Will my leggy plant recover?

Yes, once you provide better light and prune it back, it will grow in much fuller. It just needs a little time to adjust.

Can I grow this in full shade?

While it tolerates some shade, it will become leggy without enough light. Aim for bright, indirect light for the best results.

Water forget-me-not: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of light the plant receives.
Rotate the pot to ensure all sides get equal light.
Trim back the longest stems to encourage branching.

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 spot with brighter, indirect light. If indoors, place it near a south or west facing window.
Lack of Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse but otherwise healthy and green. It has not been trimmed back in several months.
What to do: Prune back the stems by one third to encourage bushier growth. Do this in early summer to help the plant fill out before the season ends.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your water forget-me-not

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

Some stretching is normal as the plant matures or prepares to bloom. Worry if the stems become so weak they cannot support their own weight.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of bright light and prune the stems regularly during the growing season. This keeps the plant compact and full.

Water forget-me-not: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water forget-me-not 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

Will my leggy plant recover?: Yes, once you provide better light and prune it back, it will grow in much fuller. It just needs a little time to adjust.
Can I grow this in full shade?: While it tolerates some shade, it will become leggy without enough light. Aim for bright, indirect light for the best results.

Why is my water forget-me-not looking so leggy?