Succulents are popular houseplants known for their drought tolerance and diverse textures. From rosette-forming echeverias to trailing string of pearls, these plants thrive with minimal care when given proper conditions. However succulents will often start growing long pale stems, stretching upwards away from their compact form. This common issue, called etiolation, occurs when the plants don’t get adequate sunlight. Luckily, identifying and fixing etiolated succulents is quite simple. This article covers everything you need to know about succulent plants growing long stems and how to help them return to their natural beauty.
What is Etiolation in Succulents?
Etiolation refers to abnormal elongated growth in succulents and cacti caused by insufficient light exposure. The technical term comes from the French word “étioler” meaning to bleach or whiten. Without enough sun, succulents start to stretch and become leggy as they desperately seek out light sources to fuel growth and photosynthesis.
Signs of etiolation include
- Long, weak stems
- Sparse, pale leaves
- Leaves farther apart than normal
- Increased space between leaf pairs on rosettes
- Floppiness and inability to stand upright
This etiolated growth forms a stark contrast to the compact, vividly colored leaves of a healthy succulent. While not harmful, etiolation makes succulents appear unwell and compromises their natural beauty. The good news is etiolation can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Common Causes of Etiolation in Succulents
Insufficient sunlight is by far the most common trigger for etiolated growth in succulents. But what exactly constitutes “insufficient” light? Here are some common causes of etiolation:
- Growing indoors near a window lacking bright light
- Sitting too far from a window or light source
- Light blocked by curtains, blinds, or other objects
- Shaded outdoor location lacking 6+ hours of sun
- Sun intensity reduced in winter or due to obstacles
- Natural light replaced with weak artificial lighting
Succulents prefer full sun and need at least 6 hours of intense light daily for compact growth. Even a bright window may not provide enough sunlight, especially in winter when light levels drop. Always observe your succulents to see if they show signs of needing more light. Catching etiolation early makes it much easier to correct.
How to Fix Etiolated Succulents
The key to fixing an etiolated succulent is providing adequate sunlight to encourage tight, compact new growth. Here are some tips:
- Move to a brighter location. Rotate the plant frequently so all sides get sun.
- Add a grow light. Use an LED full spectrum grow light to supplement natural sunlight.
- Trim off pale leaves and stems. Cut back to just above the healthy, most compact growth.
- Allow cut ends to heal. Let sit for 2-4 days before replanting to prevent rot.
- Repot in fresh cactus/succulent mix. Bury trimmed stems to reroot and form new rosettes.
- Fertilize lightly. Use half strength balanced liquid fertilizer to support new growth.
With proper care, your succulent will soon produce colorful compact new leaves and stems. Continued ample sunlight prevents return of etiolation.
5 Tips to Prevent Etiolated Succulent Growth
Providing adequate sun is the number one way to prevent succulent etiolation in the first place. Here are 5 tips to keep your succulents happy and healthy:
- Situate plants in a south-facing window for maximum natural light.
- Turn plants frequently so all sides get direct sun exposure.
- Move outdoor succulents to full sun locations with 6+ hours of direct sunlight.
- Use sheer curtains or move plants back from windows to prevent sunburn.
- Supplement with grow lights if indoor natural light is inadequate.
The most common succulent etiolation mistakes involve insufficient sunlight intensity and duration. Get to know your succulents’ light needs and make adjustments as needed to keep them compact.
How to Identify Etiolated Succulent Varieties
Some succulents are more prone to etiolation when kept as houseplants. Here are a few to watch for leggy growth:
- Echeveria – Rosette-forming types stretch and spread out.
- Aeonium – Long bare stems and smaller heads.
- Sedum – Spacing between tightly packed leaves increases.
- Sempervivum – Leaves spread out on the rosette.
- Senecio – Normal bushy growth becomes leggy and sparse.
- Crassula – Compact plants stretch and leaves diminish.
- Kalanchoe – Leaves separate and stems elongate.
Pay extra attention to sunlight needs for these succulents. Provide supplemental lighting if required to prevent etiolation.
When to Prune Leggy Succulent Growth
Once succulent plants start elongating, the best way to restore their appearance is by pruning leggy growth. Time pruning to early spring through summer when plants are actively growing.
- Use sterile, sharp pruners or scissors to cut stems.
- Trim back to just above healthy, compact growth.
- Allow 2-4 days for cuts to heal before replanting.
- Repot in a suitable container with drainage holes.
- Bury pruned stems to reroot and form new rosettes.
Your succulent will soon sprout compact new growth from the trimmed stem. Regular pruning keeps plants shapely and healthy.
