Tall, Healthy Growth
Etiolation isn’t the only reason a succulent might look tall. Some mature plants naturally have taller stems and at the peak of the summer growing season, it’s easy to mistake healthy, vigorous growth for signs of stretching.
Moreover, how tall do succulents get?
Generally, indoor succulents will only reach heights up to 6 inches because there is no opportunity for light penetration. However, if you expose your plant to more natural sunlight it will get taller since sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis and gaining energy for plant life.
Then, why is my succulent plant growing tall?
Why It’s Happening
Etiolation is most commonly caused by lack of sufficient sunlight to the plant, which in turn produces a change in the shape, color, and growth of your plant. This happens most often with indoor succulents, since they are not in direct sunlight for very long, but it can happen to any succulent.
Can I cut a succulent that is too tall?
Use a sharp knife for cutting succulents that grow too tall so that the cut is not squashed. If you don’t have one at hand, you can also use (pruning) scissors, most succulents are tough. Make the cut as horizontally as possible in order to keep the cut and thus possible spot for dirt small.
Is my succulent growing or stretching?
Succulents stretch out when they aren’t getting enough sunlight. You’ll first notice the succulent start to turn and bend toward the light source. Then as it continues to grow it will get taller with more space between the leaves. Most of the time the leaves will be smaller and lighter in color than normal.
Do 2 inch succulents grow?
Common succulents like Haworthia and Gasteria may only grow an inch or two in an entire year. It can be hard to even notice this growth unless you have photos to prove the difference.
Do succulents need sun?
Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent. Newly planted succulents can scorch in direct sunlight, so you may need to gradually introduce them to full sun exposure or provide shade with a sheer curtain.
How long do succulents live?
Some succulents don’t live long but grow offsets to replace themselves. A great example is Chicks and Hens. The main plant only
| Jade Plant | 70-100 years |
|---|---|
| Christmas Cactus | 30+ years |
Can you cut the top of a succulent off and replant it?
Once you remove the top of your succulent, you can replant it in the soil and it won’t look so stretched out and leggy anymore. Grab a sharp pair of shears or a gardening knife. You should also wear a pair of gloves—some succulents have thorns and others have milky sap that can be irritating to your skin.
Why do succulents get leggy?
Most succulents will grow “leggy” if they don’t get enough light. But those succulents that change colors when stressed are usually more light sensitive than others. Their reaction can be quick, putting out etiolated “growth” in a mere few days.
Do small succulents get bigger?
Do Mini Succulents Grow? Yes. Mini succulents grow, but they are not fast growers in the beginning. Once they reach a certain size, do expect their growth to get faster until they eventually outgrow their containers.
