Growth Habit

What Does Growth Habit Mean?

A growth habit in horticulture refers to the shape, height, appearance, and form of growth of a plant species. A plant’s growth habit develops from particular genetic patterns that determine growth.

These, in addition to environmental factors, are the components that contribute to the physical nature of a plant. The primary purpose for different growth habits is so plants can adapt to changing conditions to better their chances of survival and reproduction.

Maximum Yield Explains Growth Habit

Every plant species has a different growth habit. Competition for water, space, light, and nutrients has influenced plant evolution, enabling them to grow and adapt according to their environment.

Water availability, particularly during growing season, is one of the biggest environmental factors that influence plant productivity and distribution across the globe. Additionally, interactions with animals have influenced plant growth habits.

There are several different types of plant habits and descriptions. Each represents the type of plant and the form in which it grows. For example, herb plants are vascular plants without woody tissue. Graminoids are grass, or glass-like plants.

Another type is lichenous plants. These often attach themselves to solid objects and include mosses and liverworts. Shrubs, another type, are woody plants that are around 13 to 16 feet in height. Sub-shrubs are much smaller types of shrubs, falling under three feet in height at maturity. Vines, which can be woody, are climbing plants with long stems. Lastly, trees are woody plants with a single stem (or trunk) that can grow in many different heights.