Stretched Out Succulents: The cause and fix

You've noticed your succulents are looking a bit leggy and stretched out? This is a common issue called etiolation, and it's a sign that your plant isn't getting enough light. Let's break down the cause and how to fix it.   

The Cause: Insufficient Light

Succulents are naturally adapted to bright, sunny environments. When they don't receive enough light, they undergo etiolation, a survival mechanism where they elongate their stems and spread out their leaves in a desperate attempt to find more light.   

Here's what this looks like:

• Elongated Stems: The stem between the leaves becomes noticeably longer than it should be for that species.   

  
  

  

  
  

• Widely Spaced Leaves: Instead of a compact rosette or tight arrangement, the leaves are further apart on the stem.   

  
  

  

  
  

• Pale or Faded Color: The vibrant colors that many succulents display may fade to a pale green or even yellowish hue due to reduced chlorophyll production.

  
  

  

  
  

• Weak and Leggy Growth: The overall structure of the plant becomes weak and less sturdy, sometimes causing the plant to lean or even droop.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

• Smaller Leaves: The new leaves that form may be smaller than usual.

  
  

  

  
  

The Fix: Providing More Light and Corrective Action

Unfortunately, the stretched-out growth cannot revert to its original compact form. However, you can stop further etiolation and encourage healthy new growth. Here's a step-by-step guide to fix your stretched succulents:

1. Increase Light Exposure Gradually:

• Move to a Brighter Location: If your succulent is indoors, move it to your sunniest window, ideally south or east-facing. West-facing windows can also work, but watch out for intense afternoon sun that could cause sunburn.

• Introduce Outdoor Light Carefully: If you want to move an indoor succulent outdoors, do it gradually over a week or two. Start with a few hours of shade or indirect light and slowly increase the amount of direct sun to avoid shocking and burning the plant.   

• Consider Grow Lights: If natural light is insufficient, especially during winter, invest in a grow light. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and effective. Position the light a suitable distance from your plants (usually 6-24 inches, depending on the light's intensity) and provide around 12-14 hours of light per day.   

  
  

  

  
  

2. Correct the Existing Stretched Growth (Optional but Recommended):

Since the stretched parts won't shrink back, you can choose to propagate your succulent to restore its shape and get more plants! Here are a few methods:

• Beheading:

  • Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut off the healthy, compact top of the succulent, leaving a portion of the stem attached.

  • Allow the cut end (both the top cutting and the remaining stem) to callous over for a few days in a dry, shaded area. This prevents rot.

  • Plant the calloused top cutting in fresh, well-draining succulent soil. It will eventually grow new roots.   

  • The original stem left in the pot may also produce new baby succulents (pups). Continue to care for it by providing adequate light and water.   

    
    

• Leaf Propagation:

  
  

  

  
  

  • Gently twist or pluck healthy leaves from the stretched stem. Ensure you get the entire leaf, including the base where it connects to the stem.

  • Allow the leaves to callous over for a few days.

  • Place the calloused leaves on top of well-draining succulent soil or a propagation tray. You can lightly mist the soil occasionally.   

  • Eventually, the leaves will sprout roots and new baby succulents. The mother leaf will wither away.

    
    

• Stem Cuttings:

  
  

  

  
  

  • If the stretched stem has healthy leaves along it, you can cut the stem into sections, ensuring each section has at least one or two leaves.

  • Allow the cut ends to callous over.

  • Plant the stem cuttings in succulent soil.

    
    

3. Provide Optimal Care:

• Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your succulents are planted in a potting mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents to prevent water retention and root rot.   

• Proper Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can be as detrimental as underwatering.   

• Adequate Air Circulation: Good airflow helps prevent fungal diseases and encourages healthy growth.   

By addressing the lack of light and taking corrective action with the stretched growth, you can help your succulents regain their beautiful, compact forms and thrive. Remember to monitor your plants and adjust their environment as needed to ensure they receive the optimal amount of light.