Can I prune back leggy stems?

Yes, you can trim back the long stems to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure you provide more light afterward so it does not grow back the same way.

Will my plant recover its shape?

It will start growing more compactly once it gets enough light. The old, stretched stems will not shrink, so you may want to prune them to help the plant look better.

Why is my Deptford pink looking so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant to a brighter location.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
Assess if the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and weak with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest window or light source.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If you are growing indoors, place it in a south facing window or use a strong grow light.
Excessive Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by over fertilizing with high nitrogen products. The plant grows quickly but the stems remain soft and floppy.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Switch to a balanced, low strength fertilizer once in the spring to encourage sturdier growth.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your deptford pink

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

It is time to worry if the stems are so weak they cannot support their own weight. Some stretching is normal if the plant is transitioning from a nursery to your home.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Deptford pink in a spot with full, direct sun throughout the day.

Deptford pink: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your deptford pink 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 long stems to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure you provide more light afterward so it does not grow back the same way.
Will my plant recover its shape?: It will start growing more compactly once it gets enough light. The old, stretched stems will not shrink, so you may want to prune them to help the plant look better.

Why is my Deptford pink looking so leggy?