The world of succulents is vast, eclectic, and incredibly alluring. But for the uninitiated, it can also be quite overwhelming, with challenges such as dealing with a succulent becoming leggy. So, let’s learn how to revive a leggy succulent and make it thrive anew.
## Understanding a Leggy Succulent’s Situation
Succulents become leggy when they strive to survive with insufficient sunlight. This condition is also known as etiolation, where the plant stretches out with longer than usual inter-nodal spaces, making it appear weak or spindly. The stretched stems aim to reach their much-needed light source. The leaves may discolor, thin out, or even fall off at the bottom, making the plant lose its lush character and appeal.
## Step 1: Acknowledging the Plant’s Needs
Succulents come from warm and sunny regions, so it’s not surprising that most need ample sunlight to thrive – usually about six hours each day. But when they don’t get enough light, they resort to a survival mode, often resulting in the aforementioned etiolation.
If you notice your succulent becoming leggy, the first thing to remember is not to panic. It’s merely the plant’s adaptive response to preserve itself. It’s vital to give the plant the light it needs, which means possibly relocating it to a brighter spot.
## Step 2: Gradually Increase Light Exposure
Increasing light exposure abruptly can cause sunburns, so the best method is to carry it out gradually. Start by placing the succulent in a brighter spot. Then, every couple of days, increase its exposure to sunlight by about an hour. Continue this process until the plant receives the recommended amount of daylight.
## Step 3: Correct Watering Techniques
While sunlight is vital, proper watering is equally crucial. Often, the tendency is to water succulents infrequently due to their water-storing capacity. But just because they can tolerate drought, it doesn’t mean they prefer it. It would be best to water them thoroughly until the water drains out from below, then let the soil dry out completely before the next session. During winters, reduce watering due to lower evapotranspiration.
## Step 4: Encourage Lush Growth
To expedite the process of getting your succulent back to its lush self, consider using a good-quality organic fertilizer. It will nourish the plant and help promote fuller growth. However, use it sparingly and only in the growth period (spring and summer) since over-fertilizing can damage the plant.
## Step 5: Pruning and Re-Potting
If you’ve executed the above steps but see no significant changes, prune the leggy parts and re-pot the succulent. Here are the steps to do this correctly:
1. Use a clean and sharp pair of secateurs or a knife to cut the succulent about an inch below the stretched part.
2. Allow the cut piece to sit in a shaded area until a callous forms, typically taking between 3-7 days.
3. Once the callous has formed, re-pot the cut piece into fresh succulent soil and place the pot in a partially shaded area.
4. After about a week, once the roots have started to form, move it to a brighter spot and start watering it lightly.
5. Remember, during this period, water sparingly and gradually increase as the plant matures.
## Step 6: Use the Pruned Pieces
The stem pieces you pruned from your leggy succulent are not waste materials. These are potential new plants that can be propagated using the following method:
1. Lay the stripped stems in a tray filled with succulent or cacti mix and place them in indirect light.
2. Within a few weeks, tiny pink roots will start forming and even new pups (baby succulents).
3. Once the roots form, plant them like how you would a mature succulent.
## Frequently Asked Questions About Leggy Succulents
### Can stretching be reversed?
Unfortunately, the stretching of a succulent due to inadequate light cannot be reversed. Once the stem has elongated, it will stay that way. You can, however, prevent further stretching and keep the plant healthy by providing it with sufficient light.
### Should leggy succulents be propagated?
If a succulent plant has become leggy due to insufficient sunlight, propagating them will not necessarily solve the problem. The new plants will also need sufficient sunlight to avoid becoming leggy. Therefore, focus first on providing your plants with a suitable environment before considering propagation.
### Why are the leaves falling off?
Leggy succulents also experience leaves dropping off at the bottom of the plant. This can be a survival strategy to conserve water and nutrients. While some leaf loss is normal, excessive or premature leaf drop may indicate other problems such as overwatering or disease.
### Can leggy succulents be trimmed?
Yes, leggy succulents can be trimmed to remove the elongated parts, improve the plant’s aesthetic appeal, and sometimes to promote bushier growth.
Succulents are a delightful addition to any indoor or outdoor space. However, their allure lies in their unique shapes and lush growth. If they begin to stretch into leggy succulents, keep in mind the steps and tips outlined above and remember: succulents are survivors. With a bit of care and patience, you will manage to revive your leggy succulent back to its glory!
