Succulents are beloved for their compact, structured beauty, but they lose their signature charm when they start looking stretched out and leggy.
If your once-plump succulents are growing tall and thin with gaps between the leaves, don’t worry—there are easy ways to fix them and prevent legginess in the future.
In this guide, we’ll cover why succulents become leggy, how to fix them, and how to keep them compact and thriving.
Why Do Succulents Become Leggy?
Succulents become stretched out (or “etiolated”) when they don’t receive enough sunlight. Unlike regular plants that grow slower in low light, succulents stretch toward the light, resulting in elongated stems and widely spaced leaves.
Other causes of leggy succulents include:
- Indoor Lighting Conditions – If succulents are too far from a bright window, they’ll stretch toward the light source.
- Seasonal Changes – During winter, shorter daylight hours can lead to stretching, even for outdoor succulents.
- Improper Watering – Overwatering can weaken stems, making them prone to stretching.
- Lack of Pruning – Some fast-growing varieties naturally get leggy without occasional trimming.
How to Fix a Stretched Succulent
Once a succulent becomes leggy, it won’t shrink back to its original compact shape, but you can still revive it with these steps:
1. Trim and Propagate
If your succulent has grown tall and sparse, cutting it back is the best way to fix it.
How to do it:
- Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Cut the top rosette off, leaving a few inches of stem.
- Remove a few lower leaves to expose the stem.
- Let the cutting dry for a few days until the cut end forms a callus.
- Replant the rosette in dry, well-draining soil and water sparingly until it establishes roots.
The remaining stem in the pot will often sprout new baby succulents in a few weeks!
2. Move It to a Brighter Spot
To prevent further stretching, place your succulent in a bright location.
Best lighting options:
- Indoors: A south- or east-facing window with 6+ hours of sunlight.
- Outdoors: A bright, shaded area with morning sun but protection from harsh afternoon rays.
- Grow Lights: A full-spectrum grow light can keep your succulents compact and happy if natural light is limited.
3. Adjust Your Watering Routine
Too much water can weaken succulents, making them more likely to stretch.
Watering tips:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Use the “soak and dry” method—water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
- Reduce watering in winter when succulents go dormant.
4. Rotate for Even Growth
Succulents tend to stretch toward the strongest light source. To keep them symmetrical:
- Rotate the pot every few days so all sides receive even sunlight.
5. Repot If Needed
If your succulent is in an old or shallow pot with poor drainage, repotting may help.
Potting tips:
- Use a pot with drainage holes.
- Choose well-draining succulent soil.
- Consider a terracotta pot for better moisture control.
Best Succulents That Stay Compact
Some succulents are more prone to stretching than others. If you struggle with legginess, try these naturally compact varieties:
- Haworthia – Low-light tolerant and stays small.
- Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) – Hardy and stays compact.
- Lithops (Living Stones) – Stays tiny and doesn’t stretch easily.
Leggy succulents can be saved with a simple trim, better lighting, and proper care. Moving your plant to a sunnier spot if you catch the stretching early can help prevent further legginess. Your succulents will stay plump, compact, and beautiful with the right adjustments!
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