Can I propagate the cuttings from pruning?

Yes, you can root the stem cuttings in water or moist soil. This is a great way to start a new plant.

How often should I prune my copperleaf?

Pruning once or twice a year is usually enough. Spring is the best time to do it when the plant is actively growing.

Pencil flower: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant closer to a window that gets bright indirect light.
Rotate the pot to keep growth even.
Prune back the longest stems to encourage branching.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems grow long with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with plenty of indirect light. Rotate the pot every week to ensure all sides get equal exposure. Prune the long stems back to encourage bushier growth.
Lack of Pruning
Most likely
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse even though it is in a bright spot. It has not been trimmed in a long time.
What to do: Prune the tips of the stems to stimulate side branching. You can cut back up to one third of the plant's height in the spring. This will make the plant look much fuller and more compact.

Find out what's wrong with your pencil flower

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Legginess is a common aesthetic issue rather than a death sentence. It is only a major concern if the stems become so weak they cannot support their own weight.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your copperleaf regularly and keep it in a bright spot to prevent it from stretching.

Keep your pencil flower healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I propagate the cuttings from pruning?: Yes, you can root the stem cuttings in water or moist soil. This is a great way to start a new plant.
How often should I prune my copperleaf?: Pruning once or twice a year is usually enough. Spring is the best time to do it when the plant is actively growing.

Why is my copperleaf plant getting so leggy?