Can I prune back a leggy pigweed?

Yes, you can trim the top growth to encourage side branching. Just make sure you move it to a brighter spot afterward or it will just grow back leggy.

Will my plant recover its shape?

The stretched parts will not shrink back, but new growth will be compact if you provide better light. You can prune the old growth to improve the look.

Redroot pigweed: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the light levels in your plant's current spot.
Check if the stems are leaning toward a window.
Measure the distance between the leaf nodes.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant develops long spaces between leaves and leans heavily toward the nearest light source. It looks thin rather than bushy.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you are growing indoors, place it directly in a south facing window or under a strong grow light.
Overcrowding
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens when seedlings are too close together and compete for resources. The plants grow tall and spindly as they fight for space.
What to do: Thin out your seedlings so each plant has at least 12 inches of space around it. This allows each plant to get the airflow and light it needs to grow strong.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your redroot pigweed

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 time to worry if the stems become so weak they can no longer support their own weight. Minor stretching is normal during cloudy weeks.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your pigweed in the brightest spot you have and thin seedlings early to prevent competition.

Redroot pigweed: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your redroot pigweed 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 back a leggy pigweed?: Yes, you can trim the top growth to encourage side branching. Just make sure you move it to a brighter spot afterward or it will just grow back leggy.
Will my plant recover its shape?: The stretched parts will not shrink back, but new growth will be compact if you provide better light. You can prune the old growth to improve the look.

Why is my redroot pigweed growing so tall and leggy?