Understanding Why Your Succulent is Growing Tall

Succulents are beloved for their cute, compact size and unique appearance, but what do you do when your succulent starts to grow tall and lose its signature look? If you’re feeling alarmed by this sudden change, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This is a common issue known as etiolated growth, and there’s a straightforward explanation for why your succulent is behaving this way. In this article, we’ll delve into why your succulent is growing tall, what causes this phenomenon, and how you can fix it to restore your plant to its former glory.

What is Etiolated Growth?

When succulents that are supposed to have a compact growth habit start growing tall and lanky, it’s referred to as etiolated growth or becoming “leggy.” This type of growth results in a succulent with a long stem or branches that have leaves spaced far apart from each other. The leaves may also appear smaller and less vibrant than usual. While etiolation can affect various types of succulents, it’s particularly noticeable in rosette-shaped succulents like echeveria or sempervivum, which are sought after for their compact form.

Identifying the Causes of Etiolated Growth

Etiolated growth occurs when succulents don’t receive adequate sunlight, causing them to stretch out in search of light. Your plant may literally be reaching towards the nearest light source in an attempt to fulfill its light requirements. Succulents thrive in bright, sunny conditions, especially those native to deserts. Therefore, if your succulent is placed in a dimly lit area, it’s no wonder it’s growing leggy. To rectify this, ensure your succulent receives at least five to six hours of direct sunlight daily, or consider using a grow light to provide the necessary light intensity.

While insufficient light is a primary cause of leggy growth, it can also result from warm temperatures and excessive moisture. To prevent etiolated growth, maintain a balance of sunlight, temperature, and watering practices suited to your succulent’s needs.

Rectifying Leggy Succulents

Unfortunately, once a succulent has become leggy, you can’t reverse the damage that’s already been done. However, you can modify its environment to promote healthy growth in the future. By moving your succulent closer to a light source and ensuring it receives adequate sunlight, you can prevent further etiolation. Gradually increase the amount of sunlight to avoid sunburn on the leaves.

If the leggy appearance of your succulent bothers you, there’s an alternative solution: propagating the plant. While propagating succulents may seem daunting, it’s a simple process that can result in a healthier-looking succulent and potentially multiple new plants.

Steps to Propagate a Leggy Succulent

Propagating a leggy succulent is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to propagate your succulent and transform it into multiple plants:

1. Prepare the Succulent: Using sharp pruning shears, cut off the top part of the succulent where the leggy growth begins. Leave 1 to 2 inches of the bottom portion in the pot with 2 to 3 leaves for optimal results.

2. Prepare the Cuttings: Trim the top stem cutting to your desired height, leaving at least 1 to 2 inches of stem. Gently remove the leaves along the stem, twisting them until they come off. Leave the top few leaves intact on the stem cutting.

3. Lay the Leaves: Place the removed leaves on top of a well-draining soil mix in a tray or small pot. Ensure they receive adequate light in a bright location.

4. Plant the Stem Cutting: Fill a small pot with moist, well-draining succulent soil and plant the top stem cutting. Push the bare stem into the soil until the remaining leaves rest slightly above the surface.

5. Provide Care: Place the potted stem cutting in a brightly lit area. It should develop roots within a few days to a few weeks. The base plant should also start producing offshoots in 2-3 weeks.

By following these steps and providing your propagations with sufficient light and proper watering, you can successfully propagate your leggy succulent and rejuvenate its appearance.

Conclusion

While the sight of a tall, leggy succulent can be concerning, understanding the causes and solutions to this issue can help you restore your plant to its compact, vibrant state. By providing your succulents with ample sunlight and appropriate care, you can prevent etiolated growth and enjoy healthy, thriving plants in your home. Remember, propagating a leggy succulent is a fun and simple way to create new plants while rejuvenating your existing succulent collection. Embrace the process of learning about your succulents’ needs and watch as they flourish under your attentive care.