Sometimes, when we look at a potted plant at home or a tree on the street, we forget they’re not just decorative objects—they’re alive. They breathe, feed, grow, reproduce, and respond to their surroundings, just like animals and humans.

At Planteka, we believe that once you understand your plants are living beings, it changes the way you care for them. It’s no longer just about watering—it’s about taking responsibility for their wellbeing, observing their needs, and knowing how to act when something goes wrong.

What does it mean to be a living being?

A living being carries out certain vital functions:

✔ It’s born and grows
✔ It feeds and produces energy
✔ It breathes and exchanges gases with the environment
✔ It reproduces
✔ It responds to stimuli
✔ Eventually, it dies

Plants do all of these things—though in ways very different from animals.

How do we know plants are alive?

1. They grow and develop

From a tiny seed to a towering tree, plants go through clear growth phases. They create new tissues in their meristems (the “cell factories” at their tips and roots).

2. They feed (photosynthesis)

Through photosynthesis, they make their own food:
Sunlight + CO₂ + Water → Sugars + O₂
These sugars give them the energy they need to live and grow.
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🔗 Also read: What is photosynthesis and why it matters for plant care

3. They breathe and transpire

They absorb CO₂ and release oxygen through stomata in their leaves and lenticels in their stems. This exchange happens continuously—even while we sleep.

4. They reproduce

Many plants produce flowers, fruits, and seeds. Others multiply through cuttings, rhizomes, or runners.

5. They respond to their environment

Have you noticed how a sunflower follows the sun or a sensitive plant folds its leaves when touched? These are responses to light, water, touch, and gravity.

More than decoration! Caring for living beings means responsibility

Realizing your plants are alive turns you from an “owner” into a caregiver. Just like with a pet, it means:

Research their needs – Not all plants are the same. Do they prefer direct sun or shade? Do they like humidity or fear overwatering?

Observe their signals – Yellow leaves, dry tips, or stunted growth are ways they “talk” to you.

Treat, don’t toss – A sick plant isn’t a failure. It’s a chance to learn and build a stronger bond. Many plants are far more resilient than we think and can bounce back with some care and patience.

If your plant needs extra help, we’ve got the perfect web app for you: Plant Doctor—schedule a video consultation with a Planteka expert to troubleshoot issues and get your green friend back on track.

Plants don’t speak or move like a dog or cat, but they feel their environment and carry out vital functions. Caring for them doesn’t just improve their health—it teaches you responsibility, patience, and empathy.

At Planteka, we help you learn this “green language” through courses, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. 🌱 If you’re ready for a greener home but don’t know where to start, check out our Gardening for Beginners course—also the perfect gift for the plant lovers in your life.