Can I prune back the long stems?

Yes, you can trim back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Use clean scissors to snip just above a leaf node.

Will it bloom if it is leggy?

A leggy plant often lacks the energy to produce flowers. Improving the light quality is the best way to help it bloom again.

Why is my Marsh violet looking so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the distance between the leaves on the stems.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Measure the temperature near the plant.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems grow long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the pot to a spot with brighter indirect light. If you are growing it indoors, place it within 2 feet of a window that gets filtered morning sun.
High temperatures
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but heat stress makes it grow rapidly and weakly. It usually happens when the plant is kept in a room above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do: Relocate the plant to a cooler area of your home. Keep it away from heating vents or radiators that dry out the air and increase ambient heat.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh violet

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 normal for the plant to stretch slightly during the darker winter months. Worry only if the stems become so weak they cannot support their own weight.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright indirect light throughout the growing season to keep growth compact.

Marsh violet: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh violet 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 prune back the long stems?: Yes, you can trim back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Use clean scissors to snip just above a leaf node.
Will it bloom if it is leggy?: A leggy plant often lacks the energy to produce flowers. Improving the light quality is the best way to help it bloom again.

Why is my Marsh violet looking so leggy?