How can you tell if a plant is stressed?

To determine if a plant is stressed, you can look for specific physical signs that indicate it is not thriving in its current environment. Common symptoms of plant stress include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. These indicators often suggest that the plant may be experiencing issues such as inadequate water supply, nutrient deficiencies, excessive heat, or disease.

Wilting occurs when the plant is not able to absorb enough water to maintain turgor pressure, leading to drooping leaves and stems. Yellowing leaves, or chlorosis, can indicate a range of problems, including nutrient deficiency or overwatering. Stunted growth is a sign that a plant is not developing properly, which could be due to stress factors affecting its ability to grow and thrive.

Recognizing these signs is crucial for gardeners and landscapers as it allows for timely intervention to alleviate stress and promote healthier plant conditions. The other options highlight healthy characteristics of plants, which do not align with indicators of stress.