Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Assess how many hours of bright light the plant receives.
- Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
- Look at the spacing between the leaves.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the banana shaped leaves. The plant looks sparse rather than full.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright indirect light or partial sun. If you do not have enough natural light, consider using a grow light for 8 to 12 hours a day.
Lack of Pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is long and trailing but looks thin at the top near the soil. The stems are healthy but just very long.
What to do: Trim the long stems to encourage branching. You can place the cuttings back into the top of the pot to create a fuller look.
Find out what's wrong with your string of bananas
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.
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When to worry
Legginess is rarely fatal, but it does mean the plant is not thriving. It is normal for the plant to grow long over time, but it should still have plenty of leaves.
Stopping it coming back
Provide consistent bright indirect light throughout the year. Prune the plant occasionally to keep it compact and full.
String of bananas: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of bananas 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
- Can I fix the leggy parts?
- You cannot make the existing stretched stems grow leaves closer together. It is best to prune them and propagate the cuttings to fill in the pot.
- Does it need direct sun?
- It enjoys bright indirect light and can handle some gentle morning sun. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
More problems with String of bananas
Back to the String of bananas guide
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.