From the air:
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Used in photosynthesis to create sugars for energy.
* Oxygen (O2): While plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis, they also need it for cellular respiration, the process of breaking down sugars to release energy.
From the soil:
* Water (H2O): Essential for all plant processes, including photosynthesis, transport, and maintaining turgor pressure.
* Nutrients: Plants need a variety of nutrients from the soil, including:
* Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S) - these are needed in larger quantities.
* Micronutrients: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Chlorine (Cl) - needed in smaller amounts.
* Minerals: These provide structural support and are involved in various biochemical reactions.
From the sun:
* Sunlight: Plants use sunlight as the energy source for photosynthesis.
Other things plants need:
* Space: Plants need space to grow their roots and leaves.
* Temperature: Plants have optimal temperature ranges for growth, and extremes can be harmful.
* Support: Some plants need physical support from things like trellises or other plants.
It's important to note: The specific amounts and types of nutrients, water, and other resources a plant needs will vary depending on the plant species, its age, and its environment.