Leggy Succulents

I'm well over due to give some of my succulents a hair cut. When they are looking for more sunlight, they tend to reach out and grow taller to find sunlight. So since I've recenlty moved houses 2 months ago, my succulents are no longer getting as much sun exposure as their used to and with how my yard is laid out I can't put them else where. So some of them have grown quite "leggy!"

As you can see below, I've poceeded to take the bottom leaves off and cut the stem shorter.
A lot of people get worried when cutting the roots off, that their plant will not take root and die. Succulents are so simple and easy, they're not like a lot of other plants, and no matter the stress you seem to put them through, they always pull through, tougher then ever. They root themsleves! There is nothing to stress about. I'm no professional, but succulent books I've read, from experienced growers in the world have stated it's better for the succulents health to cut a shorter stem. The longer the stem, the nutrience of the plant is getting wasted. See the photo and information below: (Photo and information sourced from 3000tomatoes.com)

A – Cutting this high on the stem is known as “pinching out.” The reason to pinch this high on the plant stem is to create growth for multiple cuttings or have the plants develop into a multi-headed plant. Cutting this high will force side stems to grow that will be viable cuttings themselves once they’ve grown out. The top part that is cut off is not a viable cutting and will not root so just throw it away. 

B – Cutting here is optimal for creating a new plant from the top part and forcing new shoots to grow off the stem. This method works best if a few leaves are left on the stem, allowing it to recover more efficiently, producing the most new stems.

C – Cutting at this mark is officially called deadheading. A cut made here will result in a plant that will root easily. The stem most likely won’t develop any shoots and can slowly wither down.

D – Cutting lower on the stem creates a longer stem, but takes much longer to establish roots. The lower stem might produce a few shoots, but can also wither down.

E – Cutting further down the stem is not recommended because the head will have to work hard to get established and the lower stem is likely to die.

After I pruned them back, I repoted them in a large container and relocated in my yard where I can ensure they will get a decent amount of sun exposure. I had everything potted up mainly in single terracotta pots on shelving. I'm really enjoying planting things into containers as an arrangment. I think all the different colours, textures and species look beautiful together.

After I arranged them in the container, I put some soil into a tray and layed all the leaves from the above plants down. Now to watch them grow! :)

I hope you have enjoyed my FIRST OFFICAL blog! Stay tuned for the next blog. I have been documenting some really AWESOME stuff over the last few months and I can't wait to share it with you all!

Kristelle, xo