Should I prune the leggy stems?

Yes, you can trim back the longest stems to encourage fuller growth. Always use clean, sharp scissors to make the cuts.

Will it grow back bushy?

If you provide more light after pruning, the plant will likely produce new, stronger growth from the base.

Kidneyleaf buttercup: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct light the plant receives.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Measure the distance between the leaves on the main stem.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and weak, and the space between leaves is much larger than usual.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with more direct or bright indirect light. Aim for a location that gets at least 6 hours of light daily.
High Temperatures
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows very fast but the stems are thin and floppy.
What to do: Move the plant to a cooler area of your home, ideally away from heating vents. Cooler temperatures help the plant grow more compactly.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kidneyleaf buttercup

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 stretch slightly during the darker winter months. You should worry if the stems become so weak they cannot support their own weight.

Stopping it coming back

Rotate your pot every week so all sides receive equal light exposure.

Kidneyleaf buttercup: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kidneyleaf buttercup 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

Should I prune the leggy stems?: Yes, you can trim back the longest stems to encourage fuller growth. Always use clean, sharp scissors to make the cuts.
Will it grow back bushy?: If you provide more light after pruning, the plant will likely produce new, stronger growth from the base.

Why is my kidneyleaf buttercup growing tall and thin?