Why Your China Doll Plant Is Growing Sideways

Introduction

The China Doll plant, also known as Radermachera Sinica or Emerald Tree, is a popular houseplant that’s loved for its delicate, glossy leaves and compact size. However, one of the most common problems that China Doll plant owners face is the plant growing sideways instead of upright. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your China Doll plant might be growing sideways and what you can do to fix it.

Reasons why your China Doll Plant is growing sideways

There are several reasons why your China Doll plant might be growing sideways. Here are some of the most common ones:

Lack of light

The China Doll plant requires bright but indirect light to grow properly. If your plant is not getting enough light, it will start to lean towards the source of light, causing it to grow sideways. Make sure to place your China Doll plant near a window that receives bright, indirect light.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons why houseplants fail to grow properly. If you’re watering your China Doll plant too frequently or giving it too much water at once, the soil will become waterlogged, which can cause the roots to rot. When this happens, the plant loses its ability to hold itself upright and may start to grow sideways.

Root-bound

If your China Doll plant has been in the same pot for a long time, it may have become root-bound. This means that the roots have grown so densely that there’s no more room for them to expand. As a result, the plant may start to grow sideways in an attempt to find more space.

How to fix a China Doll Plant that’s growing sideways

Now that you know some of the reasons why your China Doll plant might be growing sideways, let’s explore what you can do to fix it:

Repotting

If your China Doll plant is root-bound, the best thing you can do is to repot it into a larger pot. Choose a pot that’s 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one, and make sure it has good drainage holes. When repotting, loosen the roots gently and add fresh soil to fill in the gaps.

Adjusting light

If your China Doll plant is growing sideways due to lack of light, try moving it to a brighter spot. However, make sure to avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the delicate leaves.

Adjusting watering

To fix a China Doll plant that’s growing sideways due to overwatering, start by checking the soil moisture level. If the soil feels damp, wait until it dries out before watering again. Also, make sure to water your plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

FAQ

How often should I water my China Doll plant?

Water your China Doll plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I prune my China Doll plant if it’s growing sideways?

Yes, you can prune your China Doll plant if it’s growing sideways. However, make sure to do it during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing.

How can I prevent my China Doll plant from growing sideways?

To prevent your China Doll plant from growing sideways, make sure to place it near a window that receives bright but indirect light and water it only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Also, repot your plant into a larger pot every 2-3 years to give its roots more space to grow.