Should I prune the long stems?

You can trim back overly long stems to encourage a bushier shape. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just above a leaf node.

Will my Scilla flower if it is leggy?

A leggy plant often lacks the energy to bloom well. Improving the light conditions is the best way to encourage future flowering.

Squill: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
Measure the distance between the leaves on the stem.
Check if the plant is in a room that is too warm.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long, thin, and pale, and the leaves are spaced far apart. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light or partial sun. Rotate the pot every week to ensure all sides get even exposure.
Excessive Heat
Most likely
How to tell: The plant grows rapidly but the stems are weak and floppy. This often happens if the plant is kept in a room that stays too warm during its dormant period.
What to do: Move the plant to a cooler location, ideally around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps the plant maintain a compact and healthy growth habit.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your squill

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

Leggy growth is not fatal but it indicates the plant is not thriving. It is normal for the plant to look a bit sparse as it prepares to go dormant.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright light throughout the growing season and keep the plant in a cooler spot during its rest period.

Squill: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your squill 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 long stems?: You can trim back overly long stems to encourage a bushier shape. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just above a leaf node.
Will my Scilla flower if it is leggy?: A leggy plant often lacks the energy to bloom well. Improving the light conditions is the best way to encourage future flowering.

Why is my Scilla looking leggy and stretched out?