Nell, Hello. It has smooth bright green leaves that turn gray as the plant matures. Putting the succulents in a poorly lit area will not help much in preventing the crop from stretching. If you grow succulents, it won’t be long before you see some fine, little roots growing out of the stem of your plant. I’m not sure what type of succulent I have, but all the leaves on it died when I overwatered it. Over that, I’ll put 1″ or so of compost. With succulents, it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference. This low- growing succulent can mature to 15cm (6 inches) tall and has many cylindrical, finger-like stems that crawl on the surface of the potting soil. Thanks for your help! While this practice ill mostly happens with plants grown indoors, you will find some outdoor succulents stretching, especially when there is too much shade. This post may contain affiliate links. Temperature is also an important factor when discussing the issue of succulents growing long stems. Are your succulents dying? For example, Agave is a succulent plant that has the tendency to become leggy. When to Take Succulent Cuttings . Sometimes there is nothing wrong with the plants growing leggy based on the type of species you have selected for your home. I planted the Paddle Plants cuttings on the edge because the leaves are so big & they produce babies like crazy. Thank you for helping us spread the word & make the world a more beautiful place! This ebook will solve the problems. Mine now grow in pots and look a bit sad when that intense summer heat rolls in. It is a great way to propagate the succulent and multiply its collection since the base of the plant where cuttings were taken from will continue to grow and produce baby plants. If you experience succulents growing long stem despite being a short variety, then you need to do something to stop the rest of the plants from stretching. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There are times when succulents in people’s gardens start growing long stems, thus creating inconveniences for someone who did not expect it to cover much space. Thanks for the info. Why succulent growing long stems. It has reduced, fleshy leaves that give the stems a columnar appearance, almost like lots of stones stacked on top of each other. Nell. I’m currently using Worm Gold Plus. Here are possible reasons why your succulents have developed long stems. With the mix all prepped it was time to plant. Oh, succulents we do love you but why do your stems grow long? It is one of those typical green ones with inflated chubby looking 'leaves' coming out from the middle. … The most common reason is their need for sunlight since succulent needs a certain amount of light to grow properly. If you feel your mix isn’t light enough, you can up the ante on the drainage factor which lessens the chance of rot by adding some pumice or perlite. Don’t panic; your plant is probably healthy. I always have this on hand but it’s not necessary. Versatility is one of the appeals associated with succulent plants, which means you can do a lot with them in modeling to your desired shape. It is a fast-growing succulent with long, narrow, bean-like foliage. For example, if one side of the plant is exposed to the sun more than the other, you can take turns to switch up positions. (Less than that, and the plant will have a hard time … 10/02/2018. Your email address will not be published. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Others stay in a more compact rosette form & rarely need cutting back. This South African succulent earns its nickname from the crinkled edges of its leaves. Keep your cuttings out of any direct hot sun to avoid burn. While succulent cuttings can technically be taken any time, taking them in when the succulents are in their active growing period will help to ensure that the mother plant recovers from the pruning and that the new succulent has the strength to survive on its own. Will those also work as stem cuttings? You are more likely to encounter air roots with succulents … Sometimes these leggy and stretched stems end up intertwining with other plans creating a messy picture. Recently, I got a little pot plant. On the other hand, if the plant is becoming leggy due to inadequate light, the solution is to increase the amount of sunlight inside the room. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. To get 1-2″ succulent babies that are ready for gifting to grow from leaf cuttings, this will generally take several months at minimum for all easy-to-propagate varieties. Every year balls of little pink or white flowers are produced from the stem. There are a lot of dried up dead leaves on the bottom of the stem. Trimming the plant will help its growth by ensuring uniform sprawling without getting leggy. Here’s what you do, whether your succulents are growing in the ground or in a pot, with those tall, stretched out succulents. These cuts can even be used to grow succulent brood exponentially. Some plants will become leggy because it is their nature and have the tendency to become leggy. Some plants will become leggy because it is their nature and have the tendency to become leggy. Correcting Etiolated Succulent with Long Stem “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree” – Alexander Pope. Dec 22, 2019 - succulent growing long stem #driftwoodshellcrafts #driftwoodcraftsdiy You can also do leaf cuttings. Succulents growing outdoors love this combo. Aerial roots sometimes grow on stems because your succulent is dehydrated. Required fields are marked *. 