We have often heard of trees that have lived through ages. Such trees are abundant in tales and stories we were told by our family members. It brings us to the question of how do trees age or do they ever get old. So, do plants live forever?
Can plants live forever?
No, trees like all beings will perish after a given duration. Each tree has a limited lifetime. Theoretically, plants have no specific lifetime and under perfect conditions may survive forever. An exception would be plants called annuals, which die after producing seeds in one growing season. However, the practical lifetime of the tree may vary as per the species due to their natural characteristics. While the trees may sustain under perfect conditions, in reality, the conditions are far from ideal. Over time, changes in the environment may cause the plant to perish. It could happen due to various environmental factors.
Factors that hamper life of a plant
So, let us explore some of the factors which may hamper the long life of your plant –
- Improper Watering
- Pests and Infections
- Inadequate Light
Improper Watering
One of the main reasons for the death of a plant is when it is not getting adequate water. Water is essential for the survival of plants. However, insufficient or excess watering can cause serious damage to the plant. While insufficient water can cause the plant to dry, over-watering may facilitate rotting in the plant.
So, it is very important to know the amount of water your plant requires and water it accordingly.
Generally, watering a plant once every week is sufficient for its survival. However, some water-intensive plants require a greater amount of water.
Always ensure that the pot is well-drained and there is no stagnant water left in it. These steps can help you provide the right amount of water for your plant.
Pests and Infections
Pests and fungal infections can be very harmful to the health of your plant. Insects such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs tend to suck on the sap of the plant and cause it to weaken.
Thus, if you spot an insect infestation, immediately isolate the plant and spray it with an effective insecticide.
In case of fungal infections, it is best to cut off the infected part and spray the plant with an effective fungicide. These are some of the ways through which you can save your infested plant.
Inadequate Light
Every plant needs light to grow. Light is integral for the plant to carry out the process of photosynthesis. Hence, if there is no light, there will be no food, and the plant will starve. So, if your plant doesn’t have adequate light, it will suffer from stunted growth, etiolation, and even death in extreme cases. So, it is best to ensure that your plant receives at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day.
Although plants don’t live forever, these steps will help you extend the life of your plants and ensure that they live a long and healthy life.