What is what to do when your succulent gets too tall?

When your succulent gets too tall, a process called etiolation has likely occurred. This is caused by insufficient light, leading the plant to stretch towards the light source. Here's what you can do:

• Provide More Light: The most crucial step is to move your succulent to a location with brighter, indirect light. Gradually acclimate it to the new location to prevent sunburn.

• Consider Propagation via Cutting: One of the best solutions is to propagate the succulent. You can behead your succulent by using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut the stem, leaving a few inches of the original plant in the pot. This will encourage new growth from the base. Allow the cut end of the beheaded portion to callus over for a few days before potting it in well-draining soil. This helps prevent rot.

• Leaf Propagation: You can also propagate any healthy leaves that fall off or are removed during the beheading process. Allow the leaf to callus over for a few days and place it on top of well-draining soil. Eventually, roots and a new plantlet will emerge.

• Repotting and Support: If the succulent is top-heavy, repotting it into a heavier pot can provide more stability. You can also use stakes or other supports to help keep it upright. However, this is just a temporary solution.

• Pruning and Shaping: While beheading is a more drastic method, you can also selectively prune your succulent to remove some of the etiolated growth and encourage a bushier shape.

• Adjust Watering: Overwatering can exacerbate etiolation. Ensure your succulent is planted in well-draining soil and only water when the soil is completely dry.

By addressing the underlying cause of insufficient light and propagating the succulent, you can rejuvenate your plant and prevent further stretching.