Should I cut off the thin stems?

You can prune them back to the base to encourage the plant to sprout new, healthier stems. Use clean, sharp shears to make the cut.

Will my cactus get thick again?

Existing thin stems will not thicken up, but providing better light will ensure that all future growth is strong and healthy.

Rat's Tail Cactus: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Evaluate the amount of light the plant receives throughout the day.
Check if the plant is leaning heavily toward the nearest window.
Compare the thickness of new growth to the older parts of the plant.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The new growth is thin, pale, and lacks the typical thickness of the older stems. The plant looks sparse rather than full and trailing.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter spot, such as a window that gets morning sun. If natural light is limited, consider adding a grow light for 8 to 10 hours a day.
Lack of seasonal rest
Possible
How to tell: The plant continues to grow weakly during the winter months when it should be dormant. This results in thin, etiolated growth.
What to do: Reduce watering and keep the plant in a cooler spot during the winter to encourage a rest period. This helps the plant maintain its shape and prepare for spring flowering.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rat's tail cactus

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

Leggy growth is not usually fatal, but it does not fix itself. The thin stems will remain thin, so you may eventually want to prune them to encourage thicker, healthier growth.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright, indirect light year round. Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides get equal exposure to the sun.

Rat's Tail Cactus: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rat's tail cactus 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

Should I cut off the thin stems?: You can prune them back to the base to encourage the plant to sprout new, healthier stems. Use clean, sharp shears to make the cut.
Will my cactus get thick again?: Existing thin stems will not thicken up, but providing better light will ensure that all future growth is strong and healthy.

Why is my Rat's Tail Cactus growing long and thin?