Succulents are usually loved for their compact and often unique forms. However, sometimes succulents can grow too tall, which might affect their appearance and stability. This can be caused by various factors such as insufficient light, over – fertilization, or genetic predisposition. In this article, we will explore what to do if your succulent is too tall.
Reasons for Insufficient Light
Phototropism and Etiolation
Succulents, like all plants, have a natural tendency to grow towards light sources. When they don’t receive enough bright, direct or indirect sunlight, they will stretch out in an attempt to reach more light. This process is called etiolation. The cells on the shaded side of the plant elongate more rapidly than those on the lighted side, causing the plant to become tall and leggy. For example, if an echeveria that usually requires several hours of bright light per day is placed in a dim corner, it will start to grow taller in search of light within a short period.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Lighting Differences
Indoor environments often don’t provide the same intensity of light as outdoor conditions. Even near a window, the light intensity may be much lower than what the succulent needs. Windows with north – facing exposure usually offer the least amount of light, while south – facing windows are the best. However, even with a south – facing window, factors such as the distance from the window, the presence of curtains or other obstructions, and the season can all impact the amount of light the succulent receives.
Over – fertilization
Nutrient Imbalance
Excessive fertilization, especially with fertilizers high in nitrogen, can cause succulents to grow rapidly and become tall. Nitrogen is responsible for promoting vegetative growth, and an overabundance of it can lead to elongated stems and leaves. When a succulent is given too much fertilizer, its natural growth pattern is disrupted. For instance, if you fertilize a jade plant (Crassula ovata) too frequently with a high – nitrogen fertilizer, it may start to grow tall and spindly instead of maintaining its typical compact shape.
Frequency and Concentration of Fertilizer
The frequency of fertilization also plays a role. Fertilizing succulents more often than recommended can cause an accumulation of nutrients in the soil. Additionally, using a fertilizer with a higher concentration than what the succulent can tolerate can have the same effect. Some gardeners might be over – eager to promote growth and end up causing more harm than good.
Genetic Factors
Species – specific Traits
Some succulent species are naturally more prone to growing tall. For example, certain types of sedums or senecios have a growth habit that includes elongated stems. In these cases, it’s important to understand the natural growth pattern of the particular species you are dealing with. Even with optimal care, they may still grow taller than other more compact succulent varieties.
Hybridization Effects
Hybrid succulents may inherit growth traits from their parent plants that result in taller growth. When new hybrids are created, their growth characteristics can sometimes be unpredictable. A hybrid succulent might have a combination of genes that cause it to grow taller under normal growing conditions.
Solutions for Pruning Meat Plants
Tools and Preparation
To prune a tall succulent, you will need a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. It’s essential to sterilize the tools before use to prevent the spread of diseases. You can use rubbing alcohol to wipe the blades. When preparing to prune, consider the overall shape you want to achieve. For example, if the succulent has a single main stem that has grown too tall, you may want to cut it back to a more desirable height.
Pruning Techniques
For succulents with long, leggy stems, you can cut the stem back to a point where there are healthy leaves or side branches. Make the cut at an angle to promote better drainage and reduce the risk of water pooling on the cut surface. If the succulent has multiple stems, you can selectively prune the tallest or weakest stems to improve the plant’s overall shape. For rosette – shaped succulents that have elongated stems, you can cut the stem close to the base of the rosette. The removed parts can sometimes be used for propagation.
After – pruning Care
After pruning, it’s important to allow the cut areas to dry for a day or two. This helps to form a callus, which reduces the risk of rotting. Place the pruned succulent in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight immediately after pruning, as the plant may be more vulnerable. Water the succulent sparingly during this period, waiting until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Repotting and Adjusting Growing Conditions
Repotting
If the succulent has grown too tall due to poor root conditions, repotting may be necessary. Choose a pot that is appropriate for the size of the succulent. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Use a well – draining soil mix, such as a combination of cactus potting mix, perlite, and coarse sand. When repotting, gently remove the succulent from its current pot, loosen the roots slightly, and place it in the new pot. Fill the pot with the new soil mix and firm it gently around the roots.
Light Adjustment
If insufficient light was the cause of the succulent’s tall growth, move the plant to a brighter location. If it was indoors, consider placing it closer to a window or using artificial grow lights. For outdoor succulents, make sure they are in a spot that receives more sunlight. If the succulent is sensitive to direct sunlight, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. You can use a shade cloth or place the plant under a tree with dappled shade.
Fertilization Adjustment
Reduce the frequency and amount of fertilization. If you were using a high – nitrogen fertilizer, switch to a more balanced fertilizer or one with a lower nitrogen content. Fertilize the succulent only during the growing season and at the recommended intervals. For example, for most succulents, fertilizing once every 2 – 3 months during spring and summer is usually sufficient.
Propagation
Using Pruned Parts for Propagation
As mentioned earlier, the parts of the succulent that you prune can often be used for propagation. For stem cuttings, allow the cut end to dry for a day or two until a callus forms. Then, plant the cutting in a well – draining soil mix. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and water sparingly. Over time, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant. For leaf cuttings, carefully remove a healthy leaf from the succulent. Let the leaf dry for a short period and then place it on top of a soil mix. New plants will grow from the base of the leaf.
Dividing the Succulent
If the succulent has multiple rosettes or stems, you can divide it. Gently remove the entire plant from its pot and separate the different parts. Make sure each part has some roots attached. Plant the divided sections in separate pots with fresh soil. This not only helps to control the size of the plants but also gives you more succulents for your collection.
Conclusion
A tall succulent doesn’t have to be a problem. By understanding the reasons behind its growth pattern and implementing the appropriate solutions such as pruning, repotting, adjusting growing conditions, and propagation, you can manage the succulent’s height and improve its overall health and appearance. With proper care, your succulent will continue to thrive and add beauty to your indoor or outdoor space. Whether you’re a novice succulent grower or an experienced gardener, these techniques will help you handle the situation effectively.
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