From my perspective as an Anthurium, the primary reason I become "leggy" is a simple, desperate need for more light. The term you use, "leggy," or what botanists call etiolation, is my survival strategy. When I don't receive enough photons from the sun to fuel my energy production through photosynthesis, my entire growth program shifts. I begin to direct all my resources into elongating my stems and petioles (the leaf stalks) in a frantic attempt to "reach" for a better light source. My new leaves may become smaller and farther apart on the stem, as I prioritize stem growth over leaf development. It's not an aesthetic choice; it's a fundamental response to ensure my survival in a dim environment.
While light is the main culprit, a few other conditions can exacerbate my leggy appearance or mimic its symptoms. If my pot is too crowded and my roots have nowhere else to go, I can become top-heavy and unstable, making my growth seem spindly. Additionally, as I age, it is natural for me to lose some lower, older leaves, which can give me a more exposed, leggy base. However, this natural aging is a much slower process than the rapid, weak growth caused by insufficient light.
To help me regain my compact, bushy form, you will need to take a few direct actions. The most effective solution is to carefully prune me. Using a clean, sharp tool, you can cut back the overly long stems. Make your cuts just above a node (the bump on the stem where a leaf was attached), as this is where new growth will emerge. This process signals to me to stop investing in vertical growth and to instead branch out from the point of the cut. Furthermore, if my legginess is severe, you might consider propagating me. You can take the stem cuttings you removed, ensure they have a few nodes, and root them in water or sphagnum moss. This not only creates new, compact plants but also encourages the original plant to produce fresh growth from the base.
Prevention is about providing me with the consistent, ideal conditions I crave. First and foremost, you must find me a brighter spot. I need plenty of bright, indirect light to thrive. An east-facing window is often perfect, or a few feet back from a south or west window where the harsh afternoon sun won't scorch my beautiful leaves. If such a spot isn't available, please consider using a grow light to supplement my light intake. Secondly, remember to rotate my pot a quarter turn every time you water me. This ensures all sides of my foliage receive equal light, preventing me from leaning and stretching toward one single light source. Finally, repot me every two to three years into a pot only slightly larger than the last. This gives my roots room to grow, which in turn supports healthier, more balanced top growth.
