Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Move the plant closer to a bright window.
- Check if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
- Look for signs of new growth near the base.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are stretching out with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with full sun or bright, indirect light. Rotate the pot every week to ensure all sides get even exposure.
Lack of pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is tall and sparse with very few side branches. The main stems look thin and weak.
What to do: Prune back the long, straggly stems by one third to encourage bushier growth. Do this in early spring before the new leaves emerge.
Find out what's wrong with your eared willow
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
It is normal for a willow to grow quickly in spring, but if the growth is weak and spindly, it needs more light. It is not a sign of disease.
Stopping it coming back
Provide consistent bright light and prune annually to maintain a compact shape.
Eared willow: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eared willow 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my willow grow back if I cut it?
- Yes, willows respond very well to pruning. It will actually encourage the plant to grow thicker and fuller.
- How much light does this plant need?
- It prefers full sun to partial shade. If you are growing it indoors, place it in the brightest spot you have.
More problems with eared willow
- Why does my eared willow have dark spots on its leaves?
- Why are there tiny bugs on my eared willow?
- Why is my eared willow drooping?
- Why is my eared willow losing its leaves?
- Why are my eared willow's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my eared willow's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Salix aurita showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my Salix aurita leaves curling?
Back to the eared willow 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.