Will the leggy stems fill back in?

Once a stem is leggy, it will not grow leaves in the bare spots. It is best to prune it back to encourage new, compact growth.

Can I grow this in full shade?

While it tolerates shade, it prefers bright, indirect light. Too much shade will almost always lead to a leggy, weak plant.

Southern running-cedar: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the light levels in the plant's current spot.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Assess if the stems have enough space to grow.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are stretching out with large gaps between the leaves.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with consistent, bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Lack of Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse but otherwise healthy in color.
What to do: Gently trim back the longest stems to encourage fuller, bushier growth. Do this in the spring when the plant is actively growing.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your southern running-cedar

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 rarely fatal but indicates the plant is unhappy with its environment. It is normal for the plant to grow slightly thinner during the darker winter months.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright, indirect light throughout the year. Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides receive equal light.

Southern running-cedar: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your southern running-cedar 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.

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Questions people ask

Will the leggy stems fill back in?: Once a stem is leggy, it will not grow leaves in the bare spots. It is best to prune it back to encourage new, compact growth.
Can I grow this in full shade?: While it tolerates shade, it prefers bright, indirect light. Too much shade will almost always lead to a leggy, weak plant.

Why is my Southern running-cedar looking so leggy?