Do you have a succulent that has been growing tall and leggy? If so, you’re not alone. Many succulents stretch out and grow tall when they don’t have enough space to spread out their roots.
In this blog post, we will discuss why hens and chicks grow tall and how you can prevent it from happening. We will also provide tips on properly caring for your succulents, so they stay healthy and look their best!
Hens And Chicks
The hen and chick plant is a delightful addition to any garden. With its cheery flowers and low-maintenance care requirements, it’s no wonder that this plant is a favorite among gardeners.
Hen and chick plant gets their name from the way it reproduces. The “hen” is the mother plant, which produces small offsets, or “chicks.” These chicks can be planted to form a new generation of hen and chick plants.
The plants are available in many colors, including pink, purple, red, and yellow. Hens and chicks are also known for their ability to tolerate drought conditions. Once established, the plants require very little water or maintenance.
What Causes Legginess In Hens And Chicks?
There are a few reasons your hen and chick plant may grow tall and leggy.
Inadequate Light
One reason is that the plant is not getting enough light. When succulents don’t get enough light, they will stretch out in an attempt to reach the nearest source of sunlight.
If your hen and chick plant is growing tall and leggy, give it enough light. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Too Much Water
Another reason for leggy growth is the plant is getting too much water. When succulents get too much water, they rot at the roots. This causes the plant to become weak and leggy.
If you think your plant is getting too much water, check the soil before watering. The soil should be dry to the touch before you water the plant again. You can also add a drainage hole to the pot to help excess water drain away from the roots.
Too Much Fertilizer
Another common cause of leggy growth is too much fertilizer. When succulents get too much fertilizer, they start to grow rapidly. This causes the plant to become weak and leggy.
If you think your plant is getting too much fertilizer, dilute the fertilizer before applying it to the soil. You may also reduce how often you fertilize the plant.
Flowering
Hens and chicks often bloom in the springtime. The plant blooms and sends up a tall stalk that bears flowers. This can cause the plant to become leggy.
To prevent this, you can cut off the flower stalk as soon as it appears. This will encourage the plant to put its energy into producing offsets instead of flowers.
How To Fix Leggy Hen And Chicks
For Indoor Succulents
If your hen and chick plant is growing tall indoors, you first need to increase the amount of light it’s getting. This can be done by moving the plant to a sunnier location or adding more artificial light. If you have fluorescent lights, place them about 12 inches above the plant.
You can also try pruning the plant to encourage it to grow fuller. Cut the tallest stems back by about half their length. This will encourage the plant to produce more lateral growth.
For Outdoor Succulents
If your hen and chick plant grows tall outdoors, you may need to provide additional support. Stake the tallest stems with bamboo or metal rods. This will help prevent the plant from falling over in strong winds.
You may also try trimming the plant to encourage it to develop fuller. Remove the tallest stems by half their length. Pruning will also help encourage the plant to produce more offsets, or “chicks.” These chicks can be replanted to form a new generation of hen and chick plants.
Hens and Chicks Growing Tall: Final Thoughts
Hens and chicks are interesting plants that have a lot to offer. They are easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and make a great ground cover. If you find your hens and chicks growing tall or “leggy,” there are a few possible explanations.
The most likely reason is that the plant is not getting enough light. Hens and chicks need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If the plant is not getting enough light, it will stretch to try to reach the sun. Another possibility is that the plant is root-bound.
This means that the roots are crowded and need more space to grow. You can solve this problem by transplanting the hen and chicks into a larger pot.
Whatever the reason for your hen and chick’s leggy growth, it is nothing to worry about. These tough little plants will bounce back quickly and continue to thrive. With a little care, you can enjoy these versatile plants for many years.
Related Article: Why is My Hen and Chicks Plant Dying?