Can I prune it to make it bushier?

You can trim back the long stems to encourage a more compact look. However, the plant will still need more light to stop the legginess from returning.

Will it recover if I move it to the sun?

Yes, it will start growing stronger, sturdier stems once it gets enough light. The old leggy stems will remain, but you can trim them away once new growth appears.

Why is my Barren brome growing so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window or light source.
Recall if you have added fertilizer recently.

Likely causes

Lack of Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long, thin, and leaning toward the nearest light source. The plant looks sparse rather than bushy.
What to do: Relocate the plant to a spot with full, direct sun. If it is in a container, rotate it every few days to ensure even growth.
Excessive Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant is growing very fast but the stems are weak and floppy. The foliage is a very dark green.
What to do: Stop fertilizing immediately. Barren brome thrives in poor soil and does not need extra nutrients to stay healthy.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your barren brome

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

Worry if the stems become so weak they cannot stand up on their own. Some stretching is normal during early spring growth.

Stopping it coming back

Give your brome as much direct sun as possible. Avoid adding any fertilizer to the soil.

Barren brome: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your barren brome 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 it to make it bushier?: You can trim back the long stems to encourage a more compact look. However, the plant will still need more light to stop the legginess from returning.
Will it recover if I move it to the sun?: Yes, it will start growing stronger, sturdier stems once it gets enough light. The old leggy stems will remain, but you can trim them away once new growth appears.

Why is my Barren brome growing so leggy?