Can I trim the long leaves?

You can carefully trim the tips if they are brown or damaged, but avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue. Trimming will not fix the legginess, which is a growth habit issue.

Will the plant return to its original shape?

Existing leggy growth will not shrink back, but new leaves will grow in more compactly once the plant receives better light. You can eventually remove the older, stretched leaves once the new growth is established.

Why does my Tillandsia look leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant to a brighter location.
Check that the plant is not sitting in a dark, stagnant corner.
Ensure the plant dries completely within 4 hours of watering.

Likely causes

Low Light Conditions
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves are growing long, thin, and spaced far apart rather than in a tight, dense cluster. The plant may also lean heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Relocate the plant to a brighter area with filtered, indirect light. Rotate the plant every few days to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure.
Inadequate Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks weak and the leaves are drooping or losing their natural curve. This often happens when the plant stays damp for too long in a stagnant environment.
What to do: Place the plant in an area with better airflow, such as near a window that can be opened occasionally. Ensure you are shaking off excess water after every soak to prevent the base from staying soggy.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your air plant

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

It is not a sign of an immediate emergency, but it indicates the plant is struggling to thrive. If the leaves become mushy or turn black, that is a sign of rot rather than just legginess.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your air plant in a spot with bright, indirect light and good air movement to maintain its natural, compact shape.

Air plant: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

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

Can I trim the long leaves?: You can carefully trim the tips if they are brown or damaged, but avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue. Trimming will not fix the legginess, which is a growth habit issue.
Will the plant return to its original shape?: Existing leggy growth will not shrink back, but new leaves will grow in more compactly once the plant receives better light. You can eventually remove the older, stretched leaves once the new growth is established.

Why does my Tillandsia look leggy?