Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Evaluate the current light levels.
- Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
- Look for signs of new growth near the base.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light. Rotate the pot every week to ensure even growth on all sides.
Lack of Pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is tall and sparse despite being in a bright area.
What to do: Trim back the long stems to encourage bushier growth. You can propagate the cuttings in water to start new plants.
Find out what's wrong with your bear paw
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Legginess is not a disease, but it can make the plant look untidy. It is only a concern if the stems become too weak to support themselves.
Stopping it coming back
Prune your plant regularly and provide bright, indirect light to keep it compact.
Bear Paw: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bear paw 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I cut the long stems off?
- Yes, pruning is the best way to manage a leggy plant. It will grow back fuller.
- Will direct sun help?
- Avoid harsh, direct sun as it can burn the leaves. Stick to bright, indirect light.
More problems with Bear Paw
- Why is my Purple Passion Plant drooping?
- Why are my Purple Passion Plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my Purple Passion Plant have pests?
- How do I fix root rot on my Purple Passion Plant?
- Why are my Purple Passion Plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Purple Passion plant dropping leaves?
- Why does my Purple Passion plant have spots?
- Why are my Purple Passion plant's leaves curling?
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.