The Ultimate Plant Words Glossary

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When we go online reading different plant care guides and all, we often stumble upon technical terms that are hard to understand, especially for the novice plant grower.

What’s more, this glossary is a precious resource if you’re looking to add new words to your arsenal of plant-related words. 

This extensive list will most certainly help you to expand your vocabulary and, at the same time, will allow you to get a better grasp of plants and gardening altogether.

Enjoy!

 

Plant words

• Aeration
• Air Layering
• Alternate Leaves
• Annual
• Anther 
• Axil
• Baby Greens
• Balled and Burlapped
• Bare root
• Bark 
• Beneficial Insect
• Biennial 
• Biodegradeable
• Biological Pest Control
• Blade
• Blossom
• Bolt
• Bonsai
• Botany
• Bud 
• Bulb
• Bulbil
• Cane 
• Canopy
• Carpel
• Chill Hours
• Chlorosis
• Clay Soil
• Cleft Leaf
• Cold Frame
• Companion Planting
• Composite Flower
• Composite Leaf
• Compost
• Compound Leaf 
• Cone 
• Controlled Release Fertilizer
• Cork
• Corolla
• Cover Crop
• Crenate Leaf
• Crown
• Cultivar
• Cutting
• Damping Off
• Dappled Shade
• Deadheading
• Deciduous 
• Deep Shade
• Deer Resistant Plants
• Dentate Leaf
• Desiccate
• Determinate
• Drainage Hole
• Drought-tolerant
• Earth up
• EC
• Etiolation
• Evergreen
• F1 hybrid
• Family
• Fern 
• Filler
• Finger Test
• Flora
• Foliage
• Foliar Fertilization
• Frond
• Frost
• Frost Date
• Frost-tolerant
• Full sun
• Fungicide
• Genus
• Germinate
• GMO
• Grafting
• Green Manure
• Guard Cell
• Gum
• Gynoecious
• Habit
• Hardening Off
• Hardy/Hardiness
• Hastate
• Heat-tolerant
• Heavy Feeder
• Heavy Soil
• Heirloom
• Herb
• Herbaceous Plant 
• Houseplant
• Humidity 
• Humus
• Hybrid
• Indeterminate
• Inflorescence 
• Integrated Pest Management
• Internode
• Ivy
• Lamina
• Lanceolate Leaf
• Lateral Bud
• Leaflet
• Light Feeder
• Lime
• Lobed
• Medium
• Micro-climate 
• Microgreen
• Micro-nutrients
• Midrib
• Moisture Meter
• Monoecious
• Moss
• Mounded
• Mulch
• Native
• Nectar 
• Nitrogen-fixing
• Node
• No-till Gardening
• NPK
• Open Pollinated
• Opposite Leaves
• Organic Gardening
• Organic Seed
• Ovary
• Ovate leaf
• Overwatering
• Palm
• Palmate
• Parent Plant
• Parthenocarpic
• Pebble Tray
• Perennial
• Permaculture
• Petal 
• Petiole
• Petrified wood
• pH
• Phloem
• Photoperiodism
• Photosynthesis
• Pinching
• Pinnate
• Pistil
• Pith
• Pollen
• Propagation
• Pruning
• Rainforest
• Repot
• Resin
• Rhizome
• Rings
• Root hair
• Root rot
• Root tip
• Root tip burn
• Rootbound
• Rootcap
• Rooting
• Rootstock
• Row Cover
• Runner
• Sandy Soil
• Sap
• Sapling
• Saturation
• Scarification
• Season extender
• Seed Pod
• Self-seed
• Semi-determinate
• Sepal
• Serrate Leaf
• Shamrock
• Simple Leaf
• Soil amendment
• Soil test
• Specimen Plant
• Spiller
• Spine
• Spore
• Spreading
• Sprout
• Stalk 
• Stamen
• Stigma
• Stoma
• Stratification
• Style
• Successive Sowing
• Succulent
• Taproot
• Tender Perrenial
• Terminal Bud
• Thinning
• Thriller
• Tilth
• Toothed
• Topdressing
• Topsoil
• Toxicity
• Trailing
• Transplanting
• Tuber
• Understory
• Undulate Leaf margin
• Untreated Seed
• Upright
• USDA Hardiness Zone
• UV rays
• Variegation
• Variety
• Vascular plant
• Vein 
• Venation
• Vermicompost
• Vernalization
• Vine
• Volunteer
• Weed 
• Wet Feet
• Woody
• Worm Casting
• Xeriscaping 
• Xylem

 

Air layering

Air layering is a propagation technique whereby a woody stem is wrapped with moist soil or another rooting medium and wrapped with a plastic layer to conserver moisture. The moist and dark conditions stimulate that part of the stem to root. The stem is then separated from the mother plant. 

