What to Do When Your Indoor Plants Get Too Leggy

“Leggy” is a funny term to describe underperforming plants, but fortunately, it’s one of those terms that don’t require much difficulty to extrapolate meaning. Unfortunately, leggy plants tend to be sparse, unattractive, and floppy. The stems grow long and weak, and essentially, it has more stem than leaf. 

A lack of sunlight does funny things in evolutionary terms – creatures that scurry under the cover of night or live in darkness are often pallid, from the woebegone naked mole rat to blind lizards found in subterranean caverns. Naturally attuned to sunlight, plants will become leggy in the absence of light. The technical term is known as etiolation, and it makes plants vulnerable to pests and disease. Overcrowding, neglected pruning, and nutrient imbalances can also contribute to a spindly, fragile appearance. 

A leggy plant is not only odd-looking, but fragile, susceptible to breakage much in the same way a structurally unsound building is easily toppled. This fragile structure also means they are less able to support heavy flowers or fruit, resulting in poor yields and a less vibrant display. 

Here are a few ways to fix leggy indoor plants. 

Give Your Plant More Light

If your plant is doing yoga calisthenics to reach the light, the first step is to give it more light. Move it closer to a bright, indirect window or supplement with LED or fluorescent grow lights. Be sure to understand the correct light output each plant requires. Plants that can handle low light, like peace lilies and ferns, should be placed near a north or east-facing window.

Rotate the Plant Regularly

Even a plant that’s technically getting enough light can begin to stretch toward its source if the light only comes from one direction. Outdoors, plants grow evenly toward the sun, but indoors they need help. Rotating your plant weekly encourages balanced growth on all sides. A dedicated potting bench can do wonders, allowing you a place to plant, trim, and prep your plants. 

Prune Strategically

Pruning seems to be an activity reserved for outside plants – bushy rhododendrons and hedges trimmed into formality – yet houseplants also benefit from the occasional trimming. Trimming gets rid of old growth, encouraging new growth and promoting more bushier plants. Cut just above a leaf node (the point where leaves emerge) to stimulate new shoots. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent shock. For vining plants like pothos or ivy, cuttings can also be rooted to grow new plants.

Consider Repotting

A lesser-known reason why plants may become leggy is that they are root-bound. Root-bound plants often become leggy, pale, and stunted because their roots have become an entangled mess and can no longer absorb water effectively. Moving them into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil encourages stronger roots and supports sturdier stems. Carefully remove the plant, then untangle the roots with your fingers. You may need to trim the outer roots and cut off the bottom if it is very compacted. A hori hori knife aids greatly in scooping up soil and transferring plants. 

Adjust Watering and Fertilization

Overwatering or lack of nutrients can stunt the development of your houseplants, exacerbating legginess. Allow the soil to dry appropriately between waterings and feed with a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as high levels of nitrogen can make plants leggy, resulting in yellowed leaves. 

Naturally Leggy Plants and How to Fix Them

Trailing plants, especially succulents, are prone to becoming leggy – it is in their nature. They are beset by the same causes that afflict normal plants, but their legginess is more apparent. Some succulents will also get leggy with age, but their new growth is lusher than that of those plagued by a lack of sunlight. 

There are a few options: leggy succulents can be left as is, or they can get the “chop and prop” treatment. To fix a leggy succulent, use a sterilized blade to cut off the stretched top (rosette), leaving 1–2 inches of stem on both the cutting and the rooted base. Let the cutting callus for 2–3 days, then plant in well-draining soil. The base will sprout new, compact growth in bright, indirect light. 

How Greenhouses Provide the Perfect Solution

When you first buy a plant, you may notice its explosive growth, laden with robust foliage and abundant blooms. They have been grown under greenhouse conditions and often treated with a dose of fertilizer. It may help to wean them off fertilizer by cutting down on the amount to slow their growth. If you want to prevent leggy plants during the dark winter months, greenhouses are a boon – plants are generally lusher, faster-growing, and more productive in those controlled environments. 

The Vego Pavillion design is a breathtaking option that channels the modern luxury of architectural magazines, while the Victorian Series is inspired by the structural engineering marvels of Victorian greenhouses. The Diamond Pavilion is preferred for those that enjoy panoramic views and outdoor gatherings, serving as a superior, affordable option to expensive outdoor kitchens.