Can I fix a leggy plant by just moving it?

Moving it to better light will stop the new growth from being leggy, but the existing long stems will not shrink. You may need to prune them to reset the shape.

How much should I prune?

You can safely remove up to one third of the plant's height. Always make your cuts just above a leaf node.

Why is my Sun spurge looking so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Measure the distance between the leaf nodes.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. If you are growing it indoors, a south facing window is best.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse even though it gets plenty of light. It has not been trimmed back in a long time.
What to do: Prune back the stems in early spring to encourage bushier growth. Wear gloves to protect your skin from the sap while you trim.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sun spurge

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 medical emergency, but the plant will become unstable if it gets too tall and thin. It is normal for the plant to grow taller as it matures.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Sun spurge in a bright, sunny location and prune it lightly each spring to maintain a compact shape.

Sun spurge: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sun spurge 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 fix a leggy plant by just moving it?: Moving it to better light will stop the new growth from being leggy, but the existing long stems will not shrink. You may need to prune them to reset the shape.
How much should I prune?: You can safely remove up to one third of the plant's height. Always make your cuts just above a leaf node.

Why is my Sun spurge looking so leggy?