Fig 1: Pak Choi condition after >35 days in a yellow plastic bottle with limited nutrient capacity.

In the world of modern agriculture, we often focus on ideal standards: large containers, high-flow systems, and controlled environments. But what happens when a plant is intentionally forced into "survival mode"? This is exactly what I explored with a single Pak Choi plant that has survived for over 35 days inside a repurposed plastic bottle with extremely limited growth space.

Experimental Note: This plant was deliberately kept in a cramped container to observe morphological adaptations to restricted nutrients and space.

🔍 Survival Analysis

Visually, this Pak Choi is showing clear signs of stress. The lower leaves are yellowing and drying out—a biological process known as nutrient remobilization. Because the volume of nutrients in this yellow bottle is so limited, the plant is forced to "sacrifice" its older leaves to redirect remaining energy to the new growth at the crown. It is a remarkable survival mechanism.

Having surpassed the 35-day mark, the plant has become stunted. This phenomenon proves that container volume is directly proportional to vegetative growth. In such a narrow vessel, nutrient temperatures also fluctuate significantly due to light penetration through the transparent yellow plastic.

💡 Lessons from a Recycled Bottle

• Morphological Adaptation: Vegetative growth halts once the roots fill all available space (root bound).
• Stress Management: Leaf discoloration is an indicator that root absorption capacity has reached a saturation point.
• Micro-ecosystems: Uninsulated plastic containers are highly sensitive to external temperatures, causing nutrient heat spikes during the day.(hpx)

图 1：在营养容量受限的黄色塑料瓶中生长超过 35 天的小白菜现状。

在现代农业世界中，我们通常关注理想标准：大容器、高流量系统和受控环境。但是，如果故意让植物进入“生存模式”，会发生什么呢？这正是我对这棵小白菜所做的实验。它在一个生长空间极其有限的废弃塑料瓶中已经生存了超过 35 天。

实验笔记： 这棵植物被特意放置在狭窄的容器中，以观察其对受限营养和空间的形态适应性。

🔍 生存分析 (Survival Analysis)

从视觉上看，这棵小白菜显示出明显的压力迹象。下部叶片发黄并干燥——这是一个被称为“营养重新分配”的生物过程。由于黄色瓶中的营养液容量非常有限，植物被迫“牺牲”老叶，将剩余能量转移到顶端的新叶上。这是一种非凡的生存机制。

由于生长期超过了 35 天，植物出现了发育迟缓 (Stunted) 现象。这一现象证明，容器体积与营养生长成正比。在如此狭窄的容器中，由于光线穿透透明的黄色塑料，营养液的温度波动也很大。

💡 回收瓶实验的启示

• 形态适应： 一旦根系填满所有可用空间（根系受限），营养生长就会停止。
• 压力管理： 叶片变色不仅是缺乏营养的信号，也表明根部吸收能力已达到饱和点。
• 微生态系统： 无隔热层的塑料容器对外部温度高度敏感，导致营养液在白天出现高温峰值。(hpx)

🌐 Web3 博客总结