Why Your African Mallow Shrub is Growing Sideways

The African mallow shrub (Malva parviflora) is a popular ornamental plant known for its rounded shape and upright vertical growth habit. So you may be puzzled or concerned if you notice your African mallow shrub growing sideways or horizontally instead. There are a few potential causes for the abnormal sideways growth to be aware of.

Leaning Toward the Light

One of the most common reasons an African mallow shrub starts growing sideways is due to phototropism – growth toward a light source. These shrubs thrive best in full sun. If your plant is situated in excessive shade or crowded by other plants, it may start bending its stems and leaning leaves sideways in an effort to soak up more sunlight

To fix, try the following:

• Move the shrub to a sunnier location.

• Prune back encroaching trees/shrubs that are shading it

• Use a plant stake or trellis to support vertical growth.

• Rotate the pot frequently to ensure even sun exposure.

Top Heavy Growth

African mallows have a naturally rounded shape with a proliferation of leaves and branches toward the top. If the shrub grows too dense at the top without adequate support from the main stem, the weight of all that growth can cause the plant to start bending and growing sideways. This issue is worsened by:

• Insufficient pruning to shape plant and limit top-heavy growth

• Not using plant supports to maintain vertical stem growth

• Excess nitrogen fertilization driving excessive top growth

• Damage to main stem from pests, disease, weather, etc.

To prevent or fix top heavy leaning:

• Prune regularly to shape plant into a rounded vs. top-heavy profile.

• Stake and tie main stems to provide physical support.

• Use well-balanced fertilizer to avoid purely vegetative growth.

• Inspect and treat main stems for signs of damage or disease.

Root Problems

If your African mallow’s stems appear otherwise healthy but it persists in growing sideways, the root system may be compromised. Root issues like restricted space, poor drainage, damage from pests or disease can prevent roots from adequately anchoring and supporting vertical growth. The shrub will start bending from lack of root strength and stability.

Check roots for:

• Circling or crowded conditions. Repot in larger container if required.

• Compacted, soggy soil. Improve drainage.

• Chewed, rotten roots. Apply beneficial nematodes.

• Remove girdling ties/circling roots and loosen root ball if pot bound.

Environmental Stresses

Harsh environmental conditions can also cause abnormal sideways growth in African mallows. Issues like:

• Extreme heat/cold causing cell damage and asymmetric growth

• Strong winds physically blowing plant off vertical axis

• Heavy rain, hail or snow weighing down vertical shoots

Try these fixes:

• Provide shade cloth protection from sun/wind scorch.

• Stake and tie stems to support vertical growth against wind/weather.

• Optimize irrigation to strengthen plant against environmental stresses.

• Improve drainage and air circulation to prevent mold or disease.

Lean and Reorient Growth

If your African mallow shrub has already grown quite sideways, all is not lost! You can take steps to reorient and train the plant back to its natural upright position:

• Stake main stem and loosely tie to support reoriented vertical growth.

• Make angled pruning cuts on each stem to encourage upright direction.

• Rotate pot frequently to ensure even sunlight on all sides for balanced growth.

• Be patient! It will take some time for the plant to put on new vertical growth.

When to Worry

While some sideways growth can be simply redirected, significant leaning or growth that continues to flop from vertical may indicate a larger underlying issue that needs diagnosis, such as:

• Serious disease or stem/root damage from pests

• Nutrient deficiency

• Poor soil quality preventing proper root development

• Root loss or restriction from being pot bound

If in doubt, consult a horticulturist to identify and resolve the specific cause.

Enjoy Your African Mallow’s Upright Beauty

A wayward African mallow shrub that leans and grows sideways might look a bit odd, but is rarely dangerous on its own. With a little detective work to identify the trigger, plus pinching, pruning, staking, and TLC to correct its form, you can get your African mallow standing tall and proud once again.