Sprouting Sturdy Salvias

[Nathanial.Dread]

Hey guys, I'm currently raising two small Salvia divinorum plants, and I was wondering if anyone here could confirm or deny a rumor that I have heard:

Is it true that keeping a soft breeze on your plants will help them grow thicker stems? Mine are remarkably thin, and the whole plant (which is very small) is already drooping over alarmingly. The leaves are healthy, but the plant itself is very lopsided.

I've been keeping a very light breeze (the leaves only just rustle) on them for the last few days to increase air circulation in my room, but if that won't help the plants become stronger, do you have any tips on what will?

Thanks
~ND

 

[Parshvik Chintan]

works for most other plants, from what i understand, so i don't see why it wouldn't.
plants did evolve to be resistant to wind...

 

[Vodsel]

For wind to sensibly contribute to thickening the stem, the roots have to feel it. Which means the stem has to move, and that requires more than a very light breeze. Plants receiving some good wind will develop thicker, shorter stems.

However, a very light breeze might do the opposite. If the breeze does not flex the stem, all it does is increase transpiration in the underside of the leaves, and renew the CO2 faster, which can speed up growth. Larger leaves and taller plant, but not thicker stem.

The problem in this case is that salvia (unless yours has been slowly acclimated to something else) is not well prepared for wind. In the mexican mountain forests you have high humidity and low air flow in the bush, and lots of air flow can dehydrate it quickly unless ambient humidity is high.

To make your salvia stem thicker I would first of all increase the amount of light. And perhaps prune it to reduce weight if necessary, taking cuttings in the upper part and favoring the sprouts closer to the base. But light breeze won't work.