Can I prune back leggy stems?

Yes, pruning will encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller. Just make sure to cut just above a leaf node.

Will it recover if I move it?

The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be much sturdier and more compact. You can prune the old stems once the new growth appears.

Why is my Siberian rocket getting so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of light the plant receives daily.
Rotate the pot every week to ensure even growth.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.

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 the plant to a brighter location with more indirect light. If it is indoors, a south or west facing window is usually best.
Excessive Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows very fast but the stems are weak and floppy. This often happens if you use a high nitrogen fertilizer too frequently.
What to do: Switch to a balanced fertilizer and reduce the frequency of feeding. Prune back the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your siberian rocket

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 a cosmetic issue that does not usually kill the plant. It is only a concern if the stems become too weak to support the foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Provide adequate light and prune the plant back in early spring to promote a compact shape.

Siberian rocket: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your siberian rocket 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 prune back leggy stems?: Yes, pruning will encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller. Just make sure to cut just above a leaf node.
Will it recover if I move it?: The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be much sturdier and more compact. You can prune the old stems once the new growth appears.

Why is my Siberian rocket getting so leggy?