How to Hold Up Stretching Plants
Plant growth is determined in part by the amount of light it receives. Although the light requirements of plants vary according to the species, nearly any plant that receives inadequate light reacts by stretching toward the light. This results in leggy or spindly plants that look like they have been stretched. Stems weaken, causing the already stressed plant to suffer from lack of support. Correcting the problem requires both providing adequate support and improving the lighting for the plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Insert a plant stake into the soil near the base of the plant, using care not to injure the roots. For houseplants, a wooden dowel may provide enough support, but for those grown in the soil, a wooden or metal garden stake may be needed. The stake used should support the weight of the plant without tipping or wiggling.
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Tie the main stem of the plant loosely to the stake with soft plant ties. Strips of fabric or old pantyhose make effective plant ties that will stretch as the plant grows. This avoids injuries to the main stem of the plant while providing the support it needs.
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Move the plant to the appropriate lighting to encourage healthy growth. For outside plants, eliminate any sources of shading that may prohibit the plant from receiving adequate light. Cutting back shrubs or trimming overhanging branches from trees to allow light to reach the plant may be enough to spur healthy growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Pinch out leaves on the growing tips of the plant, or prune back to just above a leaf node, to channel the plant's energy into branching. This encourages dense, compact growth.
Inadequate spacing, too much fertilizer, excessive watering, weather conditions and high temperatures can also cause plants to stretch and become leggy.
Ignoring the spacing and lighting requirements of your plants may result in poor growth and delayed production.
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