Can I fix the leggy stems?

You can prune them back to encourage new, denser growth. The old stems will not shrink, but new growth will be fuller.

Is full sun too much for my Crosswort?

Crosswort enjoys partial shade to full sun. If your plant is leggy, it likely needs more light, not less.

Why is my Crosswort getting so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the distance between the leaves on the stems.
Check how much light the plant receives throughout the day.
Look for signs of leaning toward a window.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin 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 partial shade to full sun. Rotate the pot every week to ensure even growth on all sides.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse but otherwise healthy. It has not been trimmed back in a long time.
What to do: Trim back the long stems to encourage bushier growth. This will help the plant fill out and look more compact.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crosswort

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

Legginess is not a disease, but it does affect the plant's appearance. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly during the darker winter months.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of bright, indirect light and prune the stems occasionally to maintain a compact shape.

Crosswort: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crosswort 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 the leggy stems?: You can prune them back to encourage new, denser growth. The old stems will not shrink, but new growth will be fuller.
Is full sun too much for my Crosswort?: Crosswort enjoys partial shade to full sun. If your plant is leggy, it likely needs more light, not less.

Why is my Crosswort getting so leggy?