Succulents lacking light: 7 easy signs to recognize

Succulents need plenty of light to stay compact and healthy. When a succulent doesn't get enough light, it often changes its appearance in an attempt to reach a light source. This phenomenon is called etiolation.

Here are the easiest signs of insufficient light to recognize.

1. A Succulent That Stretches

The most obvious sign of a succulent lacking light is a stem that stretches rapidly. The plant is stretching to reach the light.

2. A Succulent That Grows Tall

Some succulents suddenly become very upright. A succulent that grows tall will lose its compact shape.

3. Leaves Become Spaced Out

Tight rosettes loosen, and the space between the leaves increases.

4. The Plant Leans Toward a Window

A succulent that lacks light often turns toward the nearest light source.

5. Colors Become Lighter

Protective pigments diminish when the plant receives less sunlight.

6. New Leaves Are Smaller

Growth becomes weak, and new leaves appear less developed.

7. The Stem Becomes Thin and Brittle

A succulent that lacks light may develop a stem that is too thin to support the plant.

How to correct the lack of light?

To help your succulent thrive:

• Place it near a very bright window (south or west facing).
• Rotate the plant regularly for even growth.
• Use a grow light in winter.
• Prune overly leggy plants and propagate the rosette by cuttings.

In summary

A succulent that stretches or grows tall almost always indicates a light problem. Fortunately, simply moving the plant to a brighter location is often enough to correct the situation.
At Cactus en ligne, our succulents are grown with optimal lighting to ensure compact and healthy plants.

Check out our succulent collection for inspiration!

Cactus en Ligne Team

www.cactusenligne.ca · bonjour@cactusenligne.ca