Can I prune back the leggy stems?

Yes, you can trim back overly long stems to improve the look of the plant. However, keep in mind that the plant needs its foliage to store energy for next year, so do not cut it down to the ground until the leaves turn yellow naturally.

Will moving it to more light fix the existing stems?

The stems that are already stretched will not shrink back to a compact size. Moving the plant to better light will ensure that any new growth comes in stronger and shorter.

Garden star of Bethlehem: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the plant for several hours to see if it is in deep shade.
Check if the stems are bending toward a window or light source.
Review your recent fertilizer schedule to see if you have applied too much.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems look thin and stretch out with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the pot to a location that receives full sun or at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. If you are growing it indoors, consider placing it directly in a south facing window.
Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant produces rapid, weak growth that cannot support its own weight. The foliage may look lush but the stems are unusually soft and floppy.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers during the active growing season. Switch to a balanced, low strength fertilizer once in early spring and avoid feeding again until the following year.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your garden star of bethlehem

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 foliage to start looking tired as the plant prepares to go dormant in summer. You should only worry if the stretching happens early in the spring when the plant should be compact.

Stopping it coming back

Place your bulbs in a spot that gets plenty of direct morning sun to keep the growth tight and sturdy.

Garden star of Bethlehem: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your garden star of bethlehem 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I prune back the leggy stems?: Yes, you can trim back overly long stems to improve the look of the plant. However, keep in mind that the plant needs its foliage to store energy for next year, so do not cut it down to the ground until the leaves turn yellow naturally.
Will moving it to more light fix the existing stems?: The stems that are already stretched will not shrink back to a compact size. Moving the plant to better light will ensure that any new growth comes in stronger and shorter.

Why is my Garden star of Bethlehem getting so leggy?