How Does Dermal Tissue Help Plants on a Hot Day?

If you know anything about gardening, you know that where you place a plant is extremely important. Some plants can tolerate full sun and hot weather, while others will only survive in shady, cool spots. The way in which a plant tolerates its surroundings depends in large part on the dermal tissue, or epidermis of the plant. This complex outer layer has evolved to help the plant regulate the loss of carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen, so the plant can survive against the elements. When temperatures rise and the sun beats down, the dermal tissue ensures plants can retain essential nutrients while still allowing them to flow in.

Keep reading to learn more about a plant’s dermal tissue and to answer the question: How does dermal tissue help plants on a hot day?

The Reason for That Waxy Appearance

Have you ever noticed that many plants, especially those that thrive in warmer climates have a waxy appearance to their leaves? For example, desert plants like cacti have a very thick and waxy appearance, whereas the leaves of an oak tree are thinner and more matte. What you’re seeing is the dermal tissue, and more specifically the cuticle of the plant. This cuticle layer is formed from cutin and other waxy materials and can be the reason that some leaves have a blue or white hue instead of the traditional green.

Protection Against Water Loss

You likely already know that plants need three basic things to survive; light, water and carbon dioxide. The dermal layer needs to be able to protect the plant from harsh conditions while also allowing these essential nutrients to be absorbed.

This where the stoma comes into play. The stoma is an opening between cells which parts when water is present, allowing the plant the H2O it needs to survive. However, in dry, hot conditions the stoma stays closed, retaining needed moisture.

Are Hairy Plants Real?

Yes, hairy plants are the real thing! For the most part, you probably have not noticed a lot of hair on your backyard foliage, with the exception of perhaps lambs ear, a popular ornamental shade plant. However, most plants have tiny hairs that you don’t see, and they play an important part in answering the question: How does dermal tissue help plants on a hot day?

In fact there are 3 kinds of hairs at work to protect the nutrients inside a plant – glandular hair, root hair, and epidermal hair.

Glandular Hair: These hairs work to protect the plant from predatory insects and are slightly curved with a small bulb up top. These bulbs contain natural insect repellent, designed to keep harmful bugs at bay.

Root Hair: The basic function of the tiny root hairs on dermal tissue is to increase the surface area of the plant on a cellular level, allowing it to collect more moisture.

Epidermal Hair: Epidermal hairs act as a shield against wind, standing straight up and reducing the damaging, drying effects of wind and strong breezes.

So, are you still wondering, how does dermal tissue help plants on a hot day? Leave further questions or insights for us in the comments section below.

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Photo by Larry Farr on Unsplash

DIY Beauty Essentials: Coconut Oil Jars, Makeup Brushes and More!

Keeping your cosmetic cabinet wisely stocked is a great way to make a daily makeup routine fun and easy. There are endless options when it comes to makeup products and tools and even professionals can get easily overwhelmed. The trick is to invest in essential items that work hard for you, and fit with the skin care and makeup routine you’re working towards. Something as easy as coconut oil jars in your bathroom can help remove eye makeup, hydrate dry skin, and assist in healing a hangnail.

Keep reading to learn more about the DIY beauty essentials you need to create a skin care and makeup routine that supports your best life.

5 Makeup Brushes You Need

To get even, realistic coverage you don’t have to buy every model of makeup brush on the market. However to achieve the look you want, you will need to invest in an essential set of quality makeup brushes.

Foundation Brush

Start with a foundation brush – these brushes are dense and help you achieve even coverage. They can also be used to sweep mineral power across the face to set your foundation for a flawless, all day look.

Blush Brush

Next, you’ll want a blush/bronzer brush to allow you to add color to the apples of your cheeks and highlighter for brightness around the forehead and cheekbones.

Brushes for Eyeshadow

Want to play with different eyeshadow looks from simple daywear to dramatic evening colors? You’ll need two key brushes – an eyeshadow blending brush to add even color across your lids and a shading brush to shade and contour.

Eyebrow Brush

Gone are the days of over-plucked brows! To achieve the hottest brow trends, you’ll want a dual purpose brow brush. The right brow brush features a spoolie on one side and a small tapered brush on the other to help you maximize and accentuate your brows and work in brow powders and gels.

