Green houseplants enhance our indoor winter environments in many ways. All growing plants, including those green houseplants, are very efficient systems of specialized tissues and processes that collectively work together with some basic essential inputs.

One basic need is soil for roots to grow (excluding hydroponics). Plant roots readily absorb water, aided by microscopic root hairs. When water is available in soil, roots freely allow it to enter. Once inside roots, water travels throughout plants inside xylem tissue, which creates a system of connected hollow tubes networked throughout the plant. Water moves from high to low concentration, so it readily moves from roots to stems to leaves via xylem.

For water to keep moving through plants from high to lower concentration, it needs to exit to lower concentration in leaves. This is done through leaf openings called stomata. As water vapor exits leaves, the drop in concentration draws more water from stems, which then draws more water into stems from roots, and thus eventually more water enters roots. Water is vital for turgor pressure, which keep plant cells fully expanded. When water is scarce, cells start to collapse and plants wilt. Water is also a key component of photosynthesis and other processes. It also transports available nutrients from the soil.

Chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves, has the unique ability to transform light energy into chemical energy, starting the process of photosynthesis. Also required is carbon dioxide, entering leaves through stomata. Water, originating from soil, supplies essential hydrogen to the process. The net result of photosynthesis is formation of sugar, providing the energy (food) plants need to grow. Oxygen is a photosynthesis byproduct released through stomata into the air.

Sugar must move from leaves to all areas throughout plants as it fuels living cell processes, better known as respiration. Sugar transport occurs within phloem tissue, located adjacent to xylem and collectively both create the vascular system. Energy usage is tightly regulated in plants, as they can never burn more than has been stored. This explains why older energy inefficient leaves are often shed from plants. This is also why plants slow down, stop growth, or even go dormant under adverse conditions.

Success with houseplants can be achieved by meeting basic needs to keep these processes running efficiently. Start by selecting plants adapted to their indoor location, especially receiving the proper amount of light. Water and fertilize as needed for the specific plants being grown. Periodically wipe off accumulated dust on leaves to maximize available light intake. Finally, talk closely to your houseplants. They do not care what you say but benefit from the carbon dioxide released as you speak.