Leggy Maranta Lemon-Lime - Ask Extension
Hi, my Maranta Lemon-Lime has gotten very leggy. What are my pruning options please? Thanks.
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Leggy Maranta Lemon-Lime #929315
Asked April 23, 2026, 8:26 AM EDT
Hi, my Maranta Lemon-Lime has gotten very leggy. What are my pruning options please? Thanks.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Nancy,
Your Maranta Lemon Lime plant has grown past the ideal size for pruning. That said, you can start the process and continue it over time.
Look along one of the stems and locate a small brown swollen bump on the stem; then cut that stem such that the node is retained with sharp clean shears. New leaves should emerge from that node.
Because you want to remove no more than 30% of the foliage, try pruning one or two of the longest stems first and observe the response of the plant. If the plant responds well, continue the process with additional stems.
You can also clean up the appearance of the Maranta by trimming away the brown leaves from all of the stems. You can try rooting the stems which you have removed in water. Roots will grow from the nodes.
Continue to keep the plant in bright but indirect light and fertilize every two to four weeks with a half-strength houseplant solution in the spring and summer growing season. Keep it well watered during the growing season, but hold back during the fall and winter dormant times.
Thank you for your question.
Barbara
Your Maranta Lemon Lime plant has grown past the ideal size for pruning. That said, you can start the process and continue it over time.
Look along one of the stems and locate a small brown swollen bump on the stem; then cut that stem such that the node is retained with sharp clean shears. New leaves should emerge from that node.
Because you want to remove no more than 30% of the foliage, try pruning one or two of the longest stems first and observe the response of the plant. If the plant responds well, continue the process with additional stems.
You can also clean up the appearance of the Maranta by trimming away the brown leaves from all of the stems. You can try rooting the stems which you have removed in water. Roots will grow from the nodes.
Continue to keep the plant in bright but indirect light and fertilize every two to four weeks with a half-strength houseplant solution in the spring and summer growing season. Keep it well watered during the growing season, but hold back during the fall and winter dormant times.
Thank you for your question.
Barbara
