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Leggy Growth on tradescantia

tradescantia with leggy growth

What's Happening

Low light causes stretching, but apical dominance also makes vines thin at the top naturally. Trailing vines eventually lose leaves near the base.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Move to bright indirect light (2000-5000 lux).

  2. 2

    Perform regular 'Chop n Prop': Cut stems and poke them back into the top soil.

  3. 3

    Prune vines to encourage lateral branching.

  4. 4

    Rotate weekly for even light exposure.

How to Prevent It

Provide 12+ hours of bright light. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Prune every 2-3 months to maintain shape.

Related Problems

Same Problem on Other Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes leggy growth on my plant?
Low light causes stretching, but apical dominance also makes vines thin at the top naturally. Trailing vines eventually lose leaves near the base.
How do I fix leggy growth?
Move to bright indirect light (2000-5000 lux).. Perform regular 'Chop n Prop': Cut stems and poke them back into the top soil..
How do I prevent leggy growth from happening again?
Provide 12+ hours of bright light. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Prune every 2-3 months to maintain shape.