Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe how many hours of light the plant receives daily.
- Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
- Look for signs of new growth near the base.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with more direct sun or brighter indirect light. If you are growing it indoors, consider using a grow light for 8 to 10 hours a day.
Lack of pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is healthy but has become overgrown and unruly. Older stems are losing their vigor.
What to do: Trim back the long stems by one third to encourage bushier growth. You can easily root the cuttings in water to start new plants.
Find out what's wrong with your brooklime
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 Brooklime to grow quickly, but if the stems are so weak they cannot support themselves, it needs more light. Pruning is a normal part of keeping this plant tidy.
Stopping it coming back
Give your Brooklime plenty of bright light and prune it back occasionally to keep it compact and full.
Brooklime: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your brooklime 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
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Questions people ask
- Should I cut back my leggy Brooklime?
- Yes, cutting it back will force the plant to branch out and grow thicker. It is a great way to rejuvenate a tired looking plant.
- How much sun does Brooklime need?
- It prefers full sun to partial shade. If you notice it getting leggy, move it to a brighter location.
More problems with Brooklime
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.