Do you want to learn how to Fix a Leggy or Stretched Succulent? Here is a simple guide—just scroll down!
succulent are known for their beloved of sun , thriving in bright conditions that keep them stocky and tidy . However , when they do n’t get enough light , these resilient works can become leggy and dilute , reach out urgently for the sun . This phenomenon , uncouth among indoor plants , can forget your succulent look less than their best .
Why Do Succulents Get Leggy or Stretched?
So , you ’ve observe your succulent is n’t as compact as it used to be . or else , it ’s grown grandiloquent , with spread between its leaves , and is leaning awkwardly toward the nearest swooning source . This stretching , known asetiolation , is your succulent ’s path of telling you it postulate more light .
Etiolation happens when succulents do n’t receive enough illumination . They bulge to stretch out out , attempt to move closer to any available swooning source . The space between the leaves widen , and the industrial plant misplace its near - packed , sizable appearance . This is a common issue for succulents grown indoors , particularly during the darker month when natural spark is limited .
But do n’t vex — while you ca n’t invert the stretching , you’re able to certainly serve your plant regain its mantrap and even multiply your collection in the summons .
How to Fix a Leggy or Stretched Succulent
1. Give Your Succulent a Haircut
First things first — you’ll have to trim your succulent . Yes , it sounds drastic , but it ’s the well way to manage a leggy plant . apply a fresh twosome of pruners or snap off the lower folio , check that to get as sporty a break as potential . If a leafage tear , it ’s best to cast aside it , as it wo n’t propagate well .
Continue removing foliage until you ’re left with a thick top incision . If your succulent has get a foresighted stem , you might want to dress it down to a more achievable length—1 - 2 inch above the soil is ideal .
2. Let the Leaves Dry
Once you ’ve take out the leaves , adjust them aside in a juiceless , shaded region . Allow them to dry out out for a few days , which will help the raw ends callous over . This step is essential because it prevents the leave from rotting when you plant them later .
Fact : Callusing is the outgrowth where the plant forms a protective bed over the cut surface . This appendage can take anywhere from a few days to a week , depending on the humidness and temperature .
3. Repot the Stem
Now that your succulent has been trim , you may repot the remaining stem . If the shank is too long , you may trim it down to a more manageable size , about 1 - 2 inches from the base of the plant . If there ’s no base leave behind , do n’t worry — just nestle the rose window ( the top part of the plant ) into the soil .
Its good if you use a well - draining soil mixing plan for succulents and cacti . you could even add a bit of sand or perlite to meliorate drainage . succulent detest sitting in swampy dirt !
4. Prepare the Leaves for Propagation
With your trim leaves , it ’s time to start generation . Place the dried leave on top of a tray , saucer , or container fill with a succulent - friendly ground mix . Do not bury the leaf — simply place them on top of the soil .
Then , put the container in a blot with smart , indirect light , away from direct sunlight . Keep the leave spaced out so they ’re not poignant . This help prevent mold and give each foliage space to develop .
5. Water Sparingly and Wait
This is where your patience comes in . thinly mist the soil to keep it moist but not soaking wet . Too much water can cause the leaves to rot before they have a chance to steady down . Water again onlywhen the grime feels dryto the sense of touch .
In about a month , you should bulge out to see flyspeck roots or even new baby succulent maturate from the goal of the leaves . This is the exciting part , but it postulate forbearance — propagation can take sentence , so do n’t rush it !
Fact : succulent typically take 2 - 4 weeks to begin rooting , but it can take several months for them to grow into a new , amply - formed plant .
6. Replant and Show Off
Once your new succulents have root and spring up a bit , they ’re ready to be replant . mildly transfer them to single tidy sum and give them a station of honor in your home . retrieve to revolve them regularly so they take in equal light on all sides , preventing future stretch .
Ongoing Care
To keep your succulents looking their honorable , check the roots every six month or so . If they ’ve outgrown their pot , move them to a bigger one . veritable feeding with a cactus - specific fertilizer will also help oneself them thrive . Plus , succulents necessitate at least six hours of brilliant , indirect sunlight daily . If natural light is circumscribed , consider using a grow brightness level to give them the boost they need .
