Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

How can you test a plants health?

Could you give us some more information on your project? I think that there are a number of different ways to test plant health, but the appropriate one for your experiment will likely depend on a number of factors, especially what kind of plant you will be looking at. Other considerations might include what instruments (if any) you have available to you, whether you want to be quantitative, etc. Please post back in this topic with some more details (especially the kind of plant(s) you are intending to use) and we'll definitely try to help you.

From a very general sense, I look at the health of my orchids by the color and feel of their leaves. I also look for any discolorations and lesions, whether they are growing new leaves or stems or roots. I might also consider the number and look of the roots. And whether the stem appears to be healthy and growing or dead. These are just a few factors to consider, but again, it will definitely depend on the type of plant you are examining.