We all know that a good stretch is a great way to start the day, but what does it mean when your plants do it? If you’ve noticed your houseplants leaning in one direction, they’re simply stretching toward the window to get more light. Fortunately, you can help them return to an upright position with…
Keeping Plants Propped Upright
Want to keep your plant standing tall? Just give it a little turn. Plants lean because they are reaching for the light from your windows. By rotating them slightly, you encourage the plant stems to reposition and grow straight. Gardening Know How suggests moving plants about a quarter turn every four to 14 days, but if that’s too much to keep track of, just give your potted plant a slight turn every time you water it. Your plant will let you know when it needs adjusting, so read its cues and lend a helpful hand when you can.
Why Do Plants Lean?
Plants lean to stay energized and alive. They will stretch toward a window because they need sunlight to photosynthesize air and water into food. This process converts carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose, a food source that keeps plants healthy and strong. As a bonus, this process releases oxygen back into the air, creating a cleaner environment inside your home.
Having an arched plant isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but it can result in the stems becoming weak and spindly, especially in younger plants. Adding this little bit of care to your plant’s routine can create sturdier stems that are less likely to become top-heavy.
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