Etiolation (stretching in low light)
DISORDER
When it's active · UK
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Northern Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Central Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands
JFMAMJJASOND
How to recognise it
Pale, thin, elongated growth reaching visibly towards a light source, with increased distance between leaves and a loss of compact shape, most obvious on succulents.
Life cycle and conditions
A growth response to insufficient light, where the plant elongates rapidly in an attempt to reach a brighter source.
Prevention
Give light-hungry plants (especially succulents) the brightest spot realistically available; rotate pots regularly for even growth.
How to treat it
🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED
Move the plant to brighter light as soon as noticed; badly stretched growth won't shorten again, so cutting back and re-rooting (where possible) is the usual fix.
🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE
Not applicable — this is purely a light issue, with no product-based fix.