If you’ve noticed your Aaron’s beard plant developing in an unusual sideways pattern, you’re probably wondering what’s causing this odd growth Aaron’s beard, also known as string of pearls, is a trailing succulent that typically grows in hanging vines. So what’s making it grow horizontally instead?
There are a few potential reasons your Aaron’s beard plant is growing sideways. Let’s explore some of the most common causes and solutions to get your plant back on track with upright growth.
Inadequate Sunlight
One of the most frequent reasons for sideways growth in Aaron’s beard is insufficient sunlight. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Without enough sun exposure, they start reaching towards the nearest light source, causing them to grow sideways or stretched out
Try moving your Aaron’s beard plant to a spot with ample bright, indirect light. South or West facing windows are ideal. Rotate the plant regularly so all sides get sun. If natural light is limited, use a grow light to supplement sunlight. Proper light will encourage upright, compact growth.
Overwatering
Too much moisture in the soil leads to several issues that can promote sideways growth. Fungal gnats, root rot, and poor mineral uptake are some common problems wet soil causes. The plant becomes stressed and grows erratically while searching for proper nutrients and light.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your Aaron’s beard plant again. Improve drainage by amending soil with perlite or orchid bark. Avoid waterlogging which encourages pests and diseases. Proper moisture controls sideways growth.
Underwatering
On the flip side, not enough water also stresses out the plant. Dehydration makes leaves droop as the plant desperately tries putting out new growth towards moisture. This can make the stems extend sideways or downwards.
Check soil with your finger before watering. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom when the top few inches become dry. Use soil amendments to retain moisture longer. Consistent water prevents dehydration and sideways growth.
Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, leads to stunted growth and abnormal shapes. Without a balanced diet, the plant grows weakly and aims towards the light sideways.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants to provide nutrition. Follow instructions to avoid burn. Repotting into fresh soil also adds nutrients. Address deficiencies for healthy upright growth.
Insufficient Support
As a vining plant, Aaron’s beard needs support to grow vertically. Without trellising or stakes, the stems can grow in random sideways directions looking for anchors.
Add plant supports like trellises, poles, or cages to give structure. Gently tie stems to supports to train upwards. You can also prune excessively long stems to encourage bushy compact shape. Support directs growth upwards.
Low Temperatures
If temperatures drop too low, the plant grows abnormally and aims away from the cold. Being native to warmer zones, Aaron’s beard dislikes chilly breezes.
Keep your plant at above 50°F for healthy growth. Protect from cold drafts which can damage cells and affect growth. Use cloches or cold frames when moving outdoors. Heat mats also prevent cold damage indoors.
Root Bound Plants
When potted plants become root-bound, growth suffers due to cramped roots unable to expand. The plant may grow sideways seeking more space and nutrients.
Carefully transplant overly root-bound Aaron’s beard into larger containers with fresh potting mix. Gently loosen circled roots before repotting. Give enough room for roots to spread out. This encourages upright growth.
Pest or Disease Damage
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips can infest and weaken Aaron’s beard plants. Diseases also damage cells and affect growth. The struggling plant ends up growing sideways.
Treat any infestations immediately and isolate affected plants. Remove pests manually or use insecticidal soap sprays. For diseases, trim off infected parts and treat with fungicides if needed. Control problems before they spread.
Natural Growth Habit
Occasionally, an Aaron’s beard plant may simply be exhibiting its natural vining growth, even with proper care. The plant’s genes make it prone to sideways spreading.
You can train vines back towards supports or a trellis. Regular trimming also promotes bushier, uptight shape. But some sideways growth is still natural for this trailing plant. Allow it to drape attractively over pot edges.
How to Fix Sideways Growth
If your Aaron’s beard plant is already growing sideways, here are some tips to fix it:
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Slowly move and rotate the plant to get more upright sunlight exposure.
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Stake and tie stems to supports to train back upwards.
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Trim overly long vines back to just above a node to encourage bushy fill-in growth.
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Use pruning shears to take cuttings and propagate new upright plants.
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Repot into larger containers if root-bound and provide trellising for support.
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Address any underlying issues like overwatering, pests, low light, or nutrients.
With time and corrected care, your Aaron’s beard plant can return to growing properly upright. Consistent maintenance is key to keeping it shaped nicely. Avoid stress and follow its preferred growing conditions for the healthiest results.
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“My Beard Grows In Different Directions” | #BeardTalk | Ep 2
FAQ
How to fix a plant growing sideways?
How do you make a snake plant grow straight?
How to make a plant stand up straight?
How to straighten a crooked plant?
Can Aaron’s beard grow under trees?
The plant can adapt to heavy shade while under trees and is vigorous enough to overtake neighboring plants. The best use for Aaron’s Beard is massed and to cover the ground, in edges or slopes, embankments, and border fronts or rock gardens. The more light it gets the faster it grows and the more blooms the semi-evergreen shrub produces.
Is Aaron’s Beard a perennial?
The perennial plant is great as ground cover and can reach 24 inches in height. Let’s look at Aaron’s Beard plant care. Hypericum calycinum is known as the Rose of Sharon and hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Dark green oval leaves give way to an abundance of bright yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
How do you propagate Aaron’s Beard?
Aaron’s Beard can also be propagated through division, which is best done in early spring and as the plant awakes from dormancy. Dig it up, then divide the root ball equally and enough to fill a small pot. Add some soil and place in light shade, and water only when the top inch of the soil is dry.
Is Aaron’s Beard a deciduous plant?
Aaron’s Beard grows well in USDA zones 5 to 9 and acts as either evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate. In warmer areas, you can expect St. John’s Wort to assume an evergreen state. However, in colder regions hypericum calycinum usually dies back to the ground but grows right back up with new stems and leaves in spring.