Will the stems fill back in?

They won't grow leaves where they have already fallen off, but pruning will encourage new stems to grow from the base.

Can I put it in full sun?

Yes, Mexican Fleabane thrives in full sun to partial shade. More light will help keep it compact and encourage more flowers.

Mexican fleabane: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Check if the plant has been in a dark corner for a long time.
Look for large gaps between the leaves on the stems.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light. If it is indoors, a south or west facing window is usually best.
Lack of Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is old and has long, woody stems with very little foliage near the base. It looks sparse rather than bushy.
What to do: Trim back the long stems by one third to encourage new, bushier growth. Do this in the spring to help the plant fill out.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mexican fleabane

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 not a health emergency, but it does mean your plant is not getting what it needs to look its best. It is normal for older stems to lose some leaves, but the whole plant should not look thin.

Stopping it coming back

Rotate your pot every few weeks so all sides get equal light. Prune lightly after the main flowering season to keep the shape compact.

Mexican fleabane: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mexican fleabane 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

Will the stems fill back in?: They won't grow leaves where they have already fallen off, but pruning will encourage new stems to grow from the base.
Can I put it in full sun?: Yes, Mexican Fleabane thrives in full sun to partial shade. More light will help keep it compact and encourage more flowers.

Why is my Mexican Fleabane looking thin and stretched?