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Check these first
- Observe the current light levels throughout the day.
- Check if the plant is being shaded by taller nearby vegetation.
- Measure the distance between leaf nodes on the stem.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems stretch out and look thin or weak as they reach for a light source. You will notice large gaps between the leaves.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, place it directly in a south facing window.
Overcrowding
PossibleHow to tell: Plants growing too close together compete for resources and light, causing them to grow tall and spindly. The stems will lean away from each other.
What to do: Thin out the planting area by removing excess stems to allow better airflow and light penetration. Ensure each plant has at least 6 to 10 inches of space.
Find out what's wrong with your lesser spearwort
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
Worry if the stems become so weak they cannot support themselves or fall over completely. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly if it is in partial shade rather than full sun.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant in a bright, sunny location and provide adequate spacing between individual plants.
Lesser spearwort: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lesser spearwort 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 leggy stems?
- Yes, you can trim back the long, weak stems to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure the plant still has enough foliage to photosynthesize.
- Will my plant recover if I move it to more sun?
- The existing stems will not shrink back, but new growth should be much tighter and stronger. You can prune the old leggy stems once the new growth appears.
More problems with Lesser spearwort
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Back to the Lesser spearwort guide
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.