Will the leggy stems fill back in?

Usually, the bare parts of the stem will not grow new leaves. It is better to prune those stems back to encourage new, leafy growth.

Can I propagate the cuttings I prune off?

Yes, you can place the healthy stem cuttings in water or moist soil to start new plants.

Bobo: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Rotate the pot every week to ensure even light exposure.
Check if the plant is crowded by other objects.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant will also lean heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a south or west facing window where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sun. If you cannot provide enough natural light, use a strong grow light.
Lack of pruning
Most likely
How to tell: The plant grows tall and sparse rather than bushy. This is common as the plant matures.
What to do: Prune the tips of the stems back by 2 to 3 inches to encourage branching. Do this in the early spring to promote a fuller shape.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bobo

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

Legginess is not a disease but a sign of poor environment. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly during the short days of winter.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a bright, sunny spot and prune it regularly to maintain a compact shape.

Bobo: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bobo 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

Will the leggy stems fill back in?: Usually, the bare parts of the stem will not grow new leaves. It is better to prune those stems back to encourage new, leafy growth.
Can I propagate the cuttings I prune off?: Yes, you can place the healthy stem cuttings in water or moist soil to start new plants.

Why is my Tessaria integrifolia looking leggy?