Question

Why is my plant growing tall and skinny?

Answer 1

Plant growing tall and skinny:

1. The tall and skinny plant is primarily due to a lack of light supply.
2. Increased light intensity leads to a faster rate of photosynthesis.
3. Along with water and minerals, light is essential for healthy plants because it aids in absorption by chlorophyll.
4. Due to the inadequate supply of light, plant hormones and other essential nutrients present within the plants fails to respond to photosynthesis, produce more protein and generate energy, which is required for the plant’s metabolisms.

Factors that enhance plant growth:

Phytohormones:

1. Phytohormones are organic compounds which are either synthesized in laboratories or produced naturally within the plants.
2. They profoundly control and modify the physiological processes like the growth, development, and movement of plants.
3. Deficiency of plant growth hormones could lead to stunted growth.
4. Examples are: auxin, gibberellin (GA), cytokinin.

Stem expansion:

1. Plants grow as their stems and roots get longer.
2. Some plants, especially woody ones, can get thicker throughout their lifetimes.

Primary growth:

1. It refers to the lengthening of the shoot and root, and originates from cell division in the shoot apical meristem.
2. Although all plants need some sunshine, some need more than others.
3. Plants extend to get more sunlight, which is why they become tall and spindly as they get older.