Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the plant is in a dark corner.
- Observe if the plant is leaning toward a window.
- Measure the distance between the leaves.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long with large gaps between the leaves.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter spot, such as a window with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct midday sun which can burn the leaves.
Lack of pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is tall but otherwise healthy.
What to do: Trim the stems back to encourage bushier growth. You can propagate the cuttings in water or soil.
Find out what's wrong with your kalanchoe
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 does mean the plant is not getting what it needs. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly as it ages.
Stopping it coming back
Place your plant in a bright location and prune it back after it finishes blooming to keep it compact.
Kalanchoe: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kalanchoe 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 fix a leggy plant?
- Yes, move it to better light and prune the long stems. The plant will grow back fuller over time.
- Does my plant need direct sun?
- It prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can cause the leaves to turn red or develop brown burn spots.
More problems with Kalanchoe
- Why is my Flaming Katy drooping and looking mushy?
- What are these white cottony spots on my Flaming Katy?
- Why are my Kalanchoe leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Kalanchoe dropping its leaves?
- Why won't my Kalanchoe bloom?
- Why are my Kalanchoe's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Kalanchoe drooping?
- Why are there spots on my Kalanchoe leaves?
- Why are my Kalanchoe 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.