Why Are My Succulents Stretching Even While Under Grow Lights?

A small potted succulent stretched due to a lack of light
Photo by sucstu on instagram

The Problem of Etiolation

So, you’ve got your succulents under grow lights, but they’re starting to look a bit… stretched out? That’s a classic case of etiolation. When succulents stretch and get leggy, it’s their way of saying, “Hey, I need more light!” Essentially, they’re trying to get closer to the light source because they feel like they’re not getting enough.

Understanding etiolating succulents requires a deeper look into their natural habitat. In the wild, succulents thrive in environments with ample sunlight. This means that in indoor settings, especially under artificial lights, we must mimic those conditions as closely as possible. The challenge is to create an environment where they feel just as comfortable as they would in their natural setting.

Additionally, the process of stretching is not just purely an aesthetic issue; it’s tied to the health of the plant. A succulent that is etiolating may be more prone to diseases and pests due to its weakened state. Understanding the importance of light can help prevent these issues in the long run.

Here are some telltale signs your succulents are etiolating even while under grow lights:

  • Stems that stretch out and become long and thin
  • Leaves that are spaced out instead of forming tight rosettes
  • Smaller leaves than usual
  • A general loss of that cute, compact look we all love

Causes of Etiolation

Alright, let’s dive into why this might be happening. There are a few main culprits when it comes to succulents stretching under grow lights:

  1. Insufficient Light Intensity: Your grow lights might not be bright enough or close enough to your plants. Succulents crave high light levels, similar to several hours of direct sunlight each day.
  2. Inadequate Lighting Duration: If your lights aren’t on for at least 14-16 hours a day, your plants aren’t getting enough light exposure. Less time means less light, and that means stretchy plants.
  3. Improper Lighting Spectrum: Not all grow lights are created equal. Some might not provide the full spectrum of light wavelengths that succulents need. Full-spectrum bulbs, like LEDs, are your best bet here.
  4. Immature Bulbs: New bulbs might not be at their full brightness right away. They can take 100-200 hours to “burn in” and reach maximum intensity.

If your succulents are young, they may also require different care than mature plants. Young succulents often need more light as they grow quickly, while established ones may adapt better to varying light conditions. Knowing your plant’s age and growth stage is crucial for effective care.

You might also like:

light problems (1 of 1)Succulent Dormancy: 5 Easy Ways to Tell if Your Succulent is Going Dormant

Preventing and Treating Etiolation

Finally, remember that every succulent is unique. Observing how your specific varieties react to light can help you fine-tune their care. With a little patience and attention, you can enjoy healthy, beautiful succulents that maintain their lovely compact forms.

Don’t worry, though! There are plenty of things you can do to prevent or fix this issue:

  1. Use High-Powered Full-Spectrum Grow Bulbs: LED panels, strip lights, or CFL/T5 HO fluorescents are great options. Place them about 6-12 inches above your plants for the best results.
  2. Adjust Lighting Duration: Make sure your lights are on for at least 14-16 hours a day. This is a good starting point, and you can adjust as needed based on how your plants respond.
  3. Improve Light Placement: Position your lights directly overhead and adjust the height as needed. Sometimes just a little tweak in placement can make a big difference.
  4. Acclimate Plants Gradually: If you’ve just bought new succulents, they might need some time to adjust to higher light levels. Gradually increase the light intensity to help them acclimate.
  5. Be Patient with “Leggy” Plants: If your plants are already stretched out, you can cut off the stretched stems, let the cuttings callus and root, and then enjoy the new, compact growth.

With the right grow lights and lighting conditions, your succulents can thrive indoors all year long without the risk of unsightly etiolation.