a close up of green leaves growing on a mossy surface

Higher plants use the stomata on the underside of leaves to control water loss. Plant cells rely on vacuoles to regulate cytoplasm osmolarity. Plants that live in hydrated soil (mesophytes) easily compensate for water lost from by absorbing more water. The leaves and stem of the plants may be protected from excessive water loss by a waxy outer coating called the cuticle. Plants that live in dry habitats (xerophytes) store water in vacuoles, have thick cuticles, and may have structural modifications (i.e., needle-shaped leaves, protected stomata) to protect against water loss. Plants that live in salty environments (halophytes) have to regulate not only water intake/loss but also the effect on osmotic pressure by salt.