What Effect Does "Pinching Back" Have on a Houseplant

Question

What effect does "pinching back" have on a houseplant?
A)increases apical dominance
B)inhibits the growth of lateral buds
C)produces a plant that will grow taller
D)stimulates lateral buds to grow
E)increases the flow of auxin down the shoot

Accepted Answer

Pinching back a houseplant stimulates lateral buds to grow. This is because the removal of the apical meristem (the tip) removes the source of auxin that was inhibiting the growth of the lateral buds. This allows the lateral buds to grow and produce a bushier plant.