Plants like humans are living beings. They breathe, eat and reproduce in their way. So, we can find some similarities in the basic processes of humans and plants. It makes us wonder if old age affects the health of plants as it does of humans. So, does a plant die of old age?
Do plants die of old age?
Yes, plants can die of old age. It happens through a process called senescence in which the plant cells deteriorate and eventually stop dividing.
It can be compared to the effects of old age in humans. However, unlike in humans, it is a secondary source of the death of the plant. So, it is generally a change in other factors which kills the plant in the end.
Factors that ensure longer plant life
So, let us explore the steps which may help you ensure that the plant lives longer –
- Re-potting
- Proper Lighting
- Pest Control
- Adequate Watering
Re-potting
If your plant is growing in a pot, over time the quality of the soil likely degrades. Further, the growth of the roots may lead to increased binding of the soil and may reduce the aeration of the soil.
Thus, it is very important to re-pot the pot once a year to keep the plant healthy. Use a fresh, nutrition-rich potting mix to refill the pot and water it adequately after re-potting. You can also consider increasing the size of the pot to allow the plant some space to grow. It will help the plant grow better and stay healthy.
Proper Lighting
Light is very important for the plant as it utilizes it to carry out photosynthesis and produce its food. A lack of adequate lighting may lead to starvation and can cause the plant to etiolate. So, it is very important to grow your plant in a place where it has access to indirect, bright light for at least six hours a day. In the case of indoor plants, place the plant near a south-facing window or use artificial lighting to ensure that the light requirements of the plant are met.
Pest Control
Pests such as aphids, mites, and mealybugs can suck on the sap of your plant and cause severe damage to it. So, it is very important to use deterrent measures such as pest repellent oils to keep the pests away. In case of pest infestation, immediately isolate the plant and treat it with an effective insecticide to ensure the eradication of pests.
Adequate Watering
The plant needs the right amount of water to survive. So, you should know the water requirements of your plant to help it survive.
Both overwatering and underwatering may lead to severe problems in the plant. While overwatering can cause rotting in the plant, underwatering may lead to a dry plant. So, you should be careful about providing the amount of water that your plant needs to ensure that it stays healthy and strong.
Final Words
Thus, we can see that while plants may die of old age, it is a secondary cause of death. Most plants die due to a change in growth factors, and hence you should try your best to keep them under check to ensure a long life for your plant.