Stunted Growth in Plants

Lack of Nutrients

• 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

• 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.

Improper Watering

• 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.

Improper Lighting

• 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

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

Bonsai Trees

• 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.