Question
Hi, Will!

Having read your other answer re: Burro's Tail... I have another question.

My plant is very 'leggy' and sparse and is in a north-facing window here in New England. I see from your previous response that I should move it to a south-facing window, but I wonder if I should cut it way back before I move it. I don't want to have just 5 sticks with "jellybeans" on them - I've seen full, lush burro's tails and mine is just sad in comparison.

Thanks for any help!
helenel

Answer
Hi Helen,

The only way to eliminate the existing legginess is by pruning. That is because even in stronger light, new growth will only emerge at the ends of each stem. Pruning shortens the stem and makes the end closer to the pot or soil. New growth will emerge just below the point on the stem where you make the pruning cut.

In most instances the pruned stems will generate new growth. However, if the plant is very old, the older portions of the stems may not generate new growth so well. Therefore, I suggest you prune back just one especially leggy stem and see if it generates new growth. If it does, then  you can proceed to prune back the other stems all at once or one at a time so it doesn't look like it has been given a crew cut.

I have written an article on pruning that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC