Author Question: Discuss how amendments used in potted plant media can influence how often a plant needs to be ... (Read 83 times)

urbanoutfitters · **on:** Jul 21, 2018

Discuss how amendments used in potted plant media can influence how often a plant needs to be
watered.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain the concept of the root/shoot ratio.

What will be an ideal response?

guyanai · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Amendments used in potted plant media greatly influence how often a plant must be watered. Media
high in peat can be a challenge to hydrate if allowed to dry. Sandy media are well-drained, requiring
more frequent watering than media lower in sand content when used to grow tropical plants like
Spathiphyllum or Dieffenbachia. Of course, good drainage works in favor for cacti and succulents but
may aid in death by dryness for maidenhair ferns or other, moist-soil-loving plants.

Answer to Question 2

The relationship known as the root/shoot ratio can be defined as follows: A plant does not die just
because some roots die. The plant is able to react efficiently with such changes in order to make the
best of its situation. Since there is less water and nutrient uptake, the plant will shut down some of its
photosynthesis factories, thus dropping some leaves. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may
even kill off a branch or two. On the other hand, if a plant is healthy and in a growth situation with
plenty of available light, it produces more shoots and leaves. Since more water is needed and more
photosynthate manufactured, more root growth occurs.