Does salt water affect the growth of plants?

In: Home and Garden, Flower Gardening, Houseplants

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Yes it does. What happens is that the higher concentration of salt in the soil outside of the plant cells causes water to move outside of the cells to try and equalize the concentration. Root cells die and, if bad enough, the plant will die. The damage gives the plant a burnt look- often on the leaf edges first.
The same thing happens with too much of any mineral.
Some types of plants can tolerate higher levels of salt and not be damaged. Their cells have a high concentration of salt already in them, so the water doesn't move out.

First answer by ID1088930429. Last edit by Grevillea. Contributor trust: 1086 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 53 [recommend question]

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