Can I prune the leggy stems?

Yes, you can trim the weak stems down to the base. This will encourage the plant to send up new, stronger shoots once it has better light.

Will my plant grow back upright?

If you provide more light, the new growth will be much sturdier. The old, leggy stems will likely remain floppy, so it is best to prune them away.

Why is my Juncus inflexus looking leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun hitting the plant.
Observe if the stems are leaning toward a specific window.
Check if the pot is overcrowded with old growth.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems grow tall, thin, and pale as they reach toward the nearest light source. The plant loses its stiff, upright habit and begins to lean or collapse.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, place it directly in a south facing window or use a high intensity grow light.
Crowding
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens when too many stems are packed into a small container. The stems compete for space and light, causing them to grow weak and spindly.
What to do: Divide the root ball into smaller clumps during the spring. Repot the divisions into fresh, moist soil to give each plant enough room to grow upright.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hard rush

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 a leggy plant will not recover its original shape. You should trim back the weak stems to encourage fresh, sturdy growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your hard rush in the brightest spot available to maintain its natural, rigid structure.

Hard rush: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hard rush 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 the leggy stems?: Yes, you can trim the weak stems down to the base. This will encourage the plant to send up new, stronger shoots once it has better light.
Will my plant grow back upright?: If you provide more light, the new growth will be much sturdier. The old, leggy stems will likely remain floppy, so it is best to prune them away.

Why is my Juncus inflexus looking leggy?