Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe if the plant is leaning toward the nearest light source.
- Check the soil moisture level two inches deep.
- Look for signs of shade from nearby structures or trees.
Likely causes
Low light levels
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are thin, pale, and leaning heavily in one direction. The plant is stretching to find the sun.
What to do: Transplant the grass to a location with full, all day sun. This will encourage shorter, stronger stems.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The base of the plant looks mushy and the stems are soft. The soil stays wet for days after watering.
What to do: Reduce watering to once every 10 to 14 days once the plant is established. Ensure the soil has excellent drainage.
Find out what's wrong with your big bluestem
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.
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When to worry
It is normal for the grass to lean slightly after heavy storms or high winds. You should worry if the stems are constantly flopping over even on calm days.
Stopping it coming back
Plant in full sun and avoid overwatering once the roots are established. Native grasses like this do best when left to grow in their natural, drier conditions.
Big bluestem: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your big bluestem 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I prune it to make it stand up?
- You can cut it back in late winter or early spring, but pruning during the growing season will not fix legginess.
- Is it okay to stake the grass?
- Staking is not recommended for native grasses. It is better to move the plant to a location where it can grow strong on its own.
More problems with Big bluestem
Back to the Big bluestem guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.