What To Do With A Stretched Succulent

When a succulent becomes stretched and leggy, it can lose its natural charm. One effective way to restore its beauty is by implementing a simple technique that encourages fuller growth. The Echeveria ‘Perle Von Nürnberg’ is a stunning example of this. Its once-vibrant purple hue had faded, and leaves were falling off due to its elongated shape. With the right approach, it’s possible to revitalize this succulent and bring back its original allure.

Why Do Succulents Grow Tall and Leggy?

It’s possible that the succulent is struggling due to a lack of sunlight. My daughter, who has a passion for botany and plant cultivation, recently shared some valuable insights on caring for succulents. One key takeaway was the importance of providing succulents with ample light. I wonder if this particular specimen started out in a nursery or greenhouse environment, only to be deprived of sufficient illumination once it was brought indoors.

As is often the case, inadequate sunlight can be the primary culprit behind poor plant health. Interestingly, research suggests that succulents with green leaves may fare better in low-light conditions, making them more suitable for indoor cultivation. As an aside, this post contains some affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

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How to Fix a Stretched Succulent

I opted to terminate the rosette at its base, allowing a new one to emerge shortly after. To facilitate this process, I kept a small portion of the original plant’s stem and leaves intact, permitting them to form calluses over several days. This approach allowed me to regrow healthy shoots from the topmost leaves, which had started to re-emerge from the soil.

Typically, these sprouts struggle to thrive, but in this case, waiting until the top portion produced roots before replanting proved to be a game-changer. Fast-forward seven months, and the results are striking: the original rosette remains intact, while the two new shoots growing from the original stem demonstrate robust growth and vibrant coloration. The container now boasts a thriving, compact arrangement that showcases the plant’s natural beauty.

This experience has taught me a valuable lesson about revitalizing leggy succulents – simply cutting them off at the base can be an effective solution. Additionally, I’ve noticed a young Kalanchoe sprouting in front of the main rosette; it will eventually require relocation as it outgrows its current container.

Meanwhile, a withered leaf on the soil’s surface serves as a reminder of my experimentation with leaf propagation – while this method may work well for other succulents, I’ve yet to achieve consistent success with Kalanchoe.

Succulent Light Requirements

Positioned in a south-eastern facing window, this planter receives moderate sunlight. To sustain its growth, I water it lightly every 1-2 weeks alongside my other plants. If you’re lacking a suitable natural light source from a window, consider investing in grow lights. You can find them at your local nursery and hardware store. A full-spectrum light is recommended for optimal results.

For a more detailed guide on selecting the right grow lights, I recommend consulting this informative article by Epic Gardening. In my office, the planter sits comfortably next to my desk, allowing me to appreciate its beauty as I work.

More Succulent Tips and Ideas

For garden enthusiasts seeking low-maintenance yet visually striking additions, hardy succulents like Semperviven and Sedum are excellent choices. These resilient plants have adapted to thrive in challenging environments, making them perfect for busy gardeners. When it comes to creative display options, Succulent Birdcage Planter and Succulent Log Planter are innovative ways to showcase these stunning specimens.

How to Fix Stretched Succulents

If you’re struggling with a stretched succulent that’s grown tall and leggy, don’t worry – there’s a simple trick to help restore its original beauty. With just seven days of prep time and 20 minutes of active effort, you can transform your succulent back into its stunning self. Whether you’re an indoor gardening enthusiast or simply looking for a low-maintenance plant solution, this technique is perfect for anyone seeking to breathe new life into their neglected succulents.

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

To propagate succulents, start by cutting off the desired portion from the soil, leaving about half an inch of stem intact. Next, remove the lower leaves from the cut section and set it aside. Then, trim the stem to leave only the top portion and a one-inch segment of bare stem exposed. Place this bare stem in a cool, sunny spot and wait for roots to develop. Once you notice root growth, carefully replant the cutting back into its original pot and monitor its progress.

Notes

One of the primary motivators behind the need for stretching in succulents is the dearth of sunlight. If you’re unable to provide a sunny location, consider supplementing with artificial light sources to ensure your succulent receives the necessary photoperiodic cues.