Can I prune back leggy stems?

Yes, you can trim back the stems to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure the plant is in a brighter spot first, or it will just grow back leggy.

Will my plant recover its shape?

The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be tighter if you provide more light. You can prune the old stems once new, healthy growth appears.

Smooth hawksbeard: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the plant for leaning toward a light source.
Measure the daily hours of direct sun the plant receives.
Check if the stems are soft or firm to the touch.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and weak, and the plant leans heavily toward the nearest window or light source. You will notice large gaps between the leaves on the main stem.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are growing indoors, place it in a south facing window or use a high output grow light.
Excessive Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant to get leggy from fertilizer, but too much nitrogen can cause rapid, weak growth. The plant looks lush but cannot support its own weight.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Switch to a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growing season.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your smooth hawksbeard

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 are so weak they collapse under their own weight. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly as it prepares to bloom.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a bright, sunny location from the moment it sprouts. Rotate the pot every few days to ensure even growth on all sides.

Smooth hawksbeard: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your smooth hawksbeard 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 back leggy stems?: Yes, you can trim back the stems to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure the plant is in a brighter spot first, or it will just grow back leggy.
Will my plant recover its shape?: The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be tighter if you provide more light. You can prune the old stems once new, healthy growth appears.

Why is my smooth hawksbeard growing so leggy?