Staff Answer
Oct 26, 2020 - 10:16 AM
STRETCHED OR ETIOLATED
OVERGROWN
HOW TO PRUNE A SUCCULENT
Succulents can grow tall and spindly when they are short on sunlight. As soon as you see signs of stretching, move the plant into sunnier conditions or install a grow light above it. Colors can come back with more light, but stretched succulents have to be pruned back into shape. Hardy succulents tend to stretch easily indoors; make sure they have plenty of light or move them outside.
OVERGROWN
Succulents naturally become overgrown after years of healthy growth. They will need to be repotted and/or pruned to avoid becoming root bound and shading out other plants. Try to prune during the growing season so that the plant can quickly re-grow roots.
HOW TO PRUNE A SUCCULENT
- Use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem of the overgrown succulent
- Remove any undesired leaves to get the succulent to the size you need and leave about 1" of stem exposed at the base
- Leave in a cool, shaded location 1-3 days for the cut end to dry and cure
- Refresh the pot with gritty, well-draining soil
- Plant the stem cutting and place the pot in the Recommended Light Conditions for the given succulent variety
- Water deeply and only when the soil is dry
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