Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe how many hours of direct or bright light the plant gets.
- Check if the plant is leaning heavily toward a window or light source.
- Look for long, bare stretches of stem between the leaves.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
PossibleHow to tell: The stems stretch out with large gaps between the leaves as the plant reaches for a light source. The foliage may also look sparse or pale.
What to do: Move your magnolia to a spot where it gets at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light or partial sun. If it is indoors, place it directly in front of a south or west facing window.
Lack of pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant grows tall and thin with branches that do not branch out or fill in. This is common in older magnolias that have not been shaped.
What to do: Prune back the long, thin stems in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth. Cut just above a leaf node to stimulate new branches to emerge.
Find out what's wrong with your magnolia
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 a sign of a dying plant, but it does affect the aesthetic. It is normal for a young magnolia to grow a bit lanky before it establishes a strong structure.
Stopping it coming back
Provide adequate light from the start and prune lightly each year to maintain a compact shape. Rotate your container plant occasionally to ensure even growth on all sides.
Magnolia: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your magnolia 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
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Questions people ask
- Will the bare stems fill in again?
- Usually, the bare sections will not grow new leaves. You will need to prune the stems back to encourage new, fuller growth from lower down.
- Can I prune my magnolia in the summer?
- It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Summer pruning can stress the plant and remove potential flower buds.
More problems with Magnolia
- Why are my magnolia's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my magnolia not producing flowers?
- Why is my magnolia tree losing its leaves?
- What are these spots on my magnolia leaves?
- Why do my magnolia leaves have brown tips?
- Why is my magnolia tree drooping?
- Why are there bugs on my magnolia?
- Is my magnolia suffering from root rot?
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.