Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe the light levels in your plant's current location.
- Check for nearby plants that might be blocking the sun.
- Measure the distance between the leaf nodes on the stem.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems stretch out with large gaps between the leaves as the plant reaches for more light. The foliage may also look paler than usual.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives full sun or at least bright partial shade. If you are growing it indoors, place it directly in a south or west facing window.
Crowded conditions
PossibleHow to tell: The plant grows tall and thin because it is competing with other nearby plants for space and light. You might notice the stems leaning heavily in one direction.
What to do: Thin out the planting area to give each Lizard's tail enough room to spread. Ensure no other plants are casting a shadow over your specimen.
Find out what's wrong with your lizard's tail
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 this plant to grow tall during the peak of summer, but if it looks weak or flops over, it needs more light. Do not worry if the plant is just reaching its natural height of 2 to 4 feet.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your Lizard's tail in a bright location with plenty of direct sun to ensure sturdy, compact growth.
Lizard's tail: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lizard's tail 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
- Can I trim back a leggy Lizard's tail?
- Yes, you can prune back the stems to encourage a bushier shape. Just make sure to keep the soil consistently wet after pruning.
- Will my plant stop being leggy if I move it?
- It will stop producing new leggy growth once it has more light. The existing stems will not shrink, but the new leaves will be closer together.
More problems with Lizard's tail
Back to the Lizard's tail 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.