Should I fertilize to fix legginess?

No, fertilizing a plant that is not getting enough light will only cause it to grow faster and become even leggier. Fix the light situation first.

How much should I prune?

You can safely remove up to 20 percent of the canopy at one time. Focus on cutting back the longest, most sparse branches.

Why is my Chinese elm looking leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the light levels in the current location.
Check if the tree is leaning toward a light source.
Assess if the branches have been pruned in the last few months.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The tree leans heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move the tree to a spot with bright, indirect light or full sun. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week to ensure even growth on all sides.
Lack of Pruning
Most likely
How to tell: The branches grow long and wild without any bushy shape. New growth only appears at the very tips of the branches.
What to do: Trim back the long, leggy stems to just above a leaf node. This encourages the tree to branch out and grow more densely.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chinese elm

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 a common aesthetic issue and is rarely fatal. It is normal for the tree to stretch slightly during the darker winter months.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your tree regularly during the growing season to maintain its shape. Keep it in a bright location to prevent the need for stretching.

Chinese elm: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese elm 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 fertilize to fix legginess?: No, fertilizing a plant that is not getting enough light will only cause it to grow faster and become even leggier. Fix the light situation first.
How much should I prune?: You can safely remove up to 20 percent of the canopy at one time. Focus on cutting back the longest, most sparse branches.

Why is my Chinese elm looking leggy?