Are you interested to learn how to fix stunted growth in plants as soon as possible? No matter how much attention we put into growing and taking care of our plants in the UK, there could come a time where you may notice that your plants are not growing or they’re growing slower than they usually would. The leaves could appear sickly, and your plant would look weak overall.
There are a lot of reasons why your plant’s growth could be stunted. For one, viruses could take over your plant’s cells one by one, thus, destroying their structure and preventing growth and development in plants. Or, your plants could be deficient in nutrients, making it harder for plants to absorb water.
One needs to address stunted growth as soon as possible. The sooner your plants get back to growing normally, the sooner they will produce flowers and fruits.
4 Ways to Fix Stunted Growth in Plants
Among the most viable ways to ensure your plant’s survival is to grow them in the UK in an optimal environment – the right temperature, adequate water, the right amount of sunlight, and more. If you’re experiencing some plant growth stunting, the first thing to do is determine the root cause.
Here are some ways in which you can treat stunted plant growth:
Solution #1. Treat pests or diseases
One of the reasons that cause stunted plant growth is pests and diseases, which often inhibit chlorophyll production in plants. When your plant is infested with pests or affected by an infection, the first thing to do is identify what agent is causing it (virus, bacteria, or fungus).
For instance, if they infested with mealybugs, you can treat them with rubbing alcohol or pesticides. If they’re affected with fungus, apply a fungicide. Be sure to use the treatment appropriate for the causative agent for stunted plant growth.
Solution #2. Treat nutrient deficiencies
Plants need to receive adequate amounts of nutrients, like nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium, to thrive. Without enough supply of that nutrients, the plant will have a hard time absorbing water, and as a result, their growth stunts. One quick fix for this is to treat and provide them immediately with fertilisers.
Fertilisers are rich sources of organic substances that the plant can utilise. Before using the fertiliser pack you bought, you must ensure that it is the right fertiliser for the type of plant you have. Moreover, adding organic manure to the soil also helps provide healthy microbes and nutrients which the plant can absorb.
Solution #3. Provide the Appropriate Environment for Growth
Different plants have different growth requirements, and that is why UK gardeners need to know what exactly their plants need so they can supply them with it. It’s essential to understand how much light, water, and temperature they need to thrive.
One good alternative for this is to grow your plants inside a greenhouse. With one, you can control the environmental conditions to fit the needs of your plants and ensure optimum growth.
Solution #4. Water Plants as Necessary to Avoid Dehydration
Another cause of stunted plant growth is dehydration. To be sure, check your soil’s moisture using a moisture meter or by feeling the soil’s moisture through your fingers. If the surface feels dry to the touch or the first six to eight inches of your plant’s soil isn’t moist, water the plant immediately.
Overwatering can also cause stunted growth. If water logs in the soil, you may have to unpot the plant and replanting your crop on well-draining soil. You can also add compost to the bottom of your planters to improve soil drainage.
How Hobby Greenhouses Prevent Stunted Plant Growth
Stunted plant growths happen all the time. But you can lessen the chances of it happening to your plants. One way to do this is to grow your plants inside a hobby greenhouse.
Here are some of the benefits that a hobby polytunnel has for your plants:
Keeps your plants away from pests and diseases
Pests and diseases can easily lead to the stunted growth of your plants, and if left unaddressed, it could lead to your plant’s eventual demise. However, with a hobby greenhouse, you can provide an enclosure for your plants and keep them away from pests and diseases coming from the outside. The plastic film that covers your hobby polytunnel will make sure that the pests cannot go in and breed on the surface of your plants.
Protection from heavy rains
Too much water can also affect the growth of the plants. By placing your plants in a secure enclosed space, you’ll also be giving them protection against harsh weather, including heavy rains.
You’ll have better control of the internal environment
The best way to prevent stunted growth in your plants in the UK is to keep them in an environment where the growth conditions result in optimum plant growth. With a hobby greenhouse, you can have complete control of the internal environmental conditions, ensuring that your plants will grow under the right conditions (temperature, humidity, light, etc.)
How to Fix Stunted Growth in Plants: Final Words
There are a lot of factors that can lead to your plant’s stunted growth. Since the problem can happen to anyone at any given moment, the best thing you can do is to learn how to fix stunted growth in plants to make sure that you can address the problem as soon as it arises. Keep the tips mentioned above if you ever find yourself in the situation.