Results of Sugar Water on Plant Growth

Sugar Transport

• Sugars, created by the plant during photosynthesis, are integral components of plant nutrition. Sugar, like water, is carried through the various parts of the plant by the plant's complex vascular system.

Differences Of Opinion

• Tender young plants and clones that are not yet producing sugars through photosynthesis, can benefit from the surplus carbon stored in sucrose. Savvy gardeners use sugar water sparingly. The effects of sugar water on plant growth has been the subject of innumerable science fair projects. The general consensus of these armature experiments have shown that a light solution of sugar water increase vegetative growth, but either reduced flower or fruit production or had no effect on crop production.

Unwanted Side Effects Of Sugar Water

• Watering house plants with sugar water may promote mold, fungi and bacterial growth in the soil. Sugar water attracts ants and other unwanted insects to invade your plants. The addition of sugar water to plants seems to interfere with the plants natural ability to produce sugar. Sugar, added to plant water, makes water in the soil less available to the plant.

Sugar May Promote Foliage Growth

• Although many gardeners use sugar water to promote blooming of garden flowers, sugar water can actually detract from flower production. If the concentration of sugar is too strong, the vegetative state is extended and foliage is fuller at time of flowering. Flower count and size remain about the same. In native plants or wildflowers, sugar slightly inhibits blooming. Garden and houseplants naturally produce all the sugar they require. To upset this delicate balance is non-productive and can harm the plant.