During vegetative growth, the plant develops its leaves, stems, and roots.
Leaves:
Leaves grow from small bumps at the tip of the stem called the shoot apical meristem. As they grow, their cells divide and expand to form the flat blade and the stalk. Chlorophyll develops inside the leaves so they can make food through photosynthesis.
Stems:
Stems grow upward from the shoot apical meristem. New cells form at the top, making the stem longer. The stem forms nodes, where leaves attach, and internodes, the spaces between nodes. Inside the stem, xylem and phloem develop to carry water, nutrients, and food.
Roots:
Roots grow downward from the root apical meristem. The root cap protects the growing tip as it pushes through the soil. Cells near the tip divide and lengthen, making the root grow longer. Root hairs form to help absorb more water and minerals.
In short, leaves make food, stems support and transport materials, and roots anchor the plant and take in water and nutrients.