What to do when a succulent "spreads out like a pancake"? Teaching you the correct way to handle it
Succulents attract people's affection with their cute appearance, small size and ease of care, and now more and more people are growing succulents. Many friends encounter a certain situation while growing succulents, and that is "spreading out like a pancake." What does "spreading out like a pancake" mean? Most succulents have a plump form, and "spreading out like a pancake" means their leaves are no longer compact and plump, but instead grow spread flat, and flatter and flatter, like a pancake, which affects their ornamental beauty. So what causes "spreading out like a pancake," and how should it be solved? Let's take a look together below.
"Spreading out like a pancake" during normal growth
Succulents show the "spreading out like a pancake" phenomenon during their growth period, especially rosette-shaped or palm-shaped succulents, because they also need to grow, so their leaves open up. This is especially true for succulents bought online, which curl up to protect themselves during transport, and then slowly unfold their leaves once they grow. When this phenomenon appears, observe carefully: as long as the leaves are not spaced too far apart and there is no tendency to turn downward, there is no problem.
Overwatering
During succulent care, we must pay attention to the amount of water given. Overwatering can cause the "spreading out like a pancake" phenomenon, so how do you judge the amount of water to give? Pinch the leaves with your hand: if the leaves are thick and plump, it means their water-storage capacity is strong, and at this time you must not water too much. Some succulents will turn to mush and rot if watered too much, while those with stronger vitality will spread out their leaves to evaporate the excess water themselves.
Insufficient light
Insufficient light can also cause the "spreading out like a pancake" phenomenon. It may be that light is insufficient, so water evaporates more slowly, which is why "spreading out like a pancake" occurs. Therefore, when growing succulents, you must give them plenty of sun.
Sudden changes in light
During the growing process, a sudden increase in light intensity can also cause the "spreading out like a pancake" phenomenon, mostly in late spring and early summer. At this time, the sunlight suddenly becomes intense, and if watering is insufficient at this point, it is even more likely to trigger "spreading out like a pancake." At this time we should shade them and water them, but the plant's recovery process is relatively long, and it will only get better with careful care, so do not rush and be patient.
The above is the full content of what to do when a succulent "spreads out like a pancake" that the editor has introduced to you. I hope it can be of some help to you. The editor reminds everyone that although succulents are cute, they are also very fragile, and we must be careful and patient when growing them.