Marianne's Response

Ametrine’s Question

Two plants I have, Lemon Balm and Stevia, were both uprights until I brought them in last fall. Now both are just growing like runners or vines. The new growth doesn’t stand up, it’s grown down the sides of their pots. I’m forced to have to use a potting soil from Dollar General that’s for use in containers, money’s too tight for anything else. I was using Super Thrive once a month but stopped in January thinking it was making them grow too fast and the stems weren’t getting strong enough. The only difference I’ve seen is the stems on my Stevia have gotten thinner. I’m not seeing this in any of my other plants.
Any ideas as to why this is happening?
Thank you for your time.

Posted by on February 1, 2017

Marianne's Response

Yes, it sounds like not enough direct sun - very common for indoor herbs in winter, and too much fertilizer when the plants are dormant or resting. Feed and water less in the winter when days are short. I suggest you prune back both plants in April and don't fertilize until you see signs of new growth sprouting from the cut end or trunk. Depending on how brave you are, you can cut these potted plants back so they are just six inches tall or just shorten all the branches by one half. Longer days and more sun will encourage more upright growth and strength of the stems. Good luck and let us know how these plants do after their big haircuts. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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