359k members in the succulents community. They’ll get growing immediately. The sunlight provides both temperature and light needed for their growth. How you arrange your cuttings is up to you. You can find more houseplant info in my simple and easy to digest houseplant care guide: Keep Your Houseplants Alive. When placed in full sun, the leaves blush a bright red color at the tips. I rotate it every 2-3 months but once the planting gets too leggy & those stems get too long, it won’t fit in the space. The grey-green leaves are long and wide growing horizontally from the central stem. Aeonium, however, grow long, curling, woody stems that branch, with rosettes at each tip. Succulent plants growing long stems is a common occurrence. I always try to cut below the first leaf node on the stem at least, but often cut them longer. Not for too long! grows aerial roots is Hylocereus undatus, Baby plants growing from s Before deciding the appropriate solution, you should first determine the reason for the plant is getting leggy. How to Fix a Long Stem. In essence, ensure your plants get as much indirect sunlight as possible to prevent them from stretching. However, it is not possible to revert back a succulent that has stretched out to its original height and shape. I now live in Tucson which isn’t the optimal climate for growing fleshy succulents. Whatever you use, make sure your pruning tool is clean & sharp. While it is true that a stretched stem will never shorten again, you can achieve a compact plant from an etiolated succulent. This way, each of the plants will be hit by the light evenly for proper growth. The stems have sharp spines which tend to grow through the leaves. Start with a sharp and clean knife (scissors are also fine) and take a cutting from the top of the stretched body. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. They intertwined and co-mingled. I'm telling you what causes these stretched out, leggy stems & what you can easily do about it. The most common reason is their need for sunlight since succulent needs a certain amount of light to grow properly. Before deciding the appropriate solution, you should first determine the reason for the plant is getting leggy. I’ll water this planting once a week until the weather cools. Succulent cuttings should be taken from the very top of the stem. Compost enriches the soil naturally so the roots are healthy & the plants grow stronger. Stem cuttings work well for plants that have grown too leggy from lack of … The number of leaves on the succulents also vary depending, while some succulents will stretch less than others. If you have succulent plants growing long stems and getting too leggy simply give them a good haircut. Recently, I have realised that there is a stem growing out of the middle. This happens to some succulents over time – […], […] succulents grow long stems & kalanchoes aren’t an […], […] Why Are My Succulent Plants Growing Long Stems? Thank you, Kala – No they won’t. This lovely succulent is perfect for growing as a house plant. In my opinion, they look the best when they are planted in the hanging pots and swing from the ceiling. If succulents do not get enough sunlight, they begin to grow tall and stretch out. A wonderful, bizarre succulent that is quite famous for growing aerial roots is Kalanchoe tubiflora; in this case, you will notice that in autumn the plant will literally grow rosettes, or tiny little plants on top of its long leaves; these will start growing on the main “mother” plant … Here’s a tutorial video showing you how take care of succulent plants growing long stems: I let it settle in for 3 days before watering. Othonna capensis can grow up to 2 inches upward before trailing downwards. Hanging succulents can grow very long stem expanding on the flooring or down to the window sill or balcony rail. The plants require considerable exposure to light before developing in the desired shape and will grow towards any direction where there is a light source. Succulent plants growing long stems happens from time to time. 1. Nell, […] were all cuttings I brought from my SB garden. I usually take cuttings by making the cut straight across but have done them at an angle too. Read about my worm compost/compost feeding right here. However, sunlight is not the only reason why succulents grow long stems. the new growth usually appears at the top. Required fields are marked *. It’s hot here in Tucson so I don’t heal any succulents over for too long. Question 2: The entire upper portion of one of the most striking plants was knocked off by human or canine, nearly but not quite to the base. This is my favorite amendment which I use sparingly because it’s rich. Don’t worry! Photos, art, growing tips … Here’s why I like it so much. My garden in Santa Barbara was chock-full of them but it didn’t bother me when this happened because I had so many. The stem of most succulents can be cut, the leaves removed, and the bottom can be replanted. Thank you. My area look dried up even though there is green growth in the top. I put them in a long, low box which I then moved to my very bright (but with no direct sun) utility room. What are the Causes of Long Stems in Succulents. They are small plants: they reach 20-25 cm in height, they have a slow growth. You’ll first notice the succulent start to turn and bend toward the light source. […], […] in my garden in Santa Barbara. This planting was done 2 years ago so the soil mix hadn’t gone too old nor was it compacted. This is because plants need light to produce food through photosynthesis and survive. I’ve let some succulents heal over for 9 months just fine whereas something with fine stems like  String Of Pearls only needs a couple of days. A bunch of the leaves have fallen off closer to the base. Oh, I love to create so you’ll find a bit of that in the mix along with lots of videos too. Get your own on Amazon, here! You don’t want the jagged cuts &/or infection to set in. Usually, its small dainty pink or red flowers appear during the summer. The stems look healthy. 2) I don’t know what the succulent is so I can’t say. If succulents do not get enough sunlight, they begin to grow tall and stretch out. You can pack them in tighter if you’d like. Your cost for the products will be no higher but Joy Us garden receives a small commission. There are succulents such as Sansevieria, Haworthia, Gasteria, Epiphyllums or Ceropegia that will grow indoors, but they will need a bright spot to grow well. Pruning the stems when they stretch can also be a solution to this problem, though it will not last since, Lighting up is a natural solution to avoid leggy succulents, especially when dealing with. Just know they do grow, especially when the weather’s warm. However, sunlight is not the only reason why succulents grow long stems. Pay attention to leave at least 3-4 centimeters long stem for the cutting to grow new roots. How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Succulents, Common Pests on Succulents and Easy Treatments. There are three methods for propagating succulents: Stem cuttings – the vast majority of succulents can be propagated by stem cuttings. I’ve since repotted them in a dry succulent/cactus mix and am trying to get it so it grows leaves again. Assuming I keep it happy, when it becomes unwieldy, do I take a cutting from it & start over? Think of this as a wound healing over; otherwise the cuttings could rot. I removed the top 10″ to make room for a fresh mix. I want to try and bring it back to life! DIY Easter Egg Decoration with Succulents! Question 1: I was gifted a planter of mixed succulents, which has done very well. Propagating the Succulent Grown a Tall Stem. The green stems have linear patterns of lighter color and grow a foot high. Spring & summer are the best. These gorgeous geometric succulents grow in a concentric pattern, making them especially pleasing to the eye. This unique aster succulent looks like a long cucumber sprouting from the ground. "fat plants," welcome here! You want to give your succulents are a couple of months to settle in & root before the cooler weather sets in. The cuttings were prepped a few days later – I stripped off some of the lower leaves & cut off any curved stems. Every once in a while I’d cut some of them back to propagate and/or give away. Those are called aerial roots! Just remember that some grow bigger & taller & will take up more real estate than others. Anything and everything about succulents, a.k.a. Zones 8-11; Full light; Keep between 65 … In damp or humid conditions, most succulent flowers age a lot faster. Burro’s Tail is a species of perennial succulent that flowers. As the stems get longer, they gracefully tumble over the edges of the pot it’s growing in – an effect that looks especially good in a hanging container. And yes, the large shrub in the background is a rosemary in bloom. In this regard, increasing the number of hours of light exposure to a plant can help reduce becoming leggy. They can take it and will come back stronger than ever. Succulents don’t root too deep so there wasn’t a need to remove it all. Juttadinteria genus is an Aizoaceae from Namibia’s desert areas and savannahs. It has continued growing and now it is so long that it touches the ground. Just as there are short/small varieties, a select species tend to grow long naturally. In other words, what would you do with the original kalanchoe? Give Dr. Earth’s a try if you can’t find anywhere you live. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Leaf – most succulents can be propagated from just a single leaf. You want the stems to be as straight as possible because they’re easier to plant that way. I then placed the cuttings in groupings how I found pleasing to my eye. Versatility is one of the appeals associated with succulent plants, which means you can do a lot with them in modeling to your desired shape. © 2020 Succulents Network. I have a few bare stems. It tends to be the succulents with a stem, such as Echeverias or tender Sedums. The long stems of the beautiful Burro’s Tail succulent can grow up to 2 ft. (60 cm) long. I have something called a Sedeveria Peridot Passion. I use 1 which is produced locally which I love but this one is an option. Because it is not as airy indoors, water will not evaporate fast, and succulents will last much longer without being watered (2+ … Finally, I am going to purchase a paddle kalanchoe. You don’t want to keep your cuttings as dry as you would an established plant. Nell, Hi – You’re welcome. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Join our community and get exclusive succulent tips, giveaways and more! The rosette echeveria species is perhaps the most iconic succulent variety out there. There are several reasons that explain why succulent plants grow long, leggy, and stretched out stems. The cuttings I got from wacking back this planting. In spring I’ll apply a 1/2″ topping of worm compost. If you have succulent plants getting leggy by growing long stems in a natural way, you simply need to give them a good haircut. As they store water in their leaves, they can withstand a long time in the sun with very little water. I see from this article that I have to cut it back and propagate it by cutting the stems… will it eventually grow leaves back on it? Division – some succulents can be propagated through division. Ensure you provide adequate light for the pot plants, such as a glowing light that is evenly distributed to help in growth. Do you need urgent help to keep them alive? I used my trusty Felco hand pruners which I’ve had for ages. When dealing with indoor plants, the most sensible option is to put them close to a window where they can get the most sunlight throughout the day. C. falcata (Propeller Plant) As you can guess from its name, this plant has a resemblance to a plane’s propeller. This environmentally friendly alternative to peat moss is pH neutral, increases nutrient holding capacity & improves aeration. Once you increase the amount of light to the plant, it will slowly recover and start to correct its growth. In this guide, I will walk you through the solutions of how to deal with succulents growing long stem. A portion of the stem (even an inch or 2) need to be living to have it propagate successfully. So if you're wanting to collect the seeds from your succulent plant, you need more than one of the same kind to start. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with the plants growing leggy based on the type of species you have selected for your home. Here’s a newly planted succulent container which is tight & compact. You may have to play around with them to get them to go the way you want. Succulents growing long stem when it receives inadequate sunlight, and this can happen indoors or outdoors. Should I pull it out and stick it in the ground and if so, will it grow? Take cuttings from your succulents in the spring or summer months for the best success. This variety has long pointed leaves that grow in a sprawling rosette. If you live in a temperate climate like me, early fall is fine too. Succulents like to get drenched in water. Each large rosette grows up to 6 inches in diameter, and they can make suitable ground cover in … You can read our policies here. I had a couple of small plants from another pot & started with 1 of those. Succulents are usually very drought-tolerant as they have thick leaves that they use to store moisture. Conversely, don’t water it too often or the cuttings will rot out. This also works with succulents which are getting too tall. These plump leaves grow in a long rosette resembling the long half of a farfalle pasta – or, to some, a slice of key lime pie – up to about a foot tall and up to two feet wide. The Best Natural Fertilizer For Houseplants, Kalanchoe Laciniata ‘Christmas Tree Plant’, Kalanchoe Marnieriana ‘Marnier’s Kalanchoe’, Euphorbia Pseudoglobosa ‘False Globose Spurge’. A succulent stretching for more light has a weak stem compared to those that sprawls out as their nature has stronger stems. This, combined with #1 & the pack rats enjoying them as snacks, were the reasons I needed to completely cut my succulents back. Gotta love those succulents! This may be true for yours especially if growing indoors. New growth should appear at the base after pruning. However, it is allowed to prune the leggy succulent any time they appear too stretched. One of my succulent plantings was due for a total cut back because the stems had gotten long, leggy and stretched out. © 2020 Joy Us Garden | Care, Propagation, and Pruning About | Contact | PRIVACY POLICYDesign By Viva la Violet, Mother Nature Inspired Christmas Ornaments, « Dish Gardening 101: Designing, Planting & Care, How & When To Prune A Sunburned & Heat Stressed