Why do plant stems bend

Plants are living beings, as we all know, and when they lack something they react, for example, by bending their stems. This happens for several reasons: some are corrected simply by taking them to another area, but in other cases we will have to do something else.

So, next we are going to explain why plant stems are bent, and how you can fix it. In this way, you will know what to do to grow back normally.

Lack of light

All plants need light, since without it they could not carry out the photosynthesis and, therefore, they would not have the opportunity to grow because they would not have been able to produce their food. For this reason, one of the main causes of the fall of the stems is the lack of light. We can see this quickly if we put, for example, a sunflower in the shade. The next day it would dawn with the flower and the bent stems.

Now, it is important to clarify that although it is not necessary to put the plants in a dark place, also you have to find out about the lighting needs of each one, since although there are many that need direct sunLike the sunflower or the carnation, there are others that grow in shade, such as ferns.

And there is still more: if we buy a plant that we know needs direct sun but has been grown in a protected area throughout its life (such as Ficus or cacti that are sold in nurseries as indoor plants), when we take it home we will have to get used to it little by little, and gradually, to the direct exposure of the star king. To do this, they will spend an hour in the sun, early in the morning, and the rest of the day in semi-shade. As the weeks go by, the exposure time will increase by half an hour or an hour.

What to do?

If our plants need light, you have to take them to a brighter area. In the case that they are indoors, I recommend putting them in a room where there is a lot of light, but far from the window, otherwise the magnifying glass effect could be produced and their leaves would burn.

More powerful light source

When the plant bends its stem, one of the possible reasons is that it has detected a more powerful light source and has tried to grow towards it. It is a reaction known as phototropism. It does not necessarily have to be a plant that has been having a hard time due to lack of light, but it is usually the usual thing.. Now, it can also happen to one that is outside, for example on a shelf near a wall or wall.

In these conditions, it can receive a lot of light from the most exposed side, but not from the one that is closest to that wall or wall. To try to solve it, its stems are bent in order to capture more light. This is something that happens frequently in plants grown in pots on a table: those that are behind over time tend to grow forward.

What to do?

Bring the plants to an area where they can capture more light. Only then will we get them to grow straight again. In addition, it is important not to pile them up or put them next to a wall. From experience I know that the latter is a bit difficult, especially if you are a collector, but it is necessary so that everyone can have normal growth and development.

Is too close to a wall or wall

Although it has a lot to do with the previous point, I wanted to talk to you about it because trees, palms and other plants are often planted very close to the wall. This is fine if you want them to have a curious trunk, but Before doing so, you have to think about it a lot and very well because if you live in a particularly windy area that plant could fall.

Therefore, it is necessary to know the characteristics that the plants that interest us will have once they reach adulthood. In this way we can plant them in the right place.

What to do?

Once we have it planted, there is little we can do beyond preventing it from falling. But if it is not on the ground yet, it is highly advisable to plant it a little away from the wall or wall. For example, if it is a tall plant, such as palm trees or trees, we not only have to take into account the adult trunk but also the diameter of its crown. Thus, if the adult trunk is going to be 50 centimeters thick, and its crown 5 meters in diameter, then we will plant it at least three to four meters from the wall. In the case of a small plant, such as herbaceous ornamental flower plants, you can leave about 20 centimeters between them and the wall.

Competition between plants

Plants do their best to get nutrients from the soil and room to grow. In fact, if we sow many seeds in the same pot and they germinate, unless we plant them in individual pots soon, many will die. Although we do not like it, in the vegetable kingdom the law of the strongest rules, the one who is able to obtain what he needs before others. It is natural selection.

In a garden it also happens, for example if we plant many plants in a small space, or an excessively large one on a small lot. As long as they are young, nothing will happen, but as they grow and gain height, their demand for water, nutrients and room to grow will increase.

What to do?

It will depend on the case. If they are seedbeds, what we will do is plant the little plants each in a pot. But yes They are plants that are already grown and we have them in a container, it is best to transplant them to a larger one every time the roots appear through the drainage holes of the same.

And if it is about plants that are in the ground, we can choose either to take them out and plant them in pots, something that should be done in spring; or by keeping them watered and paid throughout the year.

Has it been useful to you?