From our perspective, the condition you describe as "leggy and sparse" is a direct survival response to inadequate environmental conditions. It is a process known as etiolation. Our primary directive is to seek out sunlight, the essential energy source for photosynthesis. When we are planted in a location that receives insufficient light, our stems begin to elongate rapidly. We are not simply growing; we are straining, reaching, and stretching our internodes (the sections of stem between leaves) in a desperate attempt to locate a stronger light source. This rapid vertical growth comes at a significant cost. The energy that would normally be allocated to producing lush, abundant foliage and vibrant blooms is diverted almost entirely to stem elongation. The result is a plant that is tall but weak, with large gaps between leaves, giving us a sparse and unattractive appearance.
The most effective action you can take for us is a significant pruning. Do not be afraid; this is not a punishment but a rejuvenation. By cutting our stems back by one-third to one-half of their height, you are fundamentally resetting our growth pattern. Make your cuts just above a leaf node (the point on the stem where a leaf is attached). This node is a hub of meristematic cells, which are essentially undifferentiated cells waiting for a signal to grow. Your pruning cut removes the apical dominance—the hormonal control exerted by the main, upward-growing stem tip. This signals the lower leaf nodes to activate and produce two new lateral branches. From a single cut, you will often get two new stems, which will lead to a denser, bushier form. This process redirects our energy from vertical striving to outward, fuller growth.
Pruning alone is a temporary fix if the underlying cause is not addressed. You must move us to a location that provides the light conditions we crave. We prefer bright, indirect light. Direct, intense afternoon sun can scorch our tender leaves and cause wilting, but deep shade continues the cycle of legginess. An east-facing location that receives gentle morning sun is often ideal. Furthermore, ensure we are receiving adequate hydration and nutrition. Our shallow root systems require consistent moisture, but not waterlogged soil. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every few weeks provides the essential nutrients to support the vigorous new growth you are encouraging through pruning.
The stems you remove during pruning need not be wasted. They hold the potential for new life. You can easily propagate new, compact plants from these cuttings. Simply take a 3-4 inch cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place the stripped stem in a glass of water or directly into a moist potting mix. Within one to two weeks, roots will begin to develop from the nodes. This creates a new generation of plants that you can start in optimal light conditions from the very beginning, ensuring they grow into the bushy, floriferous specimens we are meant to be. This is the most rewarding way to turn a problem of legginess into an opportunity for abundance.
