How do plants reproduce
Plants, as living beings, reproduce to perpetuate the species. However, the ability to multiply is not only necessary for the survival of the plant world. Animals and humans also benefit greatly from the abundance of oxygen we receive, thanks to this process!
In today's article, we will discuss everything related to plant reproduction and also see how this fact is directly related to the good health of the entire planet. If you're passionate about the plant world, read carefully!
How do plants reproduce?
Types of plants
There are more than 300,000 species of plants, which we can generally classify into two large categories:
Types of reproduction
Not all species reproduce in the same way, although we can divide them into two major groups: those that reproduce sexually and those that do so asexually:
1. Sexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction is where the union of male and female genetic material gives rise to a new being. In plants, it is the most common reproductive method.
Almost all plants that multiply sexually flower and produce seeds. Inside the ovary of the flowers, there are male and female cells called gametophytes.
The reproduction process is triggered when the plant is pollinated. Pollination occurs when insects or small flying animals like hummingbirds, bees, or flies transfer pollen from one plant to another.
Sexual reproduction will occur when pollen from a male gameto flower is deposited in another of a female gameto. The pollen will begin to germinate, leading to a new flower that in turn will produce seeds, and so on.
Sexual reproduction can be of two types:
- Autogamy
In this case, the plant itself produces the male and female gametes. This very common form of reproduction, for example on islands or in bushy areas, allows the species to maintain its genetic characteristics intact, something indispensable for the plant to survive and adapt to a certain environment. - Allogamy
We speak of allogamy when pollination and fertilisation occurs between plants of different species. This causes the genetic code of both to intermingle, giving rise to new species. Currently, it is very common for this form of reproduction to be used in nurseries to create new varieties.
2. Asexual reproduction
Asexual reproduction is when a new identical plant is created from a cell of a plant, due to the process of mitosis. Asexual reproduction usually occurs in non-vascular plants, that is, those without roots, stems or vessels that conduct sap.
There are many plants that can multiply asexually through any of these 4 processes:
- Mitospores – The plant creates spores by cell division (mitosis). It is the usual form of reproduction for fungi and ferns.
- Vegetative reproduction – In this case, the plant multiplies from a fragment of itself. This type of reproduction is widely used in floristry and gardening to obtain a greater number of a particular species. Vegetative reproduction can be carried out in different ways: by grafting, cutting a piece of the stem, dividing the root, etc.
- Apomixis – Some plants have diploid ovules, which have the ability to produce seeds without the need for fertilisation. This means that plants born through this system are identical to their parent.
- Propagules – These are parts of the plant that, when separated from it, can create another plant identical to the original. Propagules can be made up of multi-cells (buds, seeds, tubers, etc.), or just a single cell, as is the case with spores.
Essential requirements for optimal plant reproduction
The three essential elements that plants need to live are carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Additionally, they need to be nourished with minerals and nutrients which, in their natural habitat, they obtain directly from the soil.
In indoor plants, these essential nutrients, (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, or chlorine, among others), must be periodically incorporated in the form of fertiliser, so that our plants grow in optimal conditions.
The best time to reproduce your indoor plants is at the beginning of spring. Plant your bulbs, tubers, cuttings, or roots to enjoy new plants full of life and colour!
Importance of plant reproduction
We often consider that plants, due to the beauty and brilliance of their leaves and flowers, serve merely a decorative function. However, nothing could be further from the truth as their existence is vital for both animals and humans to obtain food and be able to breathe.
In the home, plants are authentic natural oxygen factories, capable of purifying and regulating ambient humidity. Therefore, understanding their reproductive system and applying it to our indoor plants, brings an extra benefit for everyone!
Being aware from an early age of the importance of cultivating, maintaining, and propagating plants is fundamental to preserving environmental balance and our own survival as a species. The more vegetation there is around us, the better the air we breathe will be!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of reproduction in plants?
Plants can reproduce sexually (through pollination and seeds) or asexually (through cuttings, spores, or root division).
How can you easily reproduce plants at home?
You can reproduce plants with cuttings, seeds, tubers, or bulbs, especially in spring for the best results.
Why is plant reproduction important?
Reproduction ensures oxygen, food, and helps improve air quality, which is essential for the environment and our health.