Girdling: What it is and Why it’s Bad for Houseplants

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Today, we’re going to talk about girdling—what it is and how it can kill your houseplant, so obviously, you want to avoid this. Girdling occurs when something such as a rubber band, wire, or string is attached to your plant, specifically around a branch or trunk, and it cuts off the flow of nutrients and water to the plant. This method is actually used to kill trees when they want to fell them so that they are lighter weight. When you cut off that flow of water and nutrients, the plant dies at the top, becoming less heavy and easier to fell. But obviously, that’s not something you want to do to your houseplants.

As mentioned, girdling can occur with rubber bands, which is actually what happened with this plant. The grower, when they were getting the plant potted up and ready for transport, likely wanted to train it up, so they secured it with some rubber bands. Unfortunately, the rubber bands started eating into the base of the plant. In the photo I’m showing now, you can see the little indentation in the plant. Thankfully, it wasn’t too bad and hadn’t broken through too much—the plant was still doing fairly well. But if I hadn’t noticed that when I was repotting, it would have continued to strangle the plant.

You want to look out for these sorts of things, like rubber bands, string, or even wire, which is really not good for the plant because it quickly digs into the bark. This reduces the flow of water, nutrients, and sugars, which are part of the nutrient uptake, essentially droughting and starving the plant. Girdling can cause a lot of problems for your plant. It often happens when people unknowingly stake their plant using string, wire, or rubber bands to secure it to the stake. Over time, these materials dig into the plant, sometimes to the point where it’s difficult to remove, and by that time, it may have penetrated into the cambium layer, introducing pests, diseases, and other problems.

If you discover a plant that’s been girdled, you need to carefully remove the material. Use something sharp to carefully cut it out. If the material has caused a deep indentation, hopefully, the plant will heal after removal, but it must be removed for healing to begin. Just like with the human body, where a splinter must be removed before healing can occur, the same goes for plants.

If you’ve lost a plant and discovered something like this afterward, now you know why it didn’t make it. To safely stake your plants or tie them together, use green garden tape. This material stretches as the plant grows, so it won’t girdle the plant. Eventually, you’ll need to replace it, but it lasts a long time and is very inexpensive. There is also a wider version of this tape, which is good for taller, bigger plants like indoor trees. It helps secure them to stakes and keeps them from flopping over.

So, now you know what girdling is. If you’ve heard the term but weren’t sure what it meant, now you know why you don’t want to girdle your plant and what to do if you discover that your plant has been girdled. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.

Frequently Asked Questions about Girdling and Houseplants

What is girdling?

Girdling occurs when something such as a rubber band, wire, or string is attached to a plant, specifically around a branch or trunk, and it cuts off the flow of nutrients and water to the plant. This can lead to the plant’s death.

How can girdling kill my houseplant?

When the flow of water and nutrients is cut off due to girdling, the plant essentially becomes starved and dehydrated. Over time, this can lead to the death of the plant, starting from the top down.

What materials can cause girdling in houseplants?

Materials like rubber bands, string, or wire can cause girdling. These materials can dig into the bark and reduce the flow of nutrients and water, leading to serious damage to the plant.

How can I prevent girdling in my houseplants?

To prevent girdling, avoid using tight materials like rubber bands, string, or wire to secure your plants. Instead, use green garden tape, which stretches as the plant grows, preventing any damage.

What should I do if I discover that my plant has been girdled?

If you find that your plant has been girdled, carefully remove the material using something sharp. Ensure that the material is completely removed to allow the plant to heal.

Is there a safer way to stake my plants?

Yes, using green garden tape is a safe way to stake your plants. This material stretches with the plant, preventing girdling and ensuring the plant remains healthy.

Can a plant recover from girdling?

If caught early, a plant can recover from girdling once the material causing the damage is removed. The plant may heal over time, but it’s important to monitor it closely for signs of improvement.

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