When should succulents be cut back?

Trimming succulents grown in-ground outdoors is best done in early spring just before new growth begins; year-round tropical species can be pruned nearly any time the weather or indoor temperatures are warm. Prune flowering varieties while dormant in the winter, or soon after blooming.

How do you prune cotyledons?

If both remain attached, wait for the first true leaves to appear and then cut off both cotyledons. However, if leaving the attached cotyledons is inhibiting the seedling’s growth, gently wiggle the seed coat free or carefully cut off the very tip of the cotyledon.

What is the long stem growing out of succulent?

Succulents will grow long stems when they are not getting enough sunlight. This process is called etiolation, where they start to turn and stretch out in search of light, giving them a “leggy” appearance with a long stem and smaller, spaced-out leaves.

Can I cut the top off my succulent and replant it?

Once you remove the top of your succulent, you can replant it in the soil and it won’t look so stretched out and leggy anymore. Grab a sharp pair of shears or a gardening knife. You should also wear a pair of gloves—some succulents have thorns and others have milky sap that can be irritating to your skin.

Can I cut the top of my succulent off?

Start by cutting off the top of the succulent using sharp scissors (I love, love, love this pair! Let both the cutting and the base dry out for a few days. Once the end of the cutting has calloused over (dried out completely and looks “scabbed”) you can plant it in soil and begin watering it.

How do you care for cotyledon pendens?

Care Tips

1. LIGHT: Due to the protective layer of pruinose, C.
2. WATER: Water sparingly from autumn to spring, and use even less water during summer dormancy.
3. SOIL: C.
4. PLANTING: This succulent is best suited for hanging baskets, retaining walls, or wall gardens where its branches can hang freely.

Do cotyledons fall off?

Photosynthetic cotyledons remain on the plant until the first true leaves appear and can begin to perform photosynthesis. This is generally just a few days and then the seed leaves fall off.

Can you put succulent cuttings straight into soil?

Soil: Once the stems have calloused, fill a shallow tray with well-draining cactus/succulent soil and place the cuttings on top. Within a few weeks, roots and tiny plants will begin to grow from the base of the cuttings. Allow your propagated succulents to take root, then they can be replanted as desired.

Why do succulents get leggy?

Most succulents will grow “leggy” if they don’t get enough light. But those succulents that change colors when stressed are usually more light sensitive than others. Their reaction can be quick, putting out etiolated “growth” in a mere few days.

What do you do with overgrown succulents?

Succulents can become overgrown and root bound after a couple years of healthy growth. You can improve their appearance by lightly trimming the foliage, repotting them into a larger container with fresh soil, and ensuring light conditions and soil nutrients are optimal.

How do you take care of Graptopetalum?

The rules for Graptopetalum care are similar to those for most succulents. Container-bound plants thrive in a mixture of peat, sand, or other grit, topsoil, and a little bit of compost. Full sun is the best situation, but they will also grow in partial sun with slightly rangy results. Graptopetalum s need excellent drainage and moderate water.

What does a Graptopetalum plant look like?

Although most look more like the ghost plant succulent, Graptopetalum amethystinum has pudgy leaves that look like so many polished stones. All graptopetalum have thick leaves, thicker than those of echeveria.

Do graptoveria stems grow longer in light?

The stem lengthens only when the plant is etiolated, or stretching for more light. When this occurs, you will see the space between the leaves of the rosette grow wider, as the plant exposes the full surface of each leaf to the light. Graptoveria stems, however, continue to grow longer, even in perfect lighting.

What is the difference between Echeveria and Graptopetalum?

Graptopetalum grow quickly, setting offsets freely. Rather than forming new rosettes at the base of the mother plant, as is the case with echeveria, graptopetalum stems branch, with each supporting a new rosette. In a short time, they form a bed of succulent roses — an elegant ground cover.