Plants with hair are unique and are found in different varieties – cannabis is one and great mullein is another.
But do plants have actual hair and what purpose does the plant hair serve? What are the ideal conditions for these plants to grow best? Continue reading to learn all about these hairy plants.
Contents
Types of Different Plants That Have Hair
Plants may have hair, biologically called trichomes, on their roots, stems, and leaves. These can be viewed as tiny outgrowths or appendages on many protists, including lichens, algae, and plants.
They help keep insects, germs, and fungi away from the plant and protect it from the sun, wind, rain, and other harmful factors.
1. Cannabis
The cannabis plant belongs to the Cannabaceae family and is widely known as an aromatic and erect annual herb from Central Asia. The plant contains active compounds called cannabinoids which have drug-like effects on all body systems.
The herb plant contains stigmas which are little, hair-like threads that emerge from it. Stigmas collect male cannabis plants’ pollen. These hairs become pollinated when they come into contact with male pollen.
– Growing Season
To provide plants with a complete four to nine months of continuous growth, cannabis seeds are typically planted in spring and summer.
The ideal time is the middle of April, the end of May, or the beginning of June. Mid-September to early October is typically when harvest takes place.
– Specific Needs
Cannabis needs at least 13 hours of light each day when it is in the vegetative stage (i.e., growing rapidly).
Your cannabis plants may require three nutrients: potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Overwatering can cause damage to the plant, so ideally, water your plant just enough to keep the soil moist daily.
2. Great Mullein
Mullein is a hairy biennial native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is known for its traditional medicinal use. It is a typical weedy plant that is invasive in temperate regions of the planet due to its prolific seed production.
Swirls of gray-green, oval leaves with fuzzy hair surround the plant’s tall stems. Around the spike’s apex, the tiny blooms grow in tight, yellow bunches. Check out this list of plants that look like Mullein and learn how to identify them!
– Growing Season
It is ideal for sowing mullein seed directly outside in the fall for it to germinate in the spring. For indoors, the ideal time to sow seed is spring.
– Specific Needs
Mullein tolerates a broad range of soil conditions, excluding poor, sandy soil. It is simple to grow in well-drained soil and full light. Full sun is ideal for mullein. To protect the plant from wind, plant them in a warm, dry location next to huge trees or walls.
3. Common Nettle
The nettle plant is a weedy perennial native to Europe. The herbaceous stems of nettle with four angles are typically erect, unbranched, and up to 6 feet tall. They are covered in stinging hairs.
Nettle is an excellent choice for hair care. It not only aids in preventing hair loss, but it also aids in hair growth. Silicon and sulfur in nettle leaves are found abundantly. This contributes to healthier, shinier hair.
– Growing Season
Nettle seeds begin to sprout in the late autumn into the early spring. After germination, plants can start producing viable seeds after five weeks.
Flowers typically bloom from January to April. However, flowers can be observed all year long in milder locations, like those around the California coast. It only lasts a year because it is an annual plant.
– Specific Needs
The plant can withstand soil with a wide pH range, anywhere from 5.0 to 8.0, and thrive in full sun as well as moderate shade. Moisture is an essential factor to consider.
Plants may suffer, lose flavor, and perhaps even some of their medicinal value if a location is too dry. Therefore it is ideal to maintain moisture.
4. Cotton
This soft, fluffy plant is a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is known for its common use in making several textile products.
The mature seeds of the majority of upland cotton cultivars are covered in two different types of hairs: (1) the long lint hairs, which are extensively used in the production of fabrics, and (2) the short, thick-walled fuzz hairs (linters), which form a dense, tangled mat close to the seed’s surface.
– Specific Needs
A prolonged period without frost, a lot of heat, and lots of sunlight are necessary for the growth of cotton. It favors warm, humid weather.
The germination rate of cotton seeds will be low if the soil temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal air temperature for active growth is between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Sundew
Sundew plants belong to the Droseraceae family and are one of the major groups of plant carnivores. They are known to trap creatures in clingy hairs on their leaves.
The round-leaved sundew has red hair covering its greenish-red leaves, which are grouped in a cluster at the base of the plant. In the summer, you can see the white or pink blooms at the apex of red stems with no hair.
– Growing Season
The plant produces flowers from spring to fall, and during the winter it goes dormant. Some perennial varieties require colder temperatures in the winter when plants become dormant.
Most sundews prefer spring and summer temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They enjoy temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in fall and winter.
– Specific Needs
The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunshine to thrive. In milder climates, this plant loves to thrive in moss and alongside other bog-type plants.
However, it struggles in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Sundew is a carnivorous plant; thus, it needs a consistent supply of flies, bugs, or fish food.
Conclusion
Plants with hair are perfect for growing because they are useful and protect themselves. Most of these plants are easy to maintain and can be homegrown if provided with adequate care.
If you are inclined to grow these plants, remember these points:
- The hair on plants acts as a defense mechanism by protecting the plant from harsh external factors and retaining moisture.
- Examples of plants with hairy leaves include Mullein, Nettle, and sundew.
- Do not confuse plants with hair with indoor plants that look like hair. Both are different varieties.
With this information, we are sure you will be tempted to grow some of these plants.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/PMC3736954/
- Grow Mango Tree Indoors: Best Tips and Tricks For You - September 21, 2023
- Are Lilacs Deer Resistant? 10 Other Deer Resistant Plants - September 19, 2023
- 7 Plants With Red Stems To Add Color to Your Garden - September 18, 2023
