Succulents captivate enthusiasts globally with their intricate geometric patterns and compact forms. These unique plants have gained popularity among indoor gardeners seeking alternatives to conventional leafy houseplants.
Unfortunately, succulents are not naturally suited to indoor environments. Our indoor settings lack of intense sunlight and arid conditions that these plants thrive in native habitats. This disparity often causes problems, particularly the issue of succulent stretching.
Why Do Succulents Stretch?
Succulent stretching, scientifically termed etiolation, happens when these plants do not get enough sunlight to maintain their compact growth. In response to low light levels, succulents would initiate survival mechanisms. To stay alive, they stretch their stems and look for the closest source of light. This causes the leaves along the stretched stems to diminish, changing the original shape of the plant.
Once succulents stretch due to inadequate light, it is impossible for this growth to return to normal. The plant’s extended stems would not get shorter by just moving it to a sunny place. Instead, corrective measures through propagation are necessary.
How to Correct Leggy Succulents
1. Remove the Top
Even though it might appear extreme, chopping up a succulent’s top is the only way to encouraging compact, strong new growth. Succulents are resilient plants that may take root in almost anywhere—except very wet soils. Cut off the top portion of the succulent with clean, sharp pruning shears, making sure to leave a tiny section of the stem to anchor into the soil. This top cutting has a better chance of rooting successfully if it includes a few leaves, preferably.
Place the top cutting aside and take a look to the remaining stem. You can continue taking stem cuttings down the plant, make sure each cutting has a few leaves for vitality, or you can remove the leaves individually.
2. Remove Lower Healthy Leaves
Opting for leaf propagation can yields a large number of plants at one go, provided the leaves are healthy and free from disease. Additionally, leaf cuttings encourage the establishment of new plants at their base, increasing the likelihood of a healthy outcome compared to using a thin, straggly stem cutting. Leaf cuttings sprout new plants at their nodes, so, peel off leaves with caution, making sure the node stays intact by not damaging it. To propagate new succulents, discard any broken leaves and continue with the ones that are viable.
3. Allow Drying Time
Once the top cuttings and individual leaves have been collected, let them air-dry on a newspaper in a dry place. Drying encourages callousing at the cut ends, reducing the risk of rot when exposed to moisture. While planting right away is possible, giving it a few days to settle reduces the chances to rot.
4. Prepare the Soil Mix
Prepare a well-draining soil mix suitable for succulents and cacti to support healthy root growth. A standard succulent potting mix, enriched with sand and bark for added texture, promotes optimal drainage and prevents root rot. If you have multiple stem cuttings, get a small container ready for each one. Large shallow planters or seed trays are ideal for sowing individual leaves. Whichever method you decide on, make sure there is adequate drainage in your container to avoid waterlogging.
5. Replant the Cuttings
Planting succulent cuttings is straightforward—place them atop the soil surface. Gently bury the stem ends of top cuttings for stability or lay them flat on the soil. Stem cuttings require minimal burial depth to initiate root growth, provided they have soil contact and remain stable against wind exposure. Lay individual leaves horizontally on the soil surface to encourage downward root growth. Over time, the parent leaf will wither, making way for new plantlets at its base.
6. Moisturize the Soil
After planting, you can lightly wet the soil to promote root growth. Use a spray bottle to control moisture application, avoiding prolonged wetness that could lead to rot. Alternatively, wet the soil before planting and let extra water to drain through the holes to avoid water trapped between leaves, which would otherwise cause rotting.
7. Await New Growth
Place containers or trays in warm, well-lit locations and patiently await signs of new growth. Within a few weeks, new shoots typically emerge from the base of leaf cuttings. Monitoring top cuttings for root development involves gently tugging on the stem; resistance indicates successful rooting.
8. Transplanting
While top cuttings can remain in their initial containers until they outgrow them, leaf planting eventually needs to be transplanted to grow on their own individual pots. Transfer them into succulent-specific soil mixes, minimizing watering immediately after transplanting to prevent shock. Succulents thrive in these conditions for extended periods before requiring further relocation.
Preventing Succulent Stretching
While it is not hard to fix a stretched succulent, it is best to prevent them from stretching in the first place. Adhere the following guidelines to ensure optimal conditions to grow your succulents:
Provide Adequate Sunlight: Succulents thrive in full sun exposure, essential for maintaining their compact forms. Aim for a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight daily, adjusting based on seasonal light variations.
Rotate Pots: Prevent lopsided growth by regularly rotating succulent pots. Weekly adjustments ensure balanced sunlight exposure for even, symmetrical development.
Prune Wisely: Promptly address signs of stretching by pruning affected areas. Either propagate cuttings or just prune off the problematic areas and relocate the plants to brighter locations for continued healthy growth.
By implementing these strategies, succulent enthusiasts can effectively rectify leggy growth and foster vibrant, compact plants. Cultivating succulents in indoor environments demands careful attention to lighting and maintenance, ensuring these captivating plants flourish in any setting.