The Never Ending Uses of Coconut Oil Jars

If you don’t keep coconut oil jars in your bathroom or on your nightstand, you’re missing out on one of the most versatile beauty trends.

For Your Teeth

If you haven’t heard of oil pulling, it’s the process of swishing coconut oil around in your mouth as a replacement for brushing your teeth. This ancient practice can help boost gum health, remove plaque, and improve oral hygiene. Organic Daily Swish Mint from Banyan Botanicals can make this process easy with coconut oil plus an added boost of peppermint.

For Your Skin

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer and can be used in many DIY beauty recipes. Additionally, it may help reduce and eliminate age spots when applied directly. Looking to bring deep hydration to dry heels and elbows? A bit of coconut oil before bed can soften and heal even the driest skin.

To Remove Eye Makeup

Looking for an easy, natural way to remove eye and lip makeup? Simply add a bit of coconut oil to a warm, moist cotton ball to wipe away makeup while hydrating with healthy, natural goodness. Ensure the coconut oil you’re using on your eyes is of a high quality, like Organic Coconut Oil from Jarrow Formulas.

What are your beauty essentials? Do you keep coconut oil jars around your house to boost your beauty routine? Share your favorite products in the comments section below.

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Photo by Jonas Dücker on Unsplash

Why is My Plant Dying? Tips on Growing Lush, Green Plant Life

Nothing breathes life into a room like lush, green houseplants. If you have a naturally green thumb, then keeping them alive and thriving is no issue. However, not all of us were blessed with a knack for plant life, and we may find ourselves befuddled as to why our plants keep dying.

In reality, there is really no such thing as a black thumb, and with a little education and some common sense anyone can have a home full of beautiful, thriving houseplants.

Keep reading for a few reasons your plants aren’t surviving, as well as other tips for growing lush indoor plant life.

Why Your Plants are Dying

Here are 5 reasons your plants aren’t doing so hot as well as tips on how to save them!

Over or Underwatering

One of the quickest ways to kill a plant is to give it too much or too little water. When you bring your plant home, you have to do the research to understand its watering needs. Plants like succulents, for example will die with overwatering, while plants like ferns should only be left with dry soil briefly before watering.

Fertilizing

Similar to understanding your plant’s watering schedule, you should have a basic understanding of its fertilizer needs. Most potting soil contains the nutrients needed to encourage lush plant life. However, after a few months your plant can deplete the nutrients in the soil and may need a fertilizer to replenish them. Many companies make plant-specific fertilizers, and each product should advise you on fertilizing frequency.

Just the Right Light

Just go back to basic biology, plants need light and water to thrive and complete the cycle of photosynthesis. If you are placing a plant which needs full fun in a shady spot, it won’t do well. Likewise shade-loving plants can wilt and die in a hot and sunny spot. If your plant is not doing so well, make sure you’ve placed it in the right lighting conditions and make needed changes right away.

Pot Problems

If your plant is in the wrong size pot, or the container you’ve planted it in doesn’t have proper drainage, your plant life will start to droop and die. If your plant has grown out of the pot you purchased it in, repot it carefully in a new container with proper drainage using fresh, high-quality potting soil. If your pot is sized correctly, but doesn’t have drainage, repot your plant into a proper container so the root ball never sits in standing water – a sure-fire killer for many plant species.

Bugs and Mites

If you’ve noticed bugs or mites on your plant or in the dirt surrounding it, it’s time to take action. Start by getting a closer look at the pest in question, and once you’ve identified the bug you can take the next steps. Some common indoor bugs are spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, and russet mites. Each of these pests can require a different treatment, so a local plant expert or an online search can help you take the next steps.

However, one universal way to prevent indoor pests from munching on your plants is to ensure your new plants are pest free. Additionally, once you notice pests, isolate that plant right away so the infestation doesn’t spread.

What are your favorite houseplants? How do you keep them healthy and thriving? Share your favorite plants and best gardening tips with us in the comments section below.

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Photo by Daniel Hjalmarsson on Unsplash