Why Your African Daisy Flower is Growing Sideways
Have you noticed your beautiful African daisies tilting and leaning to one side instead of standing upright? This unusual growth pattern can be frustrating for gardeners who want to showcase the vibrant daisy blooms in all their glory. But don’t dismay – with some troubleshooting, you can get your African daisies back on track for optimal growth and appearance.
In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why African daisy flowers may grow sideways instead of straight up We’ll also provide tips to remedy the issues so you can once again enjoy your African daisies showing off their dazzling colors in your garden.
Causes of Sideways Growth in African Daisies
There are a few key factors that can cause African daisy plants to start growing at an angle instead of vertically
Insufficient Sunlight
African daisies thrive in full sun – we’re talking at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Without adequate sunlight, African daisies can become stretched and lean sideways searching for the light source. If your garden has excessive shade, your African daisies may tilt toward any sunbeams they can find.
To fix this, consider transplanting your African daisies to the sunniest part of your yard. If relocation isn’t possible, trim back overhanging branches or trees that are blocking the light. You can also opt for smaller African daisy varieties that are more shade-tolerant. Just be sure they get a good 4 hours of sun daily.
Overwatering
Too much moisture can definitely contribute to African daisies leaning and flopping over. Their roots need oxygen between drinks, so soggy soil leads to poor growth habits. Overwatered African daisies often grow weakly and begin angling toward the sun or toppling over completely.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and make sure your African daisies have excellent drainage. Add organic material like compost to help soak up excess moisture. Gravel or sand can also improve drainage in dense or clay-heavy beds.
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, insufficient water can also cause African daisies to wilt and bend to the side. Their flowering stems can droop and leaves may yellow if the soil gets too dry. For healthier upright growth, give your African daisies a good drink whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
Mulching around the plants helps lock in moisture. Just be sure not to pile mulch right against the crown of the plant. Deep weekly soakings are better than frequent light sprinkles.
Nutrient Deficiency
Lacking key nutrients affects overall African daisy health and vigor. Without proper nutrition, plants grow spindly and weak, unable to support their heavy flowering heads upright. African daisies especially need steady nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Give your leaning daisies a nutritional boost with a balanced liquid fertilizer or nutrient-rich compost. Slow-release pellet fertilizers also provide a steady diet. Follow package directions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage roots.
Plant Crowding
When African daisies are packed too densely, they compete for resources andcan stretch toward sunlight. Crowded plants may also fall all over each other, pulling neighboring plants down in the scuffle for space.
Thin congested patches and give each African daisy ample breathing room – generally 8-12 inches apart. Replant extra daisies in new garden beds or give to gardening friends. Removing cramped conditions helps plants grow straight and sturdy.
Pests & Diseases
Spider mites, aphids, and other sucking insects feast on African daisy sap, distorting growth and weakening plants. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew also impair healthy upright structure. Infected plants become stunted and bend under the weight of their flowers.
Treat infestations immediately with natural pest control remedies. Improve air circulation between plants to discourage fungi. Also provide good spacing and avoid crowding to limit spread of pests and diseases.
Leggy Growth
Sometimes African daisies simply grow too leggy and lanky, making them prone to toppling over. This often happens when plants don’t get a seasonal trim. Long, spindly stems have a tough time staying vertical, especially once flowers start developing.
Give your African daisies a haircut about every 6-8 weeks during summer. Cut back the entire plant by about one third its height. This neatens growth and encourages bushier regrowth. Pinching off spent blooms regularly also improves shape.
Natural Tendencies
Certain African daisy species and varieties are naturally more horizontal in habit. Trailing types are bred to spread out rather than grow upright. Their genetic makeup results in loosely arching stems and sideways flower orientation.
If you planted a cascading African daisy variety, sideways growth is perfectly normal. Enjoy the unique look or opt for more erect cultivars if you prefer vertical form. Proper support can also encourage trailing African daisies to climb neatly against trellises or posts.
Corrective Care for Straightening African Daisies
Once you’ve diagnosed what’s causing your African daisies to grow crooked, it’s time to provide some corrective care:
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Increase sunlight exposure if possible to strengthen growth. Even a couple hours more sun daily can make a difference.
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Adjust watering habits to avoid excess moisture or underwatering. Check drainage and amend soil if needed.
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Apply balanced fertilizer to nourish plants if nutrient deficiency is suspected.
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Give African daisies ample space at least 8-12 inches apart to prevent crowding issues.
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Treat any visible pests or diseases immediately to restore plant health. Use organic sprays, soapy water, or neem oil for safe pest control.
