Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
- Measure the distance between leaf nodes to see if they are stretched out.
- Check if the plant has been pruned recently.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move your plant to a brighter location that receives full sun or bright indirect light. Rotate the pot every week so all sides get even exposure.
Lack of Pruning
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant is tall and sparse but otherwise healthy. It has not been trimmed back during the growing season.
What to do: Prune the top stems back by a few inches to encourage bushier growth. Regular pinching of the tips helps the plant fill out rather than growing straight up.
Find out what's wrong with your motherwort
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.
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When to worry
Legginess is rarely fatal but it makes the plant look weak. It is normal for the plant to grow tall as it matures, but it should still look sturdy.
Stopping it coming back
Provide plenty of light and prune the tips regularly to keep the plant compact and full.
Motherwort: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your motherwort 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
- Will my leggy stems fill back in?
- The existing stems will not grow new leaves in the bare spots. Pruning them will encourage new, fuller growth from the base.
- How much light does Motherwort need?
- It thrives in full sun to partial shade. If you are growing it indoors, a bright window is best.
More problems with Motherwort
- Why are there bugs on my Motherwort?
- Why does my Motherwort have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Motherwort drooping?
- Why is my Motherwort showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my Motherwort's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Motherwort leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Motherwort losing its leaves?
- Why are my Motherwort 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.