Can I fix a leggy plant by just moving it?

Moving it to better light will stop further stretching, but it will not shrink the existing long stems. You will need to prune the stems back to encourage new, compact growth.

How often should I prune my Joseph's coat?

You can lightly pinch the tips every 2 to 3 weeks during the spring and summer to keep the plant full and bushy.

Why is my Joseph's coat getting so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Evaluate the amount of light the plant receives daily.
Observe if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
Check if the stems have become thin and weak.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long with large gaps between the leaves, and the plant leans heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light. If you are growing it indoors, consider placing it directly in a south or west facing window.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is healthy but has grown tall and sparse over time without any intervention.
What to do: Pinch back the growing tips of the stems regularly to encourage bushier growth. You can trim back long stems by 2 to 4 inches to promote side branching.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your joseph's coat

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

It is normal for the plant to grow taller over time, but you should worry if the stems become so weak they cannot support themselves. Pruning can usually fix the shape if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Joseph's coat in bright light and pinch the tips back every few weeks during the growing season.

Joseph's coat: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your joseph's coat 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 fix a leggy plant by just moving it?: Moving it to better light will stop further stretching, but it will not shrink the existing long stems. You will need to prune the stems back to encourage new, compact growth.
How often should I prune my Joseph's coat?: You can lightly pinch the tips every 2 to 3 weeks during the spring and summer to keep the plant full and bushy.

Why is my Joseph's coat getting so leggy?