How Does Water Temperature Affect Plant Growth?

So, how does water temperature affect plant growth? Perhaps you’ve recently asked yourself this question. The truth is, the water temperature can have a significant impact on how your plants grow.

Any change in the temperature of the water will change the metabolic activity of the plant, as well as the aquatic ecosystems. In other words, it doesn’t matter if you’re growing houseplants or aquatic plants – water plays a critical role in their growth, as well as their development.

How Does Water Temperature Affect Plant Growth?

 

Watering Plants

Whenever you take the time to water your plants, be sure that the temperature of the water is just right. In case you’re not aware, the plant’s roots are extremely sensitive to drastic changes in water temperature. Should you use water that’s either too hot or too cold, don’t be surprised if your plant becomes damaged or stressed.

 

Is Root Temperature Important?

Gardening enthusiasts need to be aware of the fact that a plant’s root system needs to be at a certain temperature level for it to get the most out of the water and nutrients that it absorbs. The ideal temperature for the roots is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this temperature, you can be sure that the water that’s present in the substrate still has plenty of oxygen in it. Furthermore, if the root temperature isn’t right, the plant’s pump mechanism that’s present in the roots won’t be able to work.

When the temperature is low, it would be impossible for the root’s pump mechanism to work as effectively as it should. Conversely, when the temperature is high, your plant’s ability to take up oxygen from the water isn’t going to be efficient.

It’s important to note that high root temperatures, as well as a lack of oxygen supply to the plant, can lead to mold growth and the proliferation of bacteria.

 

Is Substrate Temperature Equally Important?

Greens aficionados need to ensure the maintenance of the ideal temperature in the substrate. If you thought that you can easily regulate the substrate’s temperature through watering, think again. Attempting to do so will require you to make use of extremely hot or cold water that could likely put your plant under a lot of stress.

Should the substrate temperature change, just use water with extreme temperatures. You’ll find out that in about an hour or so after you water them, the temperature of their substrate will be back to what it was prior to watering.

 

How Does Cooler Water Temperature Affect Plants?

As previously mentioned, the water temperature can have a massive impact on a plant’s metabolic activity. Under cool conditions, every activity that’s taking place in the plant slows down.

To give prove this point, a group of researchers did a study on wild rice that was grown in cooler waters. It was discovered that these plants produced fewer and shorter leave compared to wild rice that was grown in warmer waters. Additionally, they also discovered that cool-water plants tend to lose their ability to develop their reproductive structures.

 

 

 

What is Thermal Pollution?

Thermal pollution refers to the drastic increase or decrease in temperature levels of an ocean, river, lake, pond, or any natural body of water. Human influence triggers this condition.

It typically takes place when a facility uses water from a natural resource and puts the used water back at a different temperature. In most cases, these plants or industrial facilities utilize water in the process of cooling their machinery to maximize their ability to come up with better products.

 

How Does Thermal Pollution Affect Aquatic Plants?

The growth of aquatic plants is greatly impacted by the water temperature changes. In the event of thermal pollution where an introduction of unnaturally warm water takes place in a natural water body, the population dynamics of aquatic plants change as well.

For example, plant species that usually come in small numbers can densely inhabit a certain area when industrial facilities release warm water from heated roadways to waterways. Another example would be when the introduction of warm water into a natural body of water causes certain plants to float to the surface.

 

How Does Cold Water Affect Houseplants?

In most cases, houseplants are native to tropical regions. For this reason, they stress whenever cold water is used to hydrate them. In fact, studies show that certain plants could develop white spots on their leaves, and their buds drop when cold water is splashed on them.

If you live in a colder region, be sure to let the cold water warm to room temperature before you use it to water your indoor plants. While you’re at it, keep in mind that water additives can potentially cause harm to your houseplants when these additives settle in warm water.

 

How Can Hot Water Be Beneficial to Seeds and Vegetable Cuttings?

Hot water is routinely used in the seed industry and plant nursery to eliminate pathogens, as destructive insects. Furthermore, the seeds of certain vegetables such as carrots, eggplant, celery, and tomato are dipped into hot water to get rid of the bacteria.

 

Final Thoughts: How Does Water Temperature Affect Plant Growth?

Congratulations on knowing the answer to “How does water temperature affect plant growth?”. If you want to experience gardening as you’ve never had before, try your hand at greenhouse gardening. With an enclosed space to keep your plants safe from pests and bad weather, you can be free to create the optimal growing environment!

 

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