Expert: Walter Hintz - 10/24/2005

Question
I am doing an experiment on how different solutions affect the growth of plants, such as soda, alchol, orange juice etc.  What is the scientic reason that a plant will not survive in liquids other than water?

Answer
Hi Tammie;
 First of all remember that the solutions that you are using are all water with different ingredients except for the alcohol.  In order for the plant to survive it must be able to take in the water through the roots and if the water contains too much other material it may not get enough water. It is possible that the solutions you are using will cause the roots to lose water through osmosis.  It would be the same thing if you used salt water to water the plants.  Also the other materials may have something that damages the roots so water cannot be absorbed.  The citric acid for example in the orange juice may effect the water entering the roots.
  I would suggest that you do not bother trying to water a plant with alcohol.