Evaluating the Effects Chemical Complexity on the Early Growth of Crassula Ovata Cuttings

Abstract

Urban environments often lack greenery despite past research suggesting that green spaces are strongly linked to an improved mental state. Among the most resilient of plants is the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata). Despite their resilience, little research has been conducted testing their interaction with unconventional household liquids. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of six common household liquids such as plain water, sparkling water, black coffee, milk coffee, tea, and coffee grounds on the growth of Jade Plant cuttings over a period of four weeks. The study employed an experimental design in which eighteen Jade Plant cuttings are exposed to standardized conditions, with fluid type being the only independent variable. It was determined that plain water produced the highest growth, followed by tea and coffee grounds, with milk coffee and black coffee having significant inhibitory effects on plant growth while sparkling water was determined to have no effects on plant growth. These findings support the hypothesis that chemically simple irrigation solutions are optimal for plant growth, with plant growth having a negative correlation with solutions that contain acids, caffeine, and even organic compounds, contributing to the understanding of plant environment interactions.