Can I prune back the leggy stems?

You can trim them back to encourage a bushier shape. Just make sure the plant is in a brighter spot first, or it will just grow back leggy again.

Will my plant recover its shape?

The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be much tighter and healthier once you provide more light.

Mouse-ear hawkweed: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Evaluate your recent fertilizing habits.

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 that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, a south facing window is best.
Excessive fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows very fast but the stems are weak and floppy. This often happens when the plant is given too much nitrogen.
What to do: Stop all fertilizing for the season. Allow the plant to grow slowly in its natural, sunny environment.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mouse-ear hawkweed

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

Legginess is not fatal, but it makes the plant prone to tipping over. It is a sign that your plant is not happy with its current location.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a bright, sunny location year round to ensure compact and healthy growth.

Mouse-ear hawkweed: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mouse-ear hawkweed 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 back the leggy stems?: You can trim them back to encourage a bushier shape. Just make sure the plant is in a brighter spot first, or it will just grow back leggy again.
Will my plant recover its shape?: The existing stems will not shrink, but new growth will be much tighter and healthier once you provide more light.

Why is my Mouse-ear hawkweed looking so leggy?