How Desert Plants Save Water for 7-Year-Old Kids

Deserts are places where it doesn’t rain much, and they are often very windy and dry. Because there is very little water, the plants that live in deserts have special ways to save water so they can live there.

Here are some of the ways desert plants save water:

• Thick, waxy skin: Many desert plants have thick skins that stop water from drying out too fast.
• Small or no leaves: Some plants have tiny leaves or no leaves at all because leaves can lose water quickly. Instead, they use their stems for photosynthesis (making food).
• Deep roots: Desert plants often have long roots that go deep underground to find water.
• Store water: Plants like cactuses store water inside their thick stems so they can use it when it doesn’t rain.
• Close tiny holes: On the leaves or stems, plants have tiny holes called stomata. They can close these holes during the day to stop water from escaping.

These clever tricks help plants survive even though it is really dry in the desert!