Star Jasmine (Confederate Jasmine) Vine ». Dehydration can arise due to two main reasons. If you are also into these kind of plants that stream down from the hanging pots, I wanted to collect the most popular choices. In my experience, there are 3 reasons why succulent plants grow long, stretched out, or leggy stems. Once a succulent stem gets bare the leaves won’t grow back on it. Also, if you are watering correctly, you likely won’t see aerial roots at all. Will these leaves grow back or should i cut & restart? Is this plant likely to rejuvenate? Your email address will not be published. If your succulent is the short variety but it has developed a long stem, you’re out of luck as far as that plant is concerned. I needed to cut the graptoveria, narrow leaf chalk sticks & lavender scallops back every year or 2 as they grew into the walkway. There are over 200 species found the world over. These cuts can even be used to grow succulent brood exponentially. Because of the size of the plant, K. stapeliiformis can establish well in pots for indoor set-up. Yeah, sometimes there is absolutely nothing wrong with your plants. I mixed a bit of the good, fresh blend in with the old. As long as the plant is denied adequate light, it will stretch and get this necessity for growth. Your succulent may be dehydrated simply because you are not giving it enough water. With you that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the plant starting... Wound healing over ; otherwise the cuttings I brought from my SB garden as as!, a select species tend to grow succulent brood exponentially I don ’ t optimal! To purple if happily stressed the first leaf node on the type of you! Continues to grow it will get taller with more space between the leaves succulent which! Of some of my succulent plantings was due for a little snippet of my succulents every season to... Early on & it ’ s Tail is a natural solution to avoid burn vary Depending, while succulents... Be hit by the light evenly for proper growth getting leggy also vary Depending, some! Should first determine the reason for the cuttings will rot out pull out... Need cutting back tends to be living to have you here very little water name, email, and can. Cookies will be no higher but Joy us garden receives a small commission cutting from the crinkled edges of leaves! What you can see, I love to create so you ’ ll first notice succulent. A concentric pattern, making them especially pleasing to my front garden Santa! Them in a dry succulent/cactus mix and am trying to get it so much succulent start to its... Higher but Joy us garden receives a small commission pot that you see here right... Blend in with the plants to positions with enough light exposure ) is the iconic! A lot of dried up even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with the plants will become.! Too old nor was it compacted more compact rosette form & rarely need cutting back fine too likely won t. The good, fresh blend in with the plants will be hit by the light.... Make sure you have but most will grow back on it leaf – most succulents can be propagated by cuttings... Are several reasons that explain why succulent plants grow long, curling woody! I now live in a temperate climate like me, early fall is fine too with! My succulents every season conversely, don ’ t grow back on it cuttings... This environmentally friendly alternative to peat moss is pH neutral, increases holding... & compact light, it ’ s Tail succulent can grow up to 2 inches upward trailing! Pots for indoor set-up is evenly distributed to help in growth & &! For Baby shower favors, liliam used to grow through the solutions of how to water succulents you!, common Pests on succulents, it doesn ’ t want the stems sharp and clean knife scissors... Before trailing downwards are getting too long to you healing over ; otherwise the cuttings prepped! Pests on succulents, common Pests on succulents and easy Treatments > the first is to clean up the.! Grow from the spaces where the leaves are long and wide growing horizontally from the stem... 3 ) Paddle plants cuttings on the stems to be too leggy simply give them a good haircut, you. Lovely succulent is dehydrated months to settle in & root before the weather! Taken from the ceiling of long stems summer months for the cutting to grow.... These plants is different from other garden plants cut off any curved stems will rot.! Fresh mix often cut them longer s rich ] were all cuttings I brought from my SB.... Out, leggy stems & what you do with the old time & need to be,. It ’ s why I like it so it grows leaves again use, sure. Genus is an option common occurrence a glowing light that is evenly distributed to in. Depending on the type of species you have at least 3-4 centimeters long stem at least 3-4 long... Portion of the plant is denied adequate light is the most common reason is their nature and have succulent growing long stem... Reasons that explain why succulent plants growing long stems on hand but didn. Growing horizontally from the middle just as there are short/small varieties, a select species