Do these succulents need a trim?

9 years ago

I have two different plants that have gotten very reachy - one (the donkey's tail) from low winter light, and the other one I just bought at a plant store and it wasn't near a light source (don't know its name). They've both started growing great in the last week or so as they're getting some stronger spring light now. I'm wondering if it makes sense to trim them back down almost to the soil so that they grow some tight buds instead of nice buds at the end of kind of ugly, stretched out stems. It would be a shame to lose all that growth but worth it probably, right? Can I be sure that they will regrow if trimmed back that much?

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Yes, they are etiolated and yes - best way is to be-head them. You can plant cuttings too, and will have more plants. I just cut off plenty of pieces off my donkey's tail too. Strip off few lowest leaves, let the stem callus and then stick into well draining mix - and you'll have new, more compact plants. Leave few leaves on the lower part (stem with he roots) and they will continue growing.
synonymgirl (NJ 7a) thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
synonymgirl (NJ 7a)
Original Author
9 years ago
Okay great! I have beheaded before but not with great results. I think I didn't leave any leaves on the stems. Any idea what kind of plant the second one is?
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Jayvee Chun (Manila Philippines, Tropics)
9 years ago
Hmmm. Looks etiolated. You can either

1) Simply transfer to a brighter location as continuing etiolation will kill your plant. What'll happen is the stretched portion will remain but further growth in the lighted place will be nice and compact. It's more fo an aesthetics thing.

2) Cut off the top and re-root in a brighter spot to keep compact. The lower part will continue but should be placed in a brighter spot.
synonymgirl (NJ 7a) thanked Jayvee Chun (Manila Philippines, Tropics)