Plant growth and development is a complex and dynamic process. Understanding the details of the process is a challenge for biological research. The microfluidic technique provides an effective way to achieve this goal. Research of microorganisms and animal cell lines has demonstrated that this technique has the advantages of real-time detection with high resolution and high-throughput processing. Recently, root microfluidic chip assay developed on the basis of microfluidic chip assay for plants showed potential: real-time concentrations of cellular Zn and Ca ions and glucose in Arabidopsis root were successfully and non-invasively measured. With more substrate-specific FRET sensors developed, root microfluidic chip could be used to detect concentrations of cellular phytohormones or other cytosolic metabolites and their variations. In addition, diverse microfluidic-based new chip assays provide ideal platforms for studying biological activities such as interactions between plants and pathogens, polarity growth of pollen tubes or cell division and differentiation. As a powerful tool to survey cellular activities induced by genetic factors or environmental stimuli, microfluidic chip assay could bring more breakthroughs and insights in plant research.