Leggy growth means long, stretched-out stems with widely spaced leaves, often bending toward a light source. The plant looks sparse and weak rather than full and bushy. The cause is almost always insufficient light.
Why It Happens
Plants grow toward light (phototropism). When light is insufficient, they produce long internodes (the gaps between leaves) in an attempt to reach a brighter spot. The stems become weak and the plant looks etiolated — pale, stretched, and unhealthy.
Immediate Fix: More Light
Move the plant significantly closer to a window. Even 30 cm can make a significant difference. If your home is genuinely dark, add a grow light — even a basic LED lamp on a 12-hour timer will transform growth.
Prune to Encourage Bushiness
Once in better light, prune the leggy stems back. Cut just above a node — the plant will send out two new shoots from that point. This creates a fuller, bushier plant.
Don't prune without improving the light first — the plant will become leggier in response.
Rotate Regularly
If a plant consistently leans toward a window, rotate it a quarter turn weekly to ensure even growth on all sides.
What About Succulents?
Succulents are particularly prone to etiolation. A succulent that's been leggy for a while can be beheaded — cut off the rosette with a short stem, let it callous, and replant. The original stump will produce offsets.
