Stunted Growth in Plants

Stunted growth can occur in virtually every type of plant and can be attributed to a number of causes. Occasionally, plant growth is intentionally stunted, as is often the case with house plants.

Plant growth can be stunted due to a lack of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine. Although plants can extract some nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, chlorine and zinc, from old plant parts, sulfur, iron, copper, manganese, boron and calcium must be newly obtained.

Soil pollution leads to nutrient imbalances, reduced decomposition in the soil and subsequent poor soil quality and damaged roots. All these conditions lead to stunted growth. Soil pollution occurs with atmospheric pollutants settling on the ground surface, some pesticides, some herbicides, sewage, chemical fertilizers and radioactive pollutants.

Plant growth can be stunted by both overwatering or underwatering. Various plant species are highly susceptible to changes in water intake and require careful maintenance.

Depending on the type of plant, too much light or too little light can result in stunted growth. Inadequate light often results in stunted growth and small leaves but can be remedied with either natural or artificial lighting.

Insects often damage plant root systems, leading to stunted growth. These insects include root aphids, eelworms, cutworms and maggots.

The art of bonsai is a centuries-old Japanese tradition in which the growth of the plant is purposefully stunted, or dwarfed, for aesthetic or spiritual reasons. The root system is limited by potting in a small container while trees and branches are constantly pruned, trimmed and tied.