Can I prune a leggy aloe?

You can remove the outer leaves if they are damaged, but cutting the top off will not fix the legginess. The plant will only grow back properly if it gets more light.

Does aloe vera flower?

Yes, aloe vera can flower, but it rarely does so indoors. To encourage blooms, the plant needs intense, direct sunlight and a period of cooler temperatures in the winter.

Why is my aloe vera growing tall and leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Measure how many hours of direct sun the plant receives daily.
Check if you have been adding fertilizer to the water.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves are long, thin, and pale, and they are leaning heavily toward the light source. The plant looks stretched out rather than compact.
What to do: Move the aloe to a window that receives direct sunlight for several hours a day. If you do not have a sunny window, use a grow light placed 6 to 12 inches above the plant.
Excessive Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, and usually happens when the plant is fed too often. Too much nitrogen causes weak, rapid growth that makes the plant look stretched.
What to do: Stop fertilizing the plant entirely for the season. Aloe vera needs very little food, so only use a balanced succulent fertilizer once or twice during the summer.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your aloe vera

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 not a death sentence, but it does make the plant structurally weak and prone to tipping over. It is normal for an aloe to grow taller over many years, but it should remain firm and compact.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your aloe in a spot where it gets plenty of direct sun throughout the day. Rotate the pot every few weeks so all sides get equal light.

Aloe vera: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your aloe vera and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I prune a leggy aloe?: You can remove the outer leaves if they are damaged, but cutting the top off will not fix the legginess. The plant will only grow back properly if it gets more light.
Does aloe vera flower?: Yes, aloe vera can flower, but it rarely does so indoors. To encourage blooms, the plant needs intense, direct sunlight and a period of cooler temperatures in the winter.

Why is my aloe vera growing tall and leggy?