Why does spider plant only grow leaves but not stems?

Runners

Chlorophytum is a perennial herb. One of its interesting characteristics is that when the plant matures, it will grow many stems, which are called runners. The creeping stems of spider plants generally grow very long, mostly around 30cm to 60cm in length. Moreover, many young plants often grow on the creeping stems of spider plants, which is also the flowering part of spider plants.

Most of these runners of spider plants are longer than their leaves and can become creeping branches. At the top of the stolons, there are leaf clusters or small plants. Therefore, these runners of spider plants have many uses, they can be used to bloom and inoculate, and to grow small spider plants.

If you find that your spider plant does not grow these runners, you need to find out the reason.

Reasons for not growing stems

Too much nitrogen fertilizer

When growing spider plants, some fertilizers are often applied, one of which is nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer can promote the growth of plants, but it should be noted that if too much nitrogen fertilizer is applied, the leaves on the plants may grow wildly, in large numbers, and may become too long, making it difficult to grow runners.

Therefore, when fertilizing spider plants, you need to pay attention to the balance of fertilizers and not apply only one type, especially nitrogen fertilizer.

Potassium deficiency

When applying fertilizer, it is also possible that the lack of potassium will make it difficult for the spider plant to grow runners. Potassium is the main element that promotes the growth of branches and stems. If it is lacking, the stolons will become thin and weak, or even difficult to grow.

Lack of light

If spider plants are grown indoors, they will lack light, which will prevent them from photosynthesising and cause them to grow too tall. Their leaves will become thin and yellow and they will not be able to grow stems.

what to do

If such a phenomenon occurs when growing spider plants, timely measures need to be taken.

First, you can apply a certain amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to the spider plant's pot to make up for the lack of potassium, and then move it to a brighter place indoors. It is best to put it outdoors in the sun appropriately, so as to promote photosynthesis and reduce yellowing and excessive growth of leaves.