Leggy growth

What it looks like

Long bare stems with wide gaps between leaves. New leaves are smaller. The plant leans towards the window.

Why it happened

Too little light. The plant stretches its stems to reach it.

What to do

1. Move the plant closer to a window, ideally east or west facing. 2. Cut back the stretched stems — the plant will branch and thicken up. 3. Root the cuttings in water and plant them back into the same pot. 4. Rotate the pot weekly so it grows evenly.

How to prevent it

Rotate the pot weekly. Expect much less light in winter.

Most common on these species

• Pothos
• Wandering dude
• Coleus
• Polka dot plant
• Purple heart
• Swiss cheese plant
• Heartleaf philodendron
• Arrowhead plant
• Echeveria
• Chinese money plant
• Pincushion cactus
• Mini monstera
• Turtle vine
• Ghost plant
• Bear's paw
• Golden shrimp plant