Why Does Clematis Become Stunted
This article provides detailed knowledge about the common problem of clematis stunting, explaining why clematis becomes stunted and offering a comprehensive introduction below.
In recent years, the price of clematis has decreased, and many gardening enthusiasts have started growing it. However, encountering stunted growth can be frustrating. Many enthusiasts have been asking why clematis becomes stunted and how to deal with it during this period. After re-planting, the seedlings may show no signs of growth for a month or even several months, neither dying nor thriving, which is what we call stunted growth.
There are two situations of stunted clematis growth: true stunting and false stunting. The former usually occurs in seedlings less than a year old, which are small and have weak roots, truly stunted. The latter is seen in seedlings over a year old, which are small but have strong roots, often in a dormant state, which we won't discuss here.
To understand why clematis becomes stunted, we need to look at its growth characteristics. Normally, clematis grows very quickly, almost changing every day, and it's not impossible for it to climb a trellis in a month and bloom in two months. However, once topped, the growth from the germination of the bud points is unusually slow, which is what we call "first vigorous, then declining, and finally exhausted." This also indicates that the internal liquid flow in the vines of growing clematis is very active.
When the clematis roots are weak, experienced gardeners will advise against topping or breaking the original soil clump and repotting. Why is that?
1. The seedlings are very delicate and tender, with almost invisible bud points at the nodes, and weak roots. Once topped, the bud points are difficult to germinate, and over time, the internal liquid flow in the vines stops, losing vitality, leading to stunted growth.
2. After breaking the soil clump of the seedlings, the rootlets are damaged, and the surrounding environment changes. Whether it is recovering the rootlets or adapting to the new soil environment, it takes time. During this time, the internal liquid flow stops, and the seedlings lose vitality, leading to stunted growth. If the rootlets recover, it's fine, but if they cannot recover in the new environment, there is no other way but death.
Although we know the causes of stunted growth, it is sometimes unavoidable, especially during the false planting and planting period after cutting and rooting, which are stages of major changes in the root environment. Without sufficient experience to ensure the seedlings transition smoothly at each stage, they will surely enter a stunted state. This is the problem with clematis cuttings that are easy to root but difficult to survive.
But does it really mean the end if clematis becomes stunted? Not necessarily. Careful gardeners will find that the seedlings that show no signs of growth for several months not only do not die but their roots have become stronger, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair. Why is that? Here we must mention the word "balance." Stunted growth is a stalemate, and a stalemate is balance. This is a stalemate between the seedlings and the roots, and also a balance between input and output (input being the nutrients and water absorbed by the roots, and output being the nutrients and water consumed by the seedlings to maintain life, hereinafter referred to as input and output). Although the seedlings lose vitality and enter a stunted state, they still consume water and nutrients through transpiration and photosynthesis in a well-ventilated and sunny environment. The weak roots can just meet this consumption without withering, and the stunted growth will continue. The roots will self-enlarge in a healthy soil environment, gradually breaking the stalemate. This duration varies depending on the quality of the soil and the environment, ranging from one month to half a year or even longer.
To break the stalemate as soon as possible and get out of the stunted state, we need to help it manually, with the following points:
1. To prevent stunted growth or get out of it quickly, we first need a good growing medium. Clematis can survive in both acidic and alkaline soils, but it prefers slightly alkaline soil. Like most flowers, clematis roots also prefer fertile, loose, and well-draining soil. Its roots are somewhat fleshy, so they fear waterlogging and dislike large pots. Its roots are long and strong, so they prefer deep pots and shallow planting. Its roots like coolness and fear stuffiness, so they dislike direct sunlight on the pot walls.
2. Breaking the balance between input and output can improve stunted growth. Therefore, for seedlings with multiple nodes, after they have adapted to the pot, you can prune off a few nodes, leaving only the bottom 1-2 nodes. By reducing output without changing input, the extra nutrients can act on the bud points, thus getting out of the stunted state.
3. If there are no extra nodes to prune, you can only increase input. Simply fertilizing is not reliable and has limited effect. Weak roots are easily damaged by fertilizer and their absorption capacity is not enough to break the stalemate, so you still need to focus on strengthening the roots. There is a saying, "Wet to grow seedlings, dry to promote roots." The theory behind this is that seedlings need a lot of water to grow, and in sufficient moisture conditions, the roots do not need to be stronger to meet the plant's needs, so they will not self-enlarge. Conversely, to obtain more water, the roots must become stronger and deeper to get water, causing the roots to fill the entire pot in search of water. Therefore, appropriate water control for a longer time will accelerate root development. Once the roots are strong, gradually increase watering and fertilizing, and the abundant energy will be converted into vitality, breaking the stunted state.
4. In a stunted state, clematis has poor resistance and dislikes heavy fertilization, excessive watering, direct sunlight, or prolonged rainy weather. Good soil disinfection and disease control, mild sunlight, and proper ventilation will reduce the occurrence of diseases.
5. 101 and Melnol are not万能的 (universal). Without the above conditions, even the best medicines are powerless. With the above conditions, they can play a certain supporting role.
6. For clematis rooted from cuttings in a bed or small cup, do not keep it too moist a week before false planting. Try not to damage the roots during false planting, and do not press the loose soil too hard. After false planting, water thoroughly with 1000 times 101 or 100 times Melnol for the first time, and maintain a moist, shady, and well-ventilated environment for one week to acclimate the seedlings. In the second week, care for them with half-dry and half-wet scattered light, and in the third week, apply a light fertilizer and start exposure to wind and sunlight to reduce the chance of stunted growth.
7. False stunted growth is a semi-dormant state, usually caused by unsuitable temperatures. Control watering and fertilization and wait patiently.
The above is some personal experience in growing clematis, hoping to help new friends who love clematis. If you have better suggestions and experience, welcome to share them, and let's learn together. In the end, I hope that every friend who loves clematis can grow beautiful clematis.
The above is a comprehensive introduction to why clematis becomes stunted and how to deal with it, hoping to bring some knowledge about green plants to green plant enthusiasts.