Question 1

What is plant dormancy?

Accepted Answer

Plant dormancy is like a plant's naptime. During this time, plants slow down and stop growing to save energy when the weather is too cold or dry.

Question 2

Why do plants go dormant?

Accepted Answer

Plants go dormant to survive tough weather conditions like winter or drought. It's their way of taking a break until conditions are better for growing.

Question 3

Do all plants go dormant?

Accepted Answer

Not all plants need to go dormant. Some plants live in places with mild weather year-round and don't have to take this kind of break.

Question 4

When do most plants go dormant?

Accepted Answer

Most plants go dormant in the winter when it's too cold for them to grow. They might also go dormant during a dry season.

Question 5

How do plants know when to go dormant?

Accepted Answer

Plants have special ways to sense changes in the weather. When it starts to get colder or days become shorter, they know it's time to take a rest.

Question 6

What do plants do during dormancy?

Accepted Answer

During dormancy, plants slow down their growth. They might drop their leaves and their roots stop taking in water, saving energy for when it's needed.

Question 7

Can you see a plant is dormant?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When a plant is dormant, it might look dead because it loses its leaves and doesn't grow. But it's just resting, not dead.

Question 8

Do indoor plants go dormant too?

Accepted Answer

Some indoor plants can go dormant if they don’t get enough light or if it's too cold. But if they are kept warm and watered, they might keep growing all year.

Question 9

Is dormancy bad for plants?

Accepted Answer

No, dormancy is actually helpful for plants. It's a time for them to save energy and survive until conditions are right for growing again.

Question 10

What happens to a tree in dormancy?

Accepted Answer

A tree loses its leaves and stops growing during dormancy. It stores energy in its roots and trunk so it can grow again when it's warm.

Question 11

Do flowers go dormant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many flowers go dormant in the winter. They stop blooming and their green parts may disappear, but their roots stay alive underground.

Question 12

How long does dormancy last?

Accepted Answer

Dormancy can last a few months until the weather becomes warm again. Plants 'wake up' when the conditions are right for growing.

Question 13

What wakes plants up from dormancy?

Accepted Answer

Warmer temperatures and more sunlight in spring wake plants up from dormancy. They start to grow again when the conditions are just right.

Question 14

Does dormancy affect fruit plants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fruit plants also go dormant. They rest in winter so they can save up energy to produce fruit when it's warm.

Question 15

How can you help a plant during dormancy?

Accepted Answer

You can help by not overwatering or feeding them because they don't need much care at this time. Just let them rest until they wake up.

Question 16

Do cacti go dormant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cacti can go dormant during the cold. They stop growing and don't need much water, which helps them save energy.

Question 17

Can dormancy be skipped?

Accepted Answer

Some plants don't have a dormancy period if they are in the right environment where it's warm and sunny all the time.

Question 18

Do all parts of a plant go dormant?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, yes. The leaves might fall off and growth stops, but the roots stay alive underground to store energy.

Question 19

Why do leaves fall off in dormancy?

Accepted Answer

Leaves fall off to help the plant save energy and water. Without leaves, the plant can focus on storing what it needs to grow later.

Question 20

Can dormancy happen in places with no winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if there is a dry season. Plants may go dormant when there's not enough water, even if it's not cold.

The Process of Plant Dormancy - 20 FAQs Explained Simply