This document describes a method for reducing power losses in radial distribution systems using a plant growth simulation algorithm (PGSA) for capacitor placement and sizing. The PGSA is a random search algorithm inspired by plant growth processes. It models the growth of a plant to determine the optimal locations and sizes of capacitors to minimize active power losses in a distribution system. Loss sensitivity factors are first used to identify candidate nodes for capacitor placement. The PGSA then simulates the growth of branches on a plant to determine the next node for capacitor placement and size, with the goal of minimizing losses. The method is tested on 33-bus and 34-bus test systems and is able to successfully reduce losses and improve voltage profiles.