Can Plants Drink Water Through Their Leaves?

Plants are known to absorb water and nutrients mainly through their roots. However, it is a common belief that some plants also drink water through their leaves. There are different reasons for this belief, but how much of it is true?

Transpiration

Plants lose water through a process called transpiration. This occurs mainly through small openings on leaves called stomata. As water evaporates from these openings, it creates a negative pressure that draws more water from the roots up through the plant's stem and to the leaves, hence creating a continuous flow of water through the plant. The water absorbed by the roots and carried through the plant is mainly used for photosynthesis, where the plant makes food for survival.

Foliar Feeding

Foliar feeding is a method of supplying plants with nutrients by spraying them on the leaves. It is believed that plants can take up water and nutrients through their leaves during this process, hence making foliar feeding an effective way of providing the required nutrients to plants. However, not all nutrients can be absorbed through the leaves since the cuticle, a waxy layer that covers leaves, can make it difficult for some nutrients to penetrate into the plant's cells.

Hydathodes

Hydathodes are water pores found mainly on the tips and margins of leaves. When the plant receives too much water, it often accumulates at the tips of the leaves, forming droplets. These droplets are known as guttation droplets and are believed to contain minerals and nutrients that the plant takes up through the hydathodes. However, this is not a sustainable way for plants to obtain water and nutrients since guttation droplets are only produced when there is an excess of water in the soil.

Conclusion

While it is true that plants lose water through transpiration, and some nutrients can be absorbed through their leaves during foliar feeding, there is no evidence showing that plants can drink water significantly through their leaves. Roots remain the primary and most effective way for plants to absorb water and nutrients, hence making proper watering and soil fertilization critical for a plant's survival.