Can I fix a leggy tree by just moving it?

Moving it to better light will stop the legginess from getting worse. However, you will likely need to prune the existing long branches to help the tree fill out again.

Will my mandarin orange bloom if it is leggy?

A leggy tree often lacks the energy and light exposure required to produce flowers. Focus on improving the light and pruning to help it reach a healthy state for blooming.

Mandarin orange: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the tree receives daily.
Check if the tree is leaning toward a window.
Inspect the branches to see if they are thin and weak.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The branches are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The tree looks stretched out rather than full and bushy.
What to do: Move your tree to a spot that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you are growing indoors, place it in a south facing window or use a high intensity grow light.
Improper Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The tree has a few long, dominant branches that are growing straight up or out without any side branching. This often happens if the tips were never pinched back.
What to do: Prune the long, leggy branches back to a leaf node to encourage lateral growth. Do this in late winter or early spring before the new growth flush begins.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mandarin orange

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 tree stops producing new leaves or if the branches become too weak to support their own weight. It is normal for a young tree to have a few longer shoots while it is establishing its structure.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your tree gets full sun all year round and pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage a compact, bushy shape.

Mandarin orange: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mandarin orange 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 fix a leggy tree by just moving it?: Moving it to better light will stop the legginess from getting worse. However, you will likely need to prune the existing long branches to help the tree fill out again.
Will my mandarin orange bloom if it is leggy?: A leggy tree often lacks the energy and light exposure required to produce flowers. Focus on improving the light and pruning to help it reach a healthy state for blooming.

Why is my mandarin orange tree looking leggy?