Transplanting

Transplanting is the act of moving living organisms or parts from one place to another to aid growth, repair, or function. In botany and horticulture, it relocates seedlings or mature plants; in medicine, it transfers tissues or organs from a donor to a recipient.

In horticulture, transplanting aims to reduce crowding and improve establishment. Timing matters; spring or fall are common windows when temperatures and soil moisture are favorable. Methods include containerized plants, bare-root transplants, or plants dug with their root balls. Key steps are to prepare the site, preserve as much root or rooting mass as possible, lift the plant gently, set it at the correct depth, backfill, and water thoroughly. Mulching helps conserve moisture and stabilize temperatures.

Transplant shock, root damage, and drought stress can slow growth or kill a plant. Manage these risks by proper spacing, acclimation to sun, and consistent moisture during establishment.

In medicine, transplantation replaces damaged organs or tissues with healthy ones from a donor. Solid-organ transplants include kidneys, livers, hearts, and lungs; tissue transplants include corneas, bone, and skin. Donor-recipient matching uses blood type and immune markers to reduce rejection. Recipients typically receive immunosuppressive therapy and ongoing monitoring. Risks include rejection, infection, and surgical complications, while ethical issues concern consent, allocation, and access.

Transplanting thus spans practical cultivation and complex medical procedures, governed by biology, environment, and ethics to improve survival, health, or productivity.