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Why are some plants barely surviving while others thrive?
Plants need water to survive, but did you also know that they need air to surround their roots?
Plants like humans respirate (take in and expel air). Plants do this through their leaves, as well as through their root system, absorbing oxygen needed to break down glucose, creating energy for the plant to develop.
This process of converting glucose releases some Carbon Dioxide (CO²) which is also expelled through the leaves and roots.
When a plant stands with its roots in water, and has no adjusted root system like aquatic plants, the required oxygen/air commonly available in the soil is displaced (blocked) by water, resulting in the plant not being able to breath/respirate (aerobic respiration).
Due to the lack of oxygen, the plant respirates anaerobically, producing alcohol, that eventually kills the plants root (root rot).
Plants like humans respirate (take in and expel air). Plants do this through their leaves, as well as through their root system, absorbing oxygen needed to break down glucose, creating energy for the plant to develop.
This process of converting glucose releases some Carbon Dioxide (CO²) which is also expelled through the leaves and roots.
When a plant stands with its roots in water, and has no adjusted root system like aquatic plants, the required oxygen/air commonly available in the soil is displaced (blocked) by water, resulting in the plant not being able to breath/respirate (aerobic respiration).
Due to the lack of oxygen, the plant respirates anaerobically, producing alcohol, that eventually kills the plants root (root rot).
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Industry has played into the concept of plants needing water. Some install irrigation lines, some incorporate water retention fleece or water absorbing mineral wool or water retaining cups.
FLL Guidelines are widely accepted as the leading authority for the planning, execution and upkeep of Green Roofs.
It could be argued that FLL Guidelines would not apply, yet from the other hand, what the standard describes has some food for thought.
Here in coastal BC, we face prolonged periods of rain of up to 6 months (fall and winter) and not all options for watering are equal. In some instance, plants are standing in a water-logged medium, drowning rather than thriving.
FLL Guidelines are widely accepted as the leading authority for the planning, execution and upkeep of Green Roofs.
It could be argued that FLL Guidelines would not apply, yet from the other hand, what the standard describes has some food for thought.
Here in coastal BC, we face prolonged periods of rain of up to 6 months (fall and winter) and not all options for watering are equal. In some instance, plants are standing in a water-logged medium, drowning rather than thriving.
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Plants don't want to grow into some water retention materials as you can see on the pictures above from roofs that are several years old. The vegetation is just laying on top of the medium not developing a healthy root system into the medium that can support diversity. Because of this growth is stagnating and could cause plants to die.
As per FLL:
Consult us to talk about watering options.