 

Alternate leaves

Alternate leaves are borne singularly at each node on each side of the stem alternatively. The leaves grow in a staggered pattern, where one leaf on one side of the stem grows exactly in the middle of two leaves on the other side of the stem. 

 

Axil

The Axil is the upper angular part of the junction between a leaf and the stem it is borne on. The Axil also holds the axillary node or lateral bud. 

 

Baby greens

Baby greens are edible plants that are harvested soon after they sprout from the seed. Baby greens are classified as plants that have grown at least their first pair of true leaves but are far from being mature plants yet. 

 

Balled and burlapped

Balled and burlapped (B&B) is a special technique for transplanting plants. “Balling” means removing the rootball of a plant in a ball shape that safeguards the main root structure. “Burlapped” refers to the rootball being wrapped in burlap or another fabric to keep the soil in place. 

 

Biological pest control

Biological pest control is a method of controlling plant pests whereby natural pest predators are released into the plants to consume and eliminate the pests. Beneficial bugs such as Ladybugs and Green Lacewings are released into the plants to feed on pest insects to deal with the infestation.

 

Bulbil

A Bulbil is a small globular structure that grows at the axil of a leaf that allows the plant to reproduce vegetatively. This small structure acts as a bud and may sprout into a new plant after it falls to the ground.

 

Carpel

The carpel is the female reproductive organ of a flower and is usually the innermost part of a flower. It consists of three main parts, the ovary, the stigma, and the style. A carpel may exist singularly or in a group. 

 

Chill hours

The chill hours are the amount of time a plant spends at or below 45 F (7 C). The chill hour requirement is the amount of time a plant needs to stay at or below 45 F in dormancy in the winter to vernalize so it can bloom adequately the following spring. 

 

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where plants begin to lose their green color and the foliage starts to turn yellow. Chlorosis occurs due to a lack of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color. The symptoms of chlorosis may be limited to a few branches or it may affect the whole plant.

 

Cold Frame

A Cold Frame is an enclosed space with a glass ceiling. Young and sensitive plants can be grown inside a Cold Frame to protect them from the cold and keep them warm without artificial heating. Cold Frames can be seen as mini-greenhouses built specifically to prolong the growing season for plants.

 

Clay soil

Clay soil, also known as heavy soil, is a fine-grained soil type that is dominated by clay minerals. This soil is high in nutrients but due to its heavy composition, clay soils tend to get compacted and don’t have very good soil drainage or aeration. 

 

Cleft leaf

Cleft leaf is a term used to describe leaves that have deep notches. These clefts can be as less as one or as many as seven to eight, extending all the way to the midrib of the leaves.

 

Composite flower

Composite Flower, otherwise also known as Asteraceae, are flowers that belong to the Compositae or Asteraceae family. These flowers include Daisies, Sunflowers, Spanish Needle, and much more. It is believed that the composite family is one of the largest flower families besides Orchid.

 

Compound leaf

Compound lead is a term used to describe leaves whose blades have more than one leaflet. These multiple leaflets divide the blades into multiple subunits extended all the way to the midrib of the leaf. Some popular examples would include, Cannabis, Ceratonia, and Robina.

 

Controlled release fertilizer

Controlled release fertilizers are types of granulated fertilizers whose purpose is to gradually release essential nutrients into the soil. The fertilizer works in three steps, namely, penetration of water, nutrient dissolution, and nutrient release. The basic formula of the fertilizer is NPK. 

 

Damping Off

Damping Off is a horticultural phenomenon whereby seedlings or seeds that are about to germinate are weakened or even killed by environmental factors or pathogens. Damping Off is usually caused by fungi or similar organisms that thrive in cool and damp conditions, attacking and killing seedlings.

 

Dappled shade

Dappled shade is a term used to describe partial shade that one can notice under a tree with spares leaves.  The shade appears when sunlight passes through the opening provided by the branches and leaves on a tree. Dappled shade provides adequate conditions for plants to thrive.

 

Dentate leaf

Dentate leaf, as the name suggests, is a term used to describe leaves with tooth life appearance. The serrated appearance can be seen on the edges of the leaf. A great example is the leaves from Chestnut Trees.

 

Desiccate

The term Desiccate is derived from the Latin word desiccate, which means to thoroughly dry. Hence the term desiccation describes a process that involves removing moisture completely from something and making it dry, such as in the case of making raisins. 

 

Drainage hole

Drainage holes are the holes that can be seen under the surface of your plant pots. Stagnant water can cause roots to rot. Hence these drainage holes are essential in draining excess water from the soil, allowing adequate air to be available to the roots. 

