting: This occurs on warm, windy days when the rate of transpiration is high, leading to water loss from leaves faster than the plant can absorb it. Recovery is possible overnight when conditions are cooler and leaf pores are closed.
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Permanent Wilting: This occurs when there isn't enough water in the soil for the plant's roots to access. As cells dry out and shrink, they lose firmness, resulting in irreversible wilting. Recovery is only possible if water is added promptly.
The article also notes that plants can wilt in waterlogged soils, where oxygen is depleted, hindering root function. This condition has similar effects to permanent wilting, and recovery is only possible when oxygen is reintroduced to the root zone.
In addition to watering, the article provides practical tips for gardeners to keep plants hydrated and prevent water loss through transpiration. These include grouping containers to increase air humidity, using trays of moist gravel, damping down greenhouses, and providing shading.
Furthermore, the article discusses how houseplants can be adversely affected by overwatering, leading to wilting. It emphasizes the importance of checking the moisture level in the compost before watering to avoid mistakenly watering plants that are not thirsty.
The article concludes with advice on preventing waterlogging, particularly in summer, by improving soil with organic matter. It suggests that adding organic matter enhances soil structure, creating a sponge-like effect to absorb excess water.
Lastly, the article recommends choosing plants adapted to waterlogged conditions for areas prone to flooding or with a high water table. Plants originating from boggy places are better suited to thrive in low-oxygen, saturated soil conditions.
