[April 7] The mystery of 'clockwise vs. counter-clockwise' in plants. The individuality of life seen in the direction vines grow

Good evening.

Today, I would like to start with a conclusion regarding an interesting piece of trivia about climbing plants that have begun to grow vigorously with the arrival of spring.

That is, plants that grow by twining, such as morning glories and certain houseplants, have an individuality at the genetic level where it is determined by species whether they twine 'clockwise' or 'counter-clockwise'.

Which way they twine is determined 'from birth'

When a plant grabs onto something to climb, its direction of rotation is never whimsical.

Strict rules for each species: Morning glories are determined to twine 'counter-clockwise' (anti-clockwise) when viewed from above. On the other hand, yams and the like twine 'clockwise'. This is like being 'right-handed or left-handed' for humans, but in the case of plants, that direction is programmed for each species.

Circling in search of light: Vines do not just grow; they slowly move their tips in a circular motion while searching for something to wrap around. This movement is called 'circumnutation'. Even during the dark night, they continue to quietly and steadily search for the direction they should proceed.

Gentle tips for when vines are growing

When you feel this energy of growth, let's respect the plant's will.

Do not force them to twine in the opposite direction: Even if you want to guide them to a support, if you make them go in the opposite direction of the plant's natural twining, it can cause stress to the plant or prevent it from twining properly. Just gently support them and leave the rest to their autonomy.

Enjoying their free movement: Types that climb by putting out aerial roots, such as Philodendron, also try to extend their nodes in a fixed direction. Rather than trying to force them into a shape, acknowledging the 'direction they want to grow' at any given time leads to healthy growth.

Plants that move forward without hesitation at their own set rhythm. When you touch that straightforward life force, doesn't it give you the courage to move forward in your own way tomorrow as well? Please have a restful night while feeling the quiet growth of the plants tonight.

Today's quick note 🌿
For those who are a bit lazy and think 'guiding vines sounds difficult!', just 'loosely securing them with hemp twine' is enough. There is no need to tie them tightly. Just by creating a path for them, the plants will find their destination on their own using 'their own way of twining'✨

#Houseplants #LifeWithPlants #Trivia #ClockwiseCounterClockwise #Circumnutation #TuesdayNight #LazyCare #BotanicalLife #note