 

Etiolation

Etiolation is a term used to describe a pathological condition in flowering plants that are grown in conditions with partial or absence of light. These plants appear pale, with weak long stems and smaller leaves.

 

F1 hybrid

F1 hybrid, also known as filial 1 hybrid, is a term that is used in genetics and selective breeding. It is used to describe plants/seeds whose first-generation offspring are a result of cross-breeding between different parental types.

 

Foliar fertilization

Foliar fertilization is a term used to describe the process of providing liquid fertilizer to a plant directly via its leaves. The leaves readily absorb the fertilizer through the stoma, epidermis, and a small amount through the bark. 

 

Full sun

Full sun is a term used to describe the hours of sun exposure required by a plant. Typically full sun means sunlight exposure of at least 6-8 hours, but the requirements vary from one plant to another. The best time for Full sun is between 10 AM to 4 PM.

 

Green manure

Green manure is plants that are grown solely for the purpose of being used in the soil while still green. The goal of green manure is to improve the soil’s fertility by plowing it into the soil. The crops commonly used as green manure include Crotalaria juncea, Cluster bean, and Cowpea.

 

Guard cell

Guard cells like root hair cells are specialized cells. Their function is the control excess moisture loss from the plant and maintains gaseous exchange. Guard cells can be found in the epidermis of the leaf, produced in pairs leaving an opening called a stomatal pore.

 

Gynoecious

Gyneoecous is a term used to describe plants and that are bred to produce predominantly female flowers. Cucumbers and Squash naturally produce more male flowers than female flowers; hence Gyneoecous is used to produce more female flowers to increase yield.

 

Hardening off

The process of gradually exposing a plant to get it is accustomed to outdoor conditions such as sunlight, wind, and temperature changes is known as hardening off. This technique is used to introduce plants ready for gardening to the outdoor environment.

 

Herbaceous plant

A plant that does not have a woody stem above the ground and grows with soft stems is known as a herbaceous plant. These plants do not survive during winters and have a short life cycle. An example of a herbaceous plant is the rose plant. 

 

Indeterminate

Indeterminate growth is a term used to describe plant growth that does not stop after a specific time period until outdoor conditions lead to their death, unlike determinate growth. 

 

Inflorescence

In a flowering plant, an inflorescence is a cluster of flowers on a stem or a system of branches. This comprises a plant’s entire flower head, including stems, stalks, and flowers.

 

Internode

The node is a point on a branch from which a new set of leaves or roots is likely to grow out from. The space between two consecutive nodes is known as the internode. The internode is characterized by a long, slender, and smooth part of the stem that has no leaves or roots growing out of it.

 

Lamina

Lamina is another name given to the flat, blade-like part of the leaf. In other words, Lamina refers to the whole leaf, but specifically to the leaf blade. The Lamina absorbs light where it is turned into food for the plant.

 

 

Lanceolate leaf

A lanceolate leaf is a term used to describe leaves shaped like a lance with tapered ends that do not divide into multiple parts. An example of a Lanceolate leaf is the leaf of the willow tree.

 

Lateral bud

The lateral bud, also known as the axillary bud, is an organogenic or embryonic shoot located at the upper angle between a leaf and the stem it is borne on. Each lateral bud can potentially form a new vegetative or reproductive shoot. 

 

Lobed leaf

Lobed leaf is a leaf shape with distinct pointed or rounded projections. Unlobed leaves, on the other hand, have no distinguishable projections. The lobes are not completely separate from each other and the serrations are not as deep as with a cleft leaf. 

 

Micro-climate

A micro-climate is a small area with local atmospheric conditions slightly different from its surrounding areas. The atmospheric differences between a micro-climate and its surroundings are not very significant but can occasionally be substantial. For example, a hilltop can be a micro-climate.

 

Midrib

The midrib is the thick, prominent vein that runs down the middle of the leaf, from the axil to the apex. The other veins in the leaf project out of the midrib. Its functions are to provide support to the leaf and acts as a translocative vessel. 

 

Moisture Meter

A Moisture Meter is a device used to measure the moisture levels in the soil. It can be used by houseplant owners who want to check if the soil is dry enough and whether a plant should be watered or not. This device can help you avoid both overwatering and underwatering.

 

Monoecious

A monoecious plant refers to one that has both male and female reproductive systems on a single plant and sexually reproduces on its own without needing another plant. Corn is one example of a monoecious plant. 

 

No-till gardening

No-till gardening also knows as direct drilling or zero tillage is a sustainable, agriculture technique of growing crops without disturbing the soil by tilling. The seeds are directly sown into the untilled soil retaining residue from the previous crop. 

 

Open-pollinated

The term open-pollination generally refers to plants or flowers that are pollinated naturally by birds, insects, wind, or other natural pollinators. 

