Water-Storage Parenchyma Cells (Hydrenchyma)

A cell that is mostly water

Water-storage parenchyma cells are big cells with thin walls. Almost all of the inside is one giant water bag called a vacuole.

You can find them in plants that live in dry places, like cacti, aloe, and jade plants. The thick, juicy stems and leaves of these plants are full of them.

Many of these cells also hold a slimy, gel-like goo that helps keep the water from escaping.

Saving water for dry days

When it rains, the plant soaks up water fast, and these cells swell up like water balloons. During dry weeks, the plant slowly uses the stored water, and the cells shrink a little.

That is why some cactus stems look plump after rain and more wrinkly when it has been dry for a long time.

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