Should I prune the leggy stems?

You can remove the longest, weakest stems to improve the plant's shape. Use sharp, clean scissors to cut them off close to the base.

Will it bloom if it is leggy?

A leggy plant often struggles to produce flowers because it is using its energy to stretch. Improving the light and temperature will help it focus on blooming.

Purple cyclamen: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the direction the stems are leaning.
Measure the temperature of the plant's location.
Compare the current light level to a brighter spot nearby.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The stems become long and thin as they stretch toward the nearest light source. The plant looks sparse rather than compact and bushy.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light. While they prefer shade, they still need enough light to maintain a tight growth habit.
Excessive Warmth
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows quickly but the stems are weak and floppy. This happens when the ambient temperature is consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do: Relocate the plant to a cooler room or a spot near a north facing window. Cooler temperatures help the plant stay compact and healthy.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your purple cyclamen

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 cannot support the leaves. It is normal for the plant to have some stem length, but it should not look stretched or thin.

Stopping it coming back

Provide bright, indirect light and keep the plant in a cool environment. Rotate the pot every week to ensure even growth on all sides.

Purple cyclamen: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple cyclamen 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

Should I prune the leggy stems?: You can remove the longest, weakest stems to improve the plant's shape. Use sharp, clean scissors to cut them off close to the base.
Will it bloom if it is leggy?: A leggy plant often struggles to produce flowers because it is using its energy to stretch. Improving the light and temperature will help it focus on blooming.

Why is my Cyclamen purpurascens growing so leggy?