Can I propagate the stems I prune off?

Yes, you can easily root the cuttings in water or moist soil. This is a great way to start new plants.

Will the leggy stems fill back in?

They will not fill in on the bare parts, but pruning them will encourage new, healthy growth from the base. This makes the plant look much fuller over time.

Why is my Spanish Shawl looking leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant closer to a window.
Check if the plant is leaning toward the light.
Trim back the longest stems to encourage fullness.

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 spot with bright indirect light. If you do not have a bright window, consider using a grow light for 8 to 10 hours a day.
Lack of Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is old and has long, bare stems. It looks sparse rather than full and bushy.
What to do: Trim back the long stems to encourage new, bushier growth. You can prune the plant by one third to help it regain its shape.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spanish shawl

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 not a sign of disease, but it does mean the plant is not thriving. It is normal for older plants to lose some lower leaves, but extreme stretching indicates a need for more light.

Stopping it coming back

Provide bright indirect light year round to keep the growth compact. Prune your plant lightly after the flowering season to maintain a bushy form.

Spanish Shawl: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spanish shawl 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 propagate the stems I prune off?: Yes, you can easily root the cuttings in water or moist soil. This is a great way to start new plants.
Will the leggy stems fill back in?: They will not fill in on the bare parts, but pruning them will encourage new, healthy growth from the base. This makes the plant look much fuller over time.

Why is my Spanish Shawl looking leggy?