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Check these first
- Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
- Check if the container is overcrowded with roots.
- Rotate the container to see if the plant leans toward the light.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are thin, weak, and leaning heavily to one side. The plant looks stretched out rather than full and dense.
What to do: Move the container to a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun or bright indirect light. If the plant is in a deep pond, consider raising it on a brick to get it closer to the surface.
Overcrowding
PossibleHow to tell: The stems are crowded and competing for space, leading to thin growth. This happens when the rhizomes have filled the entire container.
What to do: Divide the plant by removing it from the container and cutting the rhizome mass in half. Replant one section into fresh aquatic soil and discard or share the excess.
Find out what's wrong with your water horsetail
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
It is normal for the plant to grow tall, but it should remain upright. Worry if the stems are so weak they cannot support their own weight.
Stopping it coming back
Provide plenty of sunlight and divide the plant every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor.
Water horsetail: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water horsetail 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
- Can I prune it to make it bushier?
- Pruning the tops will not make it bushier, as horsetail grows from the base. It is better to provide more light.
- Will leggy stems recover?
- Leggy stems will not thicken up, but providing more light will ensure that new growth is strong and sturdy.
More problems with Water horsetail
Back to the Water horsetail 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.