Enjoying Succulents’ Natural Beauty
When provided with ample sunlight, regular watering, and well-draining soil, succulents reward gardeners with their stunning colors, textures, and forms. Just a bit of attentive care enables you to enjoy these plants at their most beautiful natural state. If elongation occurs, a little pruning and extra sunlight quickly fixes the issue. With this guide’s help identifying, treating, and preventing stretched growth, you can successfully grow gorgeous succulents in any indoor setting.
Step Two: Remove Excess Leaves
You want to create a nice rosette shape, just like you probably had when you first bought your succulents, so remove any leaves that are below that. Save those leaves because you can actually plant them into soil and a whole new succulent will grow from each leaf!
It’s a good idea to expose any cuts or breaks you make in a succulent for one to two days. This allows it to kind of scab over and protects the succulent from bacterial infections that can occur if they’re exposed to any excess moisture. If you place your freshly cut succulents directly into the potting mix without air drying first, chances are that they’ll probably still dry just fine, it will just take a few days longer for the cuts to heal over and you increase the risk of something going wrong just a little bit. It’s up to you though!
In today’s post I’ll share how to fix leggy succulents just in case your favourite succulents have started to look a little bit stretched.
This is one of those little houseplant care tricks that I’d always heard was super easy to do, but that I’d never actually taken the time to learn myself. I was pretty much forced to, though, because eventually, all the potted succulents in our house were looking absolutely ridiculous, and I’m so glad to know about this indoor plant tip now. So easy! So satisfying! I think every gardener must come across this issue at some point. We visited a local greenhouse, Colasanti’s, a little over a year ago. Let me just say, that place is magical. Jack and Chris had a great time playing some mini golf while Kennedy and I got lost in the houseplant section filled with all kinds of tropical indoor plants and cacti. I bought way too many big plants, and Kennedy picked out a tiny little succulent container-garden, which has since become completely stretched out while sitting on our windowsill. So that’s what we’ll be working with today as we learn how to fix leggy succulents and allow them to thrive.
See also: How to Propagate a Succulent Plant
HOW TO FIX ELONGATED SUCCULENTS ( Secrets to Fast Propagation)ASMR
FAQ
Why is there a long stem coming out of my succulent?
Etiolation – If a succulent doesn’t get enough sunlight, it can start elongating and stretching toward light. This etiolation causes long, weak growth.Apr 10, 2023
How to fix succulent with long stems?
Using a sharp and sterilized knife, cut the succulent stem at the point on the stem where it begins to get leggy, making sure the lower portion of the stem …Mar 13, 2024
What is sprouting out of my succulent?
If you have been into succulents for quite some time now, you might have noticed that some of them develop thin white or pink roots growing out of their stem. These are called aerial roots.
Why is my plant growing a long stem?
If they’re living in too little light they’ll start hunting for more. Plants assume that they’ll find more light by growing straight up, because that’s where the sun should be, so they’ll grow long stems in an effort to reach the light.
Why do succulents grow long stems?
Succulents will grow long stems when they are not getting enough sunlight. This process is called etiolation, where they turn and stretch out in search of light, giving them a “leggy” appearance with a long stem and smaller, spaced-out leaves. Since all plants are different, it can be hard to know right away how much light your plant needs.
Can succulents grow too long?
Not for too long! These steps also work with succulents that have long stalks and are getting too tall. If you have succulent plants growing long stems, simply give them a good haircut. They can take it and will come back stronger than ever.
How long does it take for succulents to grow?
Make sure to give them adequate sunlight and mist when the soil is dry. As with stem cutting, the leaves will start to grow roots and baby plants after a few weeks. When propagating succulents, it’s important to remember that you will not always have a 100% success rate.
What is a long stem succulent?
Some of the long-stemmed succulent varieties are as follows: Sedum: Also known as stonecrop, Sedum plants are known for their fleshy leaves and long, trailing stems. They come in various colors and are great for hanging baskets or cascading over walls. Do succulents grow longer?
Can a succulent grow back to its original state?
A succulent that has stretched or grown a long stem cannot be reverted to its original state. However, the succulent can be brought back to health by cutting and repotting the plant to promote new growth. Succulents are simple to care for, making them a favorite for indoor containers and houseplant greenery.
Do succulent leaves grow back if bare?
Once a succulent stem gets bare, the leaves won’t grow back on it. It needs to be cut back and either grown from stem cuttings or from the base (the piece of stem with roots still in the soil). How far you cut back depends on how leggy it has gotten and where foliage growth has stopped. You may need to go down to the base of the plant to cut.