Why Are My Succulents Stretching Too Much

Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by Marco C.

Are your succulents stretching too much? When succulents become elongated and thin, it is a sign that there is a problem. Hence, the need to check it.

While succulents grow slowly, it is amazing how quickly they can seem to stretch when they don’t get enough supply of what they need. The elongation of succulents is called etiolation. Etiolation happens when your succulent doesn’t receive enough light.

As result, your succulent strives to reach the source of light. This is when your succulent is too tall but the stems are weaker. The leaves of your succulent may also appear smaller because of longer internodes. Moreover, they can become yellowish and brownish.

When your tall succulent plants do not receive the attention they need, they may die at their state. Today on the blog, we will discuss why your succulents are stretching too much and recommend solutions on what you can do.

Are Your Succulents Stretching Too Much? 

The main reason for succulents stretching too much is the lack of sunlight. First, you will notice that your succulent is turning sideward or bending toward the source of light. This happens a lot when you place your succulents in shady areas in your home.

As your succulent continues to grow, it will get taller with more space between leaves. As you may know, succulents are sun-loving plants. That means you need to expose your succulent plants under the sun for at least a couple of hours before taking them back inside.  

Learn more about: What Are The Succulents That Don’t Need Light?

Succulent pruning isn’t super complicated. Get sharp, clean scissors and the conviction that you will not harm the plant. The amount of stem you will have to cut depends on how tall it has gotten. However, you should leave a few solid leaves so the plant so can photosynthesize and accumulate energy. This helps grow new shoots and feed itself. 

In situations where the plant has grown practically woody stem, you will require pruners or even another razorblade to snick off the part where it is too leggy. Make your cut simply over a bunch of leaves for a superior appearance. Pruning is also essential to prevent parasitic issues on stray stems. 

Rooting Leggy Succulents

Wait for the cut part to callus. This normally happens in 2-3 days. If the cutting is exceptionally tall – more than 5 inches (1.27 cm.) – you can cut it again into a more reasonable size. 

Allow each cut to dry out before planting. With succulents you seldom need fertilizer. However, you may use succulent fertilizer to assist roots with building up more rapidly. Some succulent cuttings will develop roots on their own when you leave them dry. Honestly, you don’t have to exert a lot of effort. 

You just need to wait and ensure that they don’t get wet.

Plant the callused cutting on the highest point of succulent soil blend. If the stem is too long, you need to cut it and throw the rest. Then, you can start embedding your succulent cutting to the roots.  

Keep the pot dry for a week and afterward spray some water on the surface. After the plant has been established, provide it with the typical measure of water for that kind of plant. As you see your succulents growing, they will look like brand-new plants. However, you are just actually improving an old plant to become lush succulents. Succulents are stunning that way.

Why Are My Succulents Stretching Too Much and How To Prevent It? 

Now that we’ve discussed the main reason for your tall succulent plants, let’s discuss some ways on how to prevent it. Here are some tips on how to care for your succulents and not kill them. 

1. Ensure Your Succulents Get Enough Light 

Succulents love light and need around six hours of sun each day, contingent upon the kind of succulent. Newly grown succulents can burn in direct daylight, so you might have to continuously keep them under indirect sunlight. If you are planting indoors, try to place them near the window. If you are planting outdoors, you can keep them in areas with indirect sunlight. Make sure that you bring them inside or keep them safe during the winter season so won’t have tall succulent plants.

2. Rotate Succulents Frequently 

Succulents love sun exposure. However in case yours is sitting in a similar precise spot for a long time and just one side is getting sufficient light, you need to rotate them. Plant experts propose turning the plant regularly. Succulents will incline towards the sun, so turning them will assist them with standing upright. Leggy succulents may likewise be an indication that they should be in a sunnier spot

3. Water According To The Season 

Succulents need more energy when they’re in a time of development. Throughout the spring and summer, the plants are flourishing and needing up significantly more water than when they’re resting in the fall and winter. We suggest testing the soil with a finger—when the top 1.25 inches are dry, get your watering can. Overwatering can kill your succulents, so ensure you let the soil dry between watering. 

4. Water The Soil Directly 

At the point when you water your succulents, drench the soil until water runs out of the drainage. (If your pot doesn’t have drainage, utilize less water. Don’t use a splash jug to water your succulents—moistening can cause fragile roots and rotten leaves. You can likewise put pots in a skillet of water and permit the water to retain through the drainage. When the soil’s surface is clammy, take it out from the pan.

5. Keep Succulents Clean 

Unavoidably, your indoor plants will continuously get dust on their surface, which can repress their development. Wipe off the leaves and spines delicately with a soggy fabric. You may use a delicate paintbrush to get at hard-to-arrive spots. 

This is ultimately possible if you are not too busy with other things like work or child care. Nevertheless, you may consider doing this in your free time. It can be fun cleaning your succulent leaves.

6. Pick A Container With Drainage 

Succulents don’t care to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is imperative to forestall decay. Your compartment ought to have a seepage opening to permit abundant water to get away. Earthenware pots are great for fledglings.