Can I prune a leggy plant to make it bushy?

You can pinch back the tips to encourage side growth. This helps the plant fill out rather than just growing straight up.

Will it recover if I move it to the sun?

The existing long stems will not shrink, but the new growth will be much sturdier and more compact.

Virginia pepperweed: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check how many hours of direct sun the plant receives daily.
Observe if the plant is leaning toward a window or light source.
See if other plants are shading it.

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 location that receives full, direct sun. If you are growing indoors, you may need a grow light to supplement the lack of natural sun.
Crowding
Possible
How to tell: The plant is growing tall because it is competing with other plants for light. It is trying to grow over its neighbors.
What to do: Give your plant more space by thinning out nearby plants or moving it to its own container. This ensures it gets light on all sides.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your virginia pepperweed

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 normal for the plant to grow tall as it matures and prepares to flower. You should only worry if the stems are so weak that they cannot support their own weight.

Stopping it coming back

Place the plant in a spot with full sun from the start. Rotate the pot every few days to ensure even growth on all sides.

Virginia pepperweed: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your virginia pepperweed 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 a leggy plant to make it bushy?: You can pinch back the tips to encourage side growth. This helps the plant fill out rather than just growing straight up.
Will it recover if I move it to the sun?: The existing long stems will not shrink, but the new growth will be much sturdier and more compact.

Why is my Virginia pepperweed growing so tall and thin?