Plants are constantly losing water through their leaves. This process is called transpiration, and it’s not a mistake—it’s one of the main drivers that moves water and nutrients from roots to leaves.
Transpiration happens when water evaporates from tiny pores in the leaves. Warmth, sunlight, wind, and dry air all increase the pull. Open stomata mean more CO₂ for photosynthesis, but also more water loss.
So plants are always balancing. If water is plentiful, transpiration helps cool the plant and keep nutrients flowing. If soil is dry or roots are stressed, plants close their stomata, slowing growth to avoid dehydration.
In the garden, this means context matters. Hot, windy days increase water demand. Newly planted trees, shallow-rooted plants, and potted plants dry out faster because their root systems are limited.
You can support healthy transpiration by mulching to keep soil moist, improving soil structure so roots can access water, and giving plants time to establish deep roots. When roots, soil life, and leaves work together, water moves smoothly through the whole system.
