The paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) is a popular succulent admired for its distinctive, flat, round leaves. A common challenge for growers is its tendency to grow excessively tall or develop a leggy appearance, which detracts from its natural compact form. Understanding the reasons behind this growth is key to managing its height.
Why Paddle Plants Grow Tall
Paddle plants typically stretch and become leggy due to insufficient light exposure, a phenomenon known as etiolation. When a plant does not receive adequate light, it instinctively expends energy to grow taller, searching for a brighter environment. This results in elongated stems with leaves that are widely spaced, rather than the tight, stacked arrangement characteristic of a healthy paddle plant. The plant’s natural growth habit can also contribute to its height over time, as mature paddle plants can indeed grow larger.
Even with ample light, some vertical growth is natural as the plant matures. However, the rapid, spindly growth seen in leggy plants is almost always a direct response to a lack of intense, consistent light. The stem may appear thinner and weaker, struggling to support the weight of the leaves. This etiolated growth not only affects the plant’s appearance but can also indicate a less robust plant overall, as it prioritizes vertical growth over developing strong, compact foliage.
How to Prune a Tall Paddle Plant
Pruning is an effective method to manage an overly tall paddle plant and encourage a more compact, bushy shape. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a sterile knife to ensure precise cuts and prevent pathogen introduction. Identify the point on the main stem where you wish to reduce height. Make your cut just above a leaf node, as new growth is most likely to sprout there.
You can cut the main stem back significantly, even leaving only a few inches above the soil line. The pruned sections, or cuttings, can often be propagated to create new plants. Allow these cuttings to dry and form a callus over the cut end for several days before planting them in well-draining succulent soil. This callusing process is important to prevent rot once the cutting is introduced to moisture.
Post-Pruning Care
After pruning, provide immediate care to aid recovery and encourage new growth. Refrain from watering the plant directly after pruning, allowing the fresh cuts to heal and seal. Watering too soon can introduce moisture to open wounds, significantly increasing the risk of fungal infections or rot. Allow the cut surfaces to dry out completely before resuming a regular watering schedule.
Place the pruned plant in a location that receives bright, indirect light. A slightly less intense environment immediately after pruning can help reduce stress as it recovers. Monitor the plant closely over the following weeks for signs of new growth emerging from the nodes below the cuts.
Maintaining Compact Paddle Plant Growth
Preventing paddle plants from becoming excessively tall requires consistent attention to their environmental needs. Providing optimal light is paramount; these succulents thrive with at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily to maintain their compact form and vibrant leaf coloration. Placing them in a south-facing window or under a strong grow light can effectively prevent future etiolation. Inadequate light is the primary driver