Wax plants, also known as Hoya plants, are popular indoor plants known for their beautiful foliage and fragrant, star-shaped flowers. However, some wax plant owners may notice that their plant is growing sideways instead of upright. This can be frustrating and may leave you wondering why this is happening. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why your wax plant is growing sideways and what you can do to remedy the situation.
One of the most common reasons why wax plants grow sideways is due to a lack of light. Wax plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it will start to lean towards the source of light. This can cause it to grow sideways instead of upright.
To remedy this, try moving your wax plant to a brighter location in your home. You can also supplement with artificial light by using grow lights. Place the grow lights above the plant or next to it and leave them on for 10-12 hours a day.
Another reason why wax plants can grow sideways is due to uneven watering. If you are not watering your plant consistently, the side that receives more water will grow faster than the other side. This can cause your wax plant to lean towards the side that receives more water.
To avoid this, make sure you water your wax plant consistently and evenly. Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Make sure you water the entire pot until water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom.
The size of your pot can also affect how your wax plant grows. If your pot is too small for your plant, it can cause the roots to become crowded and wrap around each other. This can cause your plant to lean or grow sideways.
To remedy this, make sure you repot your wax plant into a larger pot every 1-2 years. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to flow out.
Pests can also cause your wax plant to grow sideways. Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can feed on the leaves of your plant, causing it to lose strength and start to lean or grow sideways.
To remedy this, inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests. If you notice any pests, treat your plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Make sure you follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Water your wax plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. This usually means watering your plant once a week or every 10 days.
Yes, you can prune your wax plant to encourage upright growth. Prune back any long, leggy stems and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. This will encourage new growth and help your plant grow straighter.
Yes, you can propagate your wax plant if it’s growing sideways. Take a cutting from a healthy stem and place it in water or soil. Once the cutting has rooted, repot it into a larger pot and provide it with proper care.
Yes, rotating your wax plant every 1-2 weeks can help encourage upright growth. This will ensure that all sides of the plant receive equal amounts of light and prevent it from leaning towards one side.