Leaf/Stem Growth Restriction?

[Endy0816]

Trying to find any related studies.

 

I was thinking to try something simple, clear beads over/around a plant in a plastic container. It really sounds stupidly simplistic, but all I've been able to find are studies relating to root growth.

[Acme]

I used to culture bonsai and keeping a tree in a 'small' pot and regularly trimming its roots back will restrict stem/trunk diameter growth. The stem/trunk length/height are primarily restricted by trimming. Stunting leaves is rather more difficult, though with maples you can pick off all the first set of leaves in the Spring and it will grow a new but smaller set of leaves. (If it doesn't die that is.)

 

Even so, if the tree is taken from the pot and planted in the ground it will resume its normal growth habit.

[Endy0816]

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear(not exactly an intuitive concept either).

 

What happens if you restrict the physical space available to the upper part of the plant? Without significantly impacting it otherwise.

 

ie. You take a plant and liberally dump clear beads on top of it.

Edited June 2, 2014 by Endy0816

[Acme]

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear(not exactly an intuitive concept either).

 

What happens if you restrict the physical space available to the upper part of the plant? Without significantly impacting it otherwise.

 

ie. You take a plant and liberally dump clear beads on top of it.

Mmmmmm....Anything from dying to growing into the voids and pushing the beads up and/or out. The hydraulic pressure in plants is considerable. If the plant is tightly restricted it may just stop growing and hold a stasis I suppose. The leaves do need to have air for transpiration.

[Endy0816]

Mmmmmm....Anything from dying to growing into the voids and pushing the beads up and/or out. The hydraulic pressure in plants is considerable. If the plant is tightly restricted it may just stop growing and hold a stasis I suppose. The leaves do need to have air for transpiration.

 

Thanks for that. Didn't know about plants going into stasis. I'm not planning to put that much force on them so probably won't happen but interesting to learn about. Probably I am just going to see the filler move outwards, makes the most sense provided they continue to receive enough light/air.

 

Decided to go with acrylic filler. Not as clear as I would have liked, but the smaller size should make it easier on the plant.

[Acme]

Thanks for that. Didn't know about plants going into stasis. I'm not planning to put that much force on them so probably won't happen but interesting to learn about. Probably I am just going to see the filler move outwards, makes the most sense provided they continue to receive enough light/air.

 

Decided to go with acrylic filler. Not as clear as I would have liked, but the smaller size should make it easier on the plant.

You're welcome.

 

One note on size. Given a fixed container volume, the smaller the beads the less is the volume of the interspaces. If you have the resources you might try different sizes and even a mixture of sizes. Idea: Florists often use clear marbles in vases to support floral arrangements.

 

Mmmmmmmm....just had another thought. The beads may act as lenses and burn the leaves or stems if the setup is put in direct sunlight. Let us know how it goes.

[Externet]

Studies I cannot help with.

But have two junipers the exact same age, one in a closed test tube and one in an open small plastic pot.

 

http://www.scienceforums.net/topic/78009-junipers-in-captivity-gardening/?hl=junipers

 

The captive one in the test tube is ~3 cm tall, healthy, green, alive and happy (or bored) Seems to me the lack of air is what holds its growth, but no expert. There is no rubbing against the container, nor hitting the 'roof'

A couple of other junipers are ~ 2 years old and not growing in larger closed containers, with some soil and moisture. Also green and healthy all year, kept indoors in good light but no direct sun.

[Endy0816]

You're welcome.

 

One note on size. Given a fixed container volume, the smaller the beads the less is the volume of the interspaces. If you have the resources you might try different sizes and even a mixture of sizes. Idea: Florists often use clear marbles in vases to support floral arrangements.

 

Mmmmmmmm....just had another thought. The beads may act as lenses and burn the leaves or stems if the setup is put in direct sunlight. Let us know how it goes.

 

Will do. Debating about plant choice now. I'm thinking partial light until I can see how the plant does.

 

 

But have two junipers the exact same age, one in a closed test tube and one in an open small plastic pot.

 

http://www.sciencefo...ng/?hl=junipers

 

Pretty cool picture of the two there.