Can I prune a leggy plant?

You can trim back the long stems to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure to move it to a brighter spot afterward so it does not grow back leggy.

Will it ever look compact again?

The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be much tighter if you provide better light. You can prune the old stems once the new growth is established.

Wavy bittercress: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the direction the plant is leaning.
Measure the distance between the leaves on the stem.
Check if the plant is in a dark corner.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and sparse with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with more indirect light. If you are keeping it in full shade, try shifting it to a spot that gets some morning sun.
Excessive heat
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows very quickly but looks weak and stretched. This often happens in very warm rooms with low light.
What to do: Move the plant to a cooler area of your home. Ensure it still receives adequate light so it does not continue to stretch.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wavy bittercress

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 stretch slightly as it flowers. Worry if the stems are so weak they cannot support their own weight.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent medium light throughout the day. Rotate your pot every week to ensure all sides get equal exposure.

Wavy bittercress: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wavy bittercress 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 a leggy plant?: You can trim back the long stems to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure to move it to a brighter spot afterward so it does not grow back leggy.
Will it ever look compact again?: The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be much tighter if you provide better light. You can prune the old stems once the new growth is established.

Why is my Wavy bittercress growing so tall and thin?