 

Opposite leaves

Leaves are paired at the node, positioned opposite to each other on the stem in oppositely leaved plants. 

 

Ovate leaf

The ovate leaf has an egg-like shape with the base much broader than the midpoint, tapering towards the tip of the leaf. Ovate leaves usually have no lobes or clefts and exist as a single unit.

 

Overwatering 

Overwatering is when a plant is supplied with excessive soil moisture. The plant starts to wilt when given more water than it needs, as the roots suffer from root rot when they are left drowning in water. Overwatered plants will eventually die if water is not regulated in time.

 

Palmate 

Palmate leaves are lobed or serrated leaves that resemble the shape of an open palm. The projections fan out of the leaf-like fingers out of a palm with an open, flat space in the middle. Palmate leaves usually have five or more leaflets. 

 

Parent plant

The parent plant refers to the original plant from which a new plant originates either through sexual or asexual reproduction. If plant A grows from a seed from plant B, then plant B is the parent plant. Similarly, if a cutting is taken from a plant, the plant is known as the parent plant. 

 

Parthenocarpic

Parthenocarpy refers to the process of fruit development without fertilization. Parthenocarpic fruits are sterile, which means that they are completely devoid of seeds.

 

Pebble tray

A Pebble tray is a shallow tray full of pebbles and water that is placed under a plant pot to create additional humidity around the plant. The pot is placed over the pebbles and the water is filled so that its stays beneath the bottom end of the pot. 

 

Petrified Wood

Petrified Wood is a special name given to wood that has turned into stone. Petrified Wood is formed when rock minerals, usually silica or calcite, seep into the tiny crevices in wood and turn it into a combination of wood and rock. It is usually used for decoration and landscaping purposes.

 

Phloem

The Phloem is the vascular tissue at the core of the plant that is responsible for the transportation of sugars, salts, and other nutrients in a plant. The Phloem is made up of three types of cells, sieve cells, parenchyma, and sclerenchyma. 

 

Photoperiodism

Photoperiodism is the amazing ability of plants to measure the amount of time the day and night lasts respectively. Photoperiodism also refers to the different behaviors plants exhibit in daylight or during the night. 

 

Pinching

Pinching is a pruning technique where the soft growing shoot is removed along with a few leaves by pinching it off manually with your fingers. Pinching keeps the growth dense and helps keep plants in shape. 

 

Pinnate

Pinnate leaves are those which have leaflets arranged oppositely on either side of the main stem. The fronds on typical ferns are pinnate with leaves arranges in opposite pairs throughout their length. 

 

Rooting

Rooting is the process whereby a part of a plant, usually a stem carrying a node, produces root tissue. The term is used when a stem cutting or air layering has successfully produced roots and will continue to grow shoots and form a new plant.

 

Row Cover

In agriculture, a Row Cover is a transparent or semi-transparent sheet made out of plastic or fabric. It comes in prolonged rows and is used to cover young plant beds. Row Covers keep the young plants safe from the weather and insects. They’re also used to create greenhouse-like conditions.

 

Simple Leaf

A Simple Leaf, also known as Blade Leaf, constitutes a single leaf body and is not divided into smaller leaflets or doesn’t have very deep lobes. A Simple Leaf is directly attached to the stem by the petiole. It may have smooth or serrated margins. Clefts in a Simple Leaf don’t reach the mid-rib.

 

Soil Amendment

Soil Amendment is the addition of any substance to the soil to improve its physical and/or chemical composition and make it better suited for plant growth. Different materials can be added to the soil to improve its drainage, aeration, pH, fertility, and other factors.

 

Spiller

Spiller is a relatively new name given to vining plants that grow over the edge of the pot or container and cascade down. This is a modern term used to differentiate cascading trailing plants from those that are grown at the back of the container and grow vertically, also known as thrillers.

 

Topdressing

Topdressing is a layer of manure, organic fertilizer, sand added to the soil surface. Topdressing adds a nutrient-rich layer to the bare soil surface that has been exposed to the elements. It acts as a mulch layer, retains moisture, prevents soil erosion, and encourages healthy plant growth.

 

Topsoil

Topsoil is a shorthand term used to refer to the upper-most layer of soil. The term usually denotes the top 5-10 inches of soil. The topsoil is known to be the most fertile part of the soil with the highest proportion of organic matter. Its constituents are minerals, organic matter, water, and air.

 

Worm Casting

Worm Castings are an organic fertilizer produced by earthworms. It is also known as vermicast and is essentially worm excrete. Earthworms feed on organic matter and produce this highly valuable gardening resource that is rich in organic plant food. It’s also known as Farmer’s Gold for its benefits.