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Prune leggy African daisies by one-third their height to force bushier regrowth. Remove spent blooms often.
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Add stakes or trellising to support top-heavy trailing varieties and prevent sideways flopping.
With a little detective work and attentive care, you can get your leaning African daisies standing tall and growing straight upward again. Be patient as it may take some weeks to see improvement. But with the right remedies, your African daisies will once again be the stars of your garden show.
Frequently Asked Questions About African Daisies Growing Sideways
Why are the bottom leaves falling off my African daisies?
As lower leaves age, African daisies will naturally drop them. But excessive leaf loss at the base can indicate overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. Removing spent leaves also improves air circulation near the crown.
Should I deadhead my African daisies?
Yes, deadheading spent blooms not only keeps African daisies looking tidy but also encourages more flowering. Snip off old flowers just above a leaf node using pruners. Deadheading prevents plants from setting seed and redirects their energy into new bloom production.
What are some good African daisy companion plants?
African daisies pair beautifully with solar-colored flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and rudbeckia. Grasses, lavender, dwarf dahlias, and coreopsis also complement their form and color. Choose companions with similar sunlight and watering needs.
Should I cut back my African daisies in winter?
In zones 8-11 where African daisies grow year-round, trim them back by about half in late winter. This removes old growth and stimulates lush new spring foliage and blooms. In colder zones, African daisies die back in winter so no pruning is needed until new growth emerges in spring.
What are some good African daisy varieties for containers?
More compact African daisy varieties under 12 inches tall work well in containers and window boxes. Look for dwarf Cape daisies like ‘Sunrise Sunset’ and ‘Double Colors.’ Trailing types like Livingstone daisy are also fantastic container spillover plants. Provide excellent drainage.
How can I revive a droopy African daisy?
A wilting, drooping African daisy is often stressed by environmental factors. Check soil moisture and water if dry. Move to a shadier spot if sun scalded. Or transplant to a sunnier location if insufficient light. Pinch off any dead growth and give plants a deep drink late in the day to perk up overnight.
What causes the centers of African daisies to die out?
As African daisy blooms age, the centers naturally fade and die out. Deadheading spent flowers helps prolong the display. But premature center die out can indicate OVERwatering or fungal disease. Improve drainage and allow soil to dry out between waterings to prevent stem rot in the crowns.
Should I fertilize my African daisies?
Feeding African daisies every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer keeps them flowering profusely. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or work compost into beds before planting. Granular slow-release fertilizer also provides steady nutrients. Just avoid over-fertilizing which can burn tender roots.
I hope these tips and tricks for troubleshooting and correcting sideways growth in African daisies help you get your plants standing upright again!
Pinpointing the Culprits Behind the Droop
Yellowing leaves and a soggy soil feel are the hallmarks of overwatering your African Daisy. If the soil clings to your fingers like wet clay, its time to dial back on the H2O.
Quick fixes involve halting watering to let the soil dry out. If your plants roots are gasping for air, consider repotting with fresh, well-draining soil or adding perlite for better aeration.
When the Soil Just Won’t Drain
Poor drainage can turn your African Daisys home into a swamp. If water pools on the surface like a mini pond, youve got a drainage dilemma.
To improve drainage, mix in sandy or gritty material to your soil. Unblock those drainage holes; theyre the lifeline for excess water escape.
How to Care For African Daisies. The Complete Growing Guide.
FAQ
Why is my African daisy drooping?
How do you keep African daisies from getting leggy?
Do African daisies need a lot of water?
How do you know if your daisies are overwatered?
Why are African daisies called daisybushes?
The African daisy is also known as the Cape daisy and osteospermum. However, the most fitting name for this plant is their common nickname—daisybushes. They earned this name for their unique growth pattern. When cultivated properly, African daisies form small bushes decorated with flowers on all sides.
Why are African daisies so beautiful?
These plants are magnificent because they bloom in conditions that cause other flowering plants to fade or wilt. Don’t be afraid to expose your African daisies to a lot of sun and heat. They’re tolerant of hot temperatures and drought conditions.
Can African daisies grow from seeds?
Most African daisy varieties are hybrids and won’t grow true from seeds saved from the plants. But you can easily propagate your plants by cuttings. This is also the best way to overwinter the plant outside of its hardiness zones. Here’s how to propagate African daisies:
Are African daisies good edging plants?
Borders and edging: African Daisies work well as edging plants or in mixed borders, where their bright flowers can provide a stunning contrast to other plants. Plant them in groups or rows along pathways, driveways, or garden edges for a striking visual effect.