Light Stretching from low light
Long, sparse stems
Stems stretch abnormally and new leaves come out small and pale.
Also called: leggystretchedlow lightreaching
Severity
Keep an eye on it
Deal with it this week, before it spreads.
Parts affected
- Leaves
- Stems
- Flowers
- Fruit
- Roots
- Soil
Family
Light
Too dark or too harsh: the plant shows it in its stems and colours.
Understand
What is happening inside the plant
Too little light stops the plant photosynthesising properly, the process that turns light into growth.
In response it stretches: stems elongate abnormally and leaves come out paler and further apart, trying to reach more light. If the exposure is not improved, the plant weakens, drops its lower leaves and will not flower, which leaves it more vulnerable to disease.
Check
How to be sure
Tick what you can see on your plant.
Tick the signs you can see and the gauge will add them up.
Some signs match. If the rest does not fit, look at the related problems further down.
Most of the signs match: this is very likely it. What to do
Signs and causes
What you see, and why
Symptoms
- Stretched stems with wide gaps between the leaves
- New leaves smaller and paler than the older ones
- The plant losing its compact shape
Causes
- A spot too far from the window
- A north-facing window for a species that needs more
- A curtain or piece of furniture filtering light unnoticed
What to do
The action plan
In order. Tick each step once it is done.
0/3 done
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Move the plant closer to a window, avoiding harsh direct sun.
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Do it gradually, over a week, to avoid scorching.
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Prune the barest stems to encourage compact regrowth.
Prevent
Stopping it coming back
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Record the window orientation and distance in the plant record.
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Clean the glass: it holds back more light than you would think.
Questions
Common questions
Should I cut back the stretched stems?
Yes, once the plant is back in good light: they will never shorten. Prune above a node, and the regrowth will come back compact if the exposure is corrected.
Is a desk lamp enough?
No, a household bulb delivers a fraction of what is needed. A grow light a few tens of centimetres away, twelve hours a day, does the job.
How long before I see a change?
Two to four weeks for new leaves to come out at normal size. The old ones will stay as they are.
Minor Pale leaves, fading variegation
The foliage pales and white or cream variegation fades away.
Causes and fixes
Minor Stems leaning one way
The plant leans distinctly to one side, towards the window.
Causes and fixes
Keep an eye on it Sudden leaf drop
The plant sheds a lot of leaves suddenly after being moved.
Causes and fixes