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Posted 3Y ago by @Marthamaywho92

Why so leggy?

Why is my #hensandchicks getting so leggy? I have it in a north facing sun windowsill but wondering if I should move it to south? #succulentsquad #succulentlove #succulents #greggers #greggang #plantaddict #plantsmakepeoplehappy
Best Answer
Hi Marty, I can see your pot is too big/high for the succulents to get easy sun, they're begging to be at a lower height :)
Succulents hate me, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s NEVER too much sun! If someone’s getting leggy it’s because they’re lacking nutrients, and with a succ they need so little from the soul that it’s always more likely that they just want more light! Wee bit greedy of them.
I've never seen hens & chicks grow like this, lol. They are reaching for the sun so giving them a new home with more light will help them stay more compact and start putting out pups.

The pot is a little deeper than normal for this plant as Anndrea mentioned, but if you give them better light they should be fine in the pot you're using for now. These like to spill over the side of the pot though so if you do put them in something more shallow expect them to start trailing a bit.
Is this specie hardy to your area. I’m in NY too and there are a bunch that can be planted outside and will return yearly. I just bought some more last week for the rock/succ garden we’re making next spring. They do prefer full sun so I’d probably try a south or west window.
Etiolation
@Marthamaywho92

Where to Plant Hens and Chicks. Plant hens and chicks in full sun for best growth and health. The succulents do well in rock gardens, where heat reflects from the rocks. Place the crown, or center, or the main rosette so it sits level with the soil to match where it sat in its original pot.

Mine are in are northwest windowsill. I haven’t killed them yet. πŸ˜‚
@Jilliebeanstalk very interesting info. Hadn’t heard the term etiolation before. πŸ‘
@Marthamaywho92 assuming your in the northern hemisphere south facing windows give the most light and north facing windows get the least light
Your plant is reaching for sunlight. A south or west window would help. πŸ’š
Thanks all! I'll be moving my crew of succulents shortly!
@MariansOasis right?? Me neither until a few months ago on here. It’s neato
@Jilliebeanstalk It is! Definitely will be throwing etiolation around with my planty friends. Along with other great words like epiphytic and fenestration…they’re very impressed 🀣😜🀭