Symptoms
- check_circleLong, thin, stretched stems between leaves
- check_circlePlant leaning heavily toward the light source
- check_circlePale, small new leaves compared to older growth
- check_circleSparse, sparse-looking plant overall
Causes
- arrow_rightInsufficient light — the primary cause
- arrow_rightToo much nitrogen fertiliser promoting fast, weak growth
- arrow_rightOvercrowding blocking light from reaching lower growth
How to Diagnose
Leggy growth is visually distinctive — the gaps between leaves on a stem are much longer than normal. Confirm by checking the light level. Is the plant near a window? Which direction does it face? Is it getting 6+ hours of bright indirect light?
Treatment
Move the plant significantly closer to a light source — or add a grow light on a 12–14 hour timer. Once in better light, prune leggy stems back above a node to encourage branching. Don't prune before improving light, or the plant will become leggier still. Rotate the plant weekly for even growth.
Prevention
Place plants in the highest light possible for their species. Rotate plants regularly. Don't rely solely on windows in winter — supplement with a grow light. Monitor plants in autumn as light levels drop.
Affected Plants
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