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Houseplants can bring life and color into any space, but sometimes they grow too tall and leggy, losing their lush appearance. Knowing how to identify and revive these plants can help you keep your indoor garden healthy and vibrant. Here are the top 7 leggy houseplants and tips on how to bring them back to their full potential.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is popular for its large, glossy leaves but can become leggy if it doesn’t receive enough light. The stems stretch out, leaving the plant looking sparse.
How to Revive
- Place the plant in a bright, indirect light location.
- Prune the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Ensure proper watering — keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos plants often become leggy when they lack sufficient light, causing their vines to stretch out and lose density.
How to Revive
- Increase light exposure with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Trim back the long vines to promote bushier growth.
- Provide regular watering, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly.
3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants can become leggy when they are stretched toward a light source, resulting in tall, sparse leaves.
How to Revive
- Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight.
- Remove any damaged or overgrown leaves.
- Repot if roots are crowded, using well-draining soil.
- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
4. Dracaena Marginata
This dracaena variety often becomes leggy with long, sparse stems when light is insufficient, or if it is overgrown.
How to Revive
- Place in a location with bright, filtered light.
- Prune the top to encourage fuller growth.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
5. Philodendron
Philodendrons can become leggy when they stretch towards a light source, leading to elongated stems and sparse foliage.
How to Revive
- Increase light exposure with bright, indirect light.
- Prune back the long, leggy stems.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
- Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
6. Monstera deliciosa
Monsteras tend to grow tall and leggy if they lack sufficient light, resulting in stretched leaves and sparse growth.
How to Revive
- Place in a bright, indirect light spot.
- Prune the top to encourage bushier growth.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens can become leggy with long, sparse stems if they are not receiving enough light or if they are overgrown.
How to Revive
- Move to a location with bright, indirect light.
- Trim back the leggy stems to promote fuller growth.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Feed monthly with a diluted houseplant fertilizer.