What does a flaccid cell indicate about plant health?

A flaccid cell indicates that the plant is in need of water. When a plant cell becomes flaccid, it means that it has lost turgor pressure, which is the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the cell against the cell wall. This loss of pressure occurs when there is insufficient water available for the plant to maintain its rigidity. Healthy plant cells are typically turgid when they have enough water, and this rigidity is crucial for supporting the structure of the plant and allowing it to stand upright.

When plants are not receiving enough water, they cannot maintain this turgor pressure, leading to wilting and a flaccid appearance. Therefore, observing flaccid cells is a strong indicator that the plant is experiencing water stress and needs to be watered to restore its health and vigor.