Calcium for Plants: Strong Cell Walls
Calcium (Ca)
For the plant – strong cell walls.
In the plant organism calcium along with magnesium forms the basis of pectin in the middle lamellae of cells (intercellular substance), as they form compounds with pectic acids. Calcium contributes to the integrity of cell membranes and the water-retaining capacity of protoplasm, participates in the construction of plant cell walls, increases the strength of plant tissues, and enhances the resilience of plants. Calcium plays an important role in photosynthesis and the movement of carbohydrates, as well as in the processes of nitrogen assimilation by plants.
Calcium content in plants averages 0.3% (by weight).
Calcium deficiency causes swelling of pectic substances, sliminess of cell walls, and rotting of plants. Primarily, calcium deficiency affects the condition of the root system of plants: root growth slows down, root hairs do not form, roots become slimy and rot. In addition, calcium deficiency also inhibits leaf growth, leading to whitening of plant tops and young leaves, the appearance of chlorotic spotting on leaves, which then yellow and die prematurely.
Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, calcium cannot be reused (recycled), so signs of calcium starvation primarily manifest on young leaves. Such leaves are small, distorted, with irregular edge shapes, light-yellow spots appear on the blade, and the edges of the leaves curl downward. In cases of severe calcium deficiency, the shoot tip dies.
Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, calcium cannot be reused (recycled), so signs of calcium starvation primarily manifest on young leaves. Such leaves are small, distorted, with irregular edge shapes, light-yellow spots appear on the blade, and the edges of the leaves curl downward. In cases of severe calcium deficiency, the shoot tip dies.
If there is increased calcium content in the soil, indicator plants grow well in such areas:
• lady’s slipper Cypripedium calceolus L., Orchidaceae;
• species of the genus orchid Orchis L., Orchidaceae;
• moneywort Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill., Cistaceae;
• Italian aster Aster amellus L., Asteraceae;
• common echinops Echinops ritro L., Asteraceae;
• common linaria Linaria vulgaris Mill., Scrophulariaceae;
• large-flowered foxglove Digitalis grandiflora Mill., Scrophulariaceae;
• rue-leaved seseli Seseli libanotis (L.) С. Koch, Apiaceae;
• fern of the genus Pellaea Pellaea Link., Pteridaceae.
• lady’s slipper Cypripedium calceolus L., Orchidaceae;
• species of the genus orchid Orchis L., Orchidaceae;
• moneywort Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill., Cistaceae;
• Italian aster Aster amellus L., Asteraceae;
• common echinops Echinops ritro L., Asteraceae;
• common linaria Linaria vulgaris Mill., Scrophulariaceae;
• large-flowered foxglove Digitalis grandiflora Mill., Scrophulariaceae;
• rue-leaved seseli Seseli libanotis (L.) С. Koch, Apiaceae;
• fern of the genus Pellaea Pellaea Link., Pteridaceae.
Medicinal plants containing calcium:
• opium poppy Papaver somniferum L., Papaveraceae (seeds – 1460 mg%);
• common sesame Sesamum indicum L., Pedaliaceae (seeds – 783 mg%);
• stinging nettle Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae (leaves – 713 mg%);
• dog rose Rosa canina L., Rosaceae (fruits – 257 mg%);
• common dandelion Taraxacum officinale Webb, Asteraceae (roots);
• common yarrow Achillea millefolium L., Asteraceae (herb);
• red clover Trifolium pratense L., Fabaceae (inflorescences).
• opium poppy Papaver somniferum L., Papaveraceae (seeds – 1460 mg%);
• common sesame Sesamum indicum L., Pedaliaceae (seeds – 783 mg%);
• stinging nettle Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae (leaves – 713 mg%);
• dog rose Rosa canina L., Rosaceae (fruits – 257 mg%);
• common dandelion Taraxacum officinale Webb, Asteraceae (roots);
• common yarrow Achillea millefolium L., Asteraceae (herb);
• red clover Trifolium pratense L., Fabaceae (inflorescences).