Can I cut the stems back?

Yes, you can prune the stems to make the plant look fuller. The cuttings can often be rooted in soil to start new plants.

Will the stems shrink back down?

No, the stretched parts will not shrink. You must prune them or wait for new, healthy growth to replace them.

Panda plant: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess the current light levels.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Measure the distance between leaves.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant has long gaps between the leaves and the stems look thin and weak.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location, such as a window with bright, indirect light. You may need to prune the long stems to encourage bushier growth.
Seasonal Changes
Possible
How to tell: The plant stretches during the winter months when days are shorter.
What to do: Place the plant in your brightest window during winter. If natural light is too low, consider using a grow light for 8 to 10 hours a day.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your panda plant

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 disease, but it does make the plant prone to tipping over. It is normal for the plant to grow slowly, but it should remain compact.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright, indirect light throughout the year to keep the growth tight and sturdy.

Panda plant: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your panda plant 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 cut the stems back?: Yes, you can prune the stems to make the plant look fuller. The cuttings can often be rooted in soil to start new plants.
Will the stems shrink back down?: No, the stretched parts will not shrink. You must prune them or wait for new, healthy growth to replace them.

Why is my Panda Plant getting so tall and stretched out?