Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant receives.
- Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
- Feel the stems to see if they are firm or soft.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long with large gaps between the leaves. The plant looks thin rather than compact.
What to do: Move the plant to a location that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you are indoors, a south facing window is best.
Too Much Fertilizer
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is growing very fast but the stems are weak and floppy.
What to do: Stop fertilizing for the season. Ice plants prefer lean soil and do not need much food to stay healthy.
Find out what's wrong with your delosperma
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 not fatal but it makes the plant look untidy. It is normal for the plant to grow slightly faster in the peak of summer, but it should remain compact.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your ice plant in the sunniest spot you have. Avoid overfeeding to keep growth slow and steady.
Delosperma: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your delosperma 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 prune a leggy ice plant?
- Yes, you can trim back the long stems to encourage bushier growth. The cuttings can often be rooted in new soil.
- Will the stems fill back in?
- The existing stems will not fill in, but new growth from the base will be more compact if the light is sufficient.
More problems with Delosperma
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.