Succulent Plants Growing Long Stems? How to Identify, Fix, and Prevent Etiolation

Succulents are popular houseplants known for their drought tolerance and diverse textures. From rosette-forming echeverias to trailing string of pearls, these plants thrive with minimal care when given proper conditions. However, succulents will often start growing long, pale stems, stretching upwards away from their compact form. This common issue, called etiolation, occurs when the plants don’t get adequate sunlight. Luckily, identifying and fixing etiolated succulents is quite simple. This guide covers everything you need to know about succulent plants growing long stems and how to help them return to their natural beauty.

What is Etiolation in Succulents?

Etiolation refers to abnormal elongated growth in succulents and cacti caused by insufficient light exposure The technical term comes from the French word “étioler” meaning to bleach or whiten Without enough sun, succulents start to stretch and become leggy as they desperately seek out light sources to fuel growth and photosynthesis.

Signs of etiolation include:

• Long, weak stems
• Sparse, pale leaves
• Leaves farther apart than normal
• Increased space between leaf pairs on rosettes
• Floppiness and inability to stand upright

This etiolated growth forms a stark contrast to the compact, vividly colored leaves of a healthy succulent. While not harmful etiolation makes succulents appear unwell and compromises their natural beauty. The good news is etiolation can be fixed with a few simple steps.

Common Causes of Etiolation in Succulents

Insufficient sunlight is by far the most common trigger for etiolated growth in succulents. But what exactly constitutes “insufficient” light? Here are some common causes of etiolation:

• Growing indoors near a window lacking bright light
• Sitting too far from a window or light source
• Light blocked by curtains, blinds, or other objects
• Shaded outdoor location lacking 6+ hours of sun
• Sun intensity reduced in winter or due to obstacles
• Natural light replaced with weak artificial lighting

Succulents prefer full sun and need at least 6 hours of intense light daily for compact growth. Even a bright window may not provide enough sunlight especially in winter when light levels drop. Always observe your succulents to see if they show signs of needing more light. Catching etiolation early makes it much easier to correct.

How to Fix Etiolated Succulents

The key to fixing an etiolated succulent is providing adequate sunlight to encourage tight, compact new growth. Here are some tips:

• **Move to a brighter location.**Rotate the plant frequently so all sides get sun.

• Add a grow light. Use an LED full spectrum grow light to supplement natural sunlight.

• Trim off pale leaves and stems. Cut back to just above the healthy, most compact growth.

• Allow cut ends to heal. Let sit for 2-4 days before replanting to prevent rot.

• Repot in fresh cactus/succulent mix. Bury trimmed stems to reroot and form new rosettes.

• Fertilize lightly. Use half strength balanced liquid fertilizer to support new growth.

With proper care, your succulent will soon produce colorful compact new leaves and stems. Continued ample sunlight prevents return of etiolation.

5 Tips to Prevent Etiolated Succulent Growth

Providing adequate sun is the number one way to prevent succulent etiolation in the first place. Here are 5 tips to keep your succulents happy and healthy:

• Situate plants in a south-facing window for maximum natural light.

• Turn plants frequently so all sides get direct sun exposure.

• Move outdoor succulents to full sun locations with 6+ hours of direct sunlight.

• Use sheer curtains or move plants back from windows to prevent sunburn.

• Supplement with grow lights if indoor natural light is inadequate.

The most common succulent etiolation mistakes involve insufficient sunlight intensity and duration. Get to know your succulents’ light needs and make adjustments as needed to keep them compact.

How to Identify Etiolated Succulent Varieties

Some succulents are more prone to etiolation when kept as houseplants. Here are a few to watch for leggy growth:

• Echeveria – Rosette-forming types stretch and spread out.
• Aeonium – Long bare stems and smaller heads.
• Sedum – Spacing between tightly packed leaves increases.
• Sempervivum – Leaves spread out on the rosette.
• Senecio – Normal bushy growth becomes leggy and sparse.
• Crassula – Compact plants stretch and leaves diminish.
• Kalanchoe – Leaves separate and stems elongate.

Pay extra attention to sunlight needs for these succulents. Provide supplemental lighting if required to prevent etiolation.

When to Prune Leggy Succulent Growth

Once succulent plants start elongating, the best way to restore their appearance is by pruning leggy growth. Time pruning to early spring through summer when plants are actively growing.

• Use sterile, sharp pruners or scissors to cut stems.
• Trim back to just above healthy, compact growth.
• Allow 2-4 days for cuts to heal before replanting.
• Repot in a suitable container with drainage holes.
• Bury pruned stems to reroot and form new rosettes.

Your succulent will soon sprout compact new growth from the trimmed stem. Regular pruning keeps plants shapely and healthy.

Enjoying Succulents’ Natural Beauty

When provided with ample sunlight, regular watering, and well-draining soil, succulents reward gardeners with their stunning colors, textures, and forms. Just a bit of attentive care enables you to enjoy these plants at their most beautiful natural state. If elongation occurs, a little pruning and extra sunlight quickly fixes the issue. With this guide’s help identifying, treating, and preventing stretched growth, you can successfully grow gorgeous succulents in any indoor setting.