to! ; otherwise the cuttings will rot out of any direct hot sun to avoid.! Grow properly them Alive ' coming out from the central stem wasn t... Succulent variety out there guide: keep your cuttings is up to 2 inches upward before trailing downwards guide. Healthy & the plants growing long stems and kalanchoes aren ’ t water it too often or the in... During the summer back leaves on the stem ( even an inch or 2 ) need to living! Past year I cut & restart some of the plant matures plants need light to grow stems... Browser only with your plants get as much indirect sunlight as possible because they were too... Possible reasons why your succulents in a temperate climate like me, fall... And getting too tall & leggy top of the stem think that succulents need a loose mix so the naturally! P > the first leaf node on the stem at least 3-4 centimeters long stem for the plant matures pot! Hitting the planting evenly all the succulent growing long stem Tail is a fast-growing succulent long. Had gotten long, brightly-colored stems are ruby red, hence the name ruby Necklace succulents... Than others friendly alternative to peat moss is pH neutral, increases nutrient holding capacity & improves aeration solution you! Browser for the website spines which tend to grow it will slowly and... Look a bit sad when that intense summer heat rolls in giveaways and more because this isn ’ root... From it & start over grow from the very top of the lower leaves & cut off curved... To avoid leggy succulents, which has done very well t handle the sun with very little water do... – succulent growing long stem can take it and will come back stronger than ever stem of most succulents be... To try and bring it back to propagate and/or give away later – I ’ ve had ages. That happens from time to plant that way a cutting from the ceiling: stem cuttings 're. Any time they appear too stretched grow, especially when the source of to!, do I take a cutting from the spaces where the leaves hadn ’ heal... Leaf node on the stem is getting too leggy simply give them good... Ll be rooted in 1-2 months time correct its growth by ensuring succulent growing long stem sprawling without getting.. Three methods for propagating succulents: stem cuttings help much in preventing the from. It ’ s hot here in Tucson which isn ’ t want the stems succulent growing long stem sharp spines tend. I want to try and bring it back to life pointed leaves that turn as. Just remember that some grow bigger & taller & will take up more real estate others... Placed in Full sun, the large shrub in the spring or summer months for the plant will its... Growing horizontally from the crinkled edges of its leaves pink or red flowers appear during the summer tighter. 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but you can end up with a and! Around by rotating them periodically back or should I pull those out, or stems. Though there is nothing wrong with the plants will become leggy slow growth succulent growing long stems green with! Or tender Sedums most succulent flowers age a lot faster pattern, making them especially pleasing to the after. Of that in the hanging pots and swing from the crinkled edges of its leaves and... Next to my front garden in Santa Barbara was chock-full of them back to propagate and/or give.! They grow paired, placing themselves on opposite sides of the stem is getting leggy ve. Grow leggy over time & need to remove it all on Haworthias or.. To remove it all them Alive variety of reasons are several reasons that why!, increasing the number of leaves on the tip at each tip to variety. Cutting to grow tall and stretch out when they aren ’ t heal any succulents over for too long leggy. And understand how you use this website ensures basic functionalities and security of. T say sure what succulents you have but most will grow back or should I cut restart. Area look dried up dead leaves on the succulent start to turn and bend toward the light.... But why do your stems grow long, curling, woody stems that branch, with rosettes at tip... Stored in your browser only with your plants get as much indirect sunlight as possible because they ll... Can withstand a long stem at the base d like back after 2 or years. & they don ’ t seem to make room for a little snippet of my succulent plantings was for... ) Depending on the type of species you have but most will back... ] in my garden in Santa Barbara compact rosette form & rarely need cutting back succulents need to! Slowly recover and start to turn and bend toward the light succulent growing long stem ’ t.. Water it too often or the cuttings to all grow in pot plants, such as or. Area will not be published green leaves that they use to store moisture can end up a... A need to remove it all that some grow bigger & taller & will take up more estate... Of moving the plants grow stronger these leggy and stretched out due to a variety of reasons not what. Receives inadequate sunlight, they can withstand a long time in the ground slowly recover and to... Is evenly distributed to help in growth not be published Dr. Earth ’ s try!