Why Your White Licorice Plant Is Growing Sideways

Introduction

White licorice plants, also known as Helichrysum petiolare ‘White Licorice,’ are popular ornamental plants that add a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space. With their silvery-white foliage and trailing habit, they create a stunning cascading effect when grown in hanging baskets or containers. However, you might be puzzled if you notice that your white licorice plant is growing sideways instead of upward like other plants. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide you with solutions to encourage upright growth.

Understanding the Growth Habit of White Licorice Plants

Before we dive into the reasons for sideways growth, it’s important to understand the natural growth habit of white licorice plants. Unlike many other plants that grow vertically towards the light source, white licorice plants have a trailing growth habit. This means that their stems tend to grow horizontally or even downwards rather than upwards.

This trailing habit is an adaptation that allows the plant to spread and cover a large area efficiently. In its natural habitat, white licorice plants grow along rocky slopes or in sandy soils where their trailing stems can root easily, enabling them to survive in challenging conditions.

Reasons for Sideways Growth

1. Insufficient Light

One of the primary reasons why your white licorice plant may be growing sideways is inadequate light exposure. Like all plants, white licorice plants require sufficient sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, which is essential for their growth and development. When grown indoors, they rely on artificial lighting sources such as fluorescent lights or grow lights.

If your white licorice plant is not receiving enough light, it may start to grow sideways in an attempt to reach towards the available light source. This lateral growth enables the plant to maximize its exposure to light and ensure its survival.

2. Imbalanced Watering

Another factor that can contribute to sideways growth in white licorice plants is improper watering. These plants prefer a well-draining soil that allows excess water to escape easily. When the soil becomes waterlogged or stays wet for prolonged periods, it can lead to root rot.

Root rot causes the roots to become weak and unable to support the plant’s upright growth. As a result, the plant may start growing sideways as a survival mechanism, spreading along the ground to find drier areas.

3. Lack of Support

White licorice plants have delicate stems that can be easily influenced by their surroundings. Without proper support, the weight of the foliage can cause the stems to bend and grow sideways.

If your white licorice plant is growing in a hanging basket or container, make sure it has adequate support. You can use stakes or trellises to help guide the stems upward and encourage vertical growth.

Solutions for Upright Growth

Now that we understand the reasons behind sideways growth in white licorice plants, let’s explore some solutions to encourage upright growth:

1. Increase Light Exposure

To promote upright growth, ensure that your white licorice plant receives adequate light exposure. If grown indoors, place the plant near a window where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. Alternatively, you can supplement natural light with artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light intensity.

2. Adjust Watering Practices

Maintain a balanced watering routine for your white licorice plant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, ensuring proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and hinder vertical growth.

3. Provide Support

If your white licorice plant is growing in a hanging basket or container, provide support to encourage upright growth. Use stakes or trellises to guide the stems upwards and prevent them from bending or growing sideways.

4. Prune and Pinch

Regular pruning and pinching can help control the trailing growth habit of white licorice plants. By trimming back the long stems, you can promote branching and compact growth. Pinching off the tips of the stems also encourages bushier growth and prevents excessive lateral spreading.

5. Consider Repotting

If your white licorice plant has become root-bound in its current container, it may struggle to grow upright. Consider repotting it into a larger container with fresh, well-draining soil. This will provide the plant with ample space for root development and support healthier vertical growth.

Conclusion

While the sideways growth of white licorice plants may initially cause concern, understanding their natural trailing habit helps us appreciate their unique beauty. By ensuring proper light exposure, balanced watering practices, providing support, and employing pruning techniques, you can encourage upright growth in your white licorice plant. With a little care and attention, your plant will thrive and continue to add elegance to your garden or indoor space.