Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
- Compare the current light levels to the plant's needs.
- Rotate the pot every week to encourage even growth.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The space between the leaves gets larger, and the stems look stretched out. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter spot, such as a south or west facing window. If natural light is low, use a grow light for 8 to 10 hours a day.
Seasonal changes
PossibleHow to tell: The plant grows normally in summer but stretches during the dark winter months. This is a natural reaction to lower light levels.
What to do: Reduce watering during the winter to slow growth. Move the plant to the brightest possible location in your home until spring returns.
Find out what's wrong with your string of buttons
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Legginess is not a disease, but it makes the plant top heavy and prone to falling over. It is mostly an aesthetic issue.
Stopping it coming back
Provide consistent bright light throughout the year. Rotate the pot regularly to keep the growth balanced.
String of Buttons: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of buttons 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
- Should I prune the long stems?
- Yes, you can trim the long stems to make the plant look fuller. You can even replant the cuttings in the same pot.
- Will the stems fill back in?
- Unfortunately, the stretched parts will not shrink back. Pruning is the best way to restore a compact shape.
More problems with String of Buttons
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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.