Stretching · Most likely cause
Not enough light
Growth that's pale, stretched and leaning toward the window means the plant isn't getting enough light. Gardeners call it etiolation.
- 1. Move it to your brightest spot, or add a grow light.
- 2. Increase sun gradually over a few weeks to avoid scorching.
- 3. Cut off the stretched top and re-root it for a compact plant.
Why it happens
Succulents in low light grow longer stems to reach brighter light. Mild stretching can improve once the plant gets more light, but a long, bare stem won't shrink back. New growth will be compact, though.
Fixing a stretched plant
- 1
Cut the top off. Cut an inch or two below the rosette.
- 2
Let it callus. Leave the cutting somewhere dry for a day or two.
- 3
Re-root it. Set it on gritty mix in bright light. The old stem will often sprout new rosettes along its sides.
Read the light guide →
FAQ
Will a leggy succulent go back to normal?
The stretched part won't. New growth will be compact once the plant gets enough light.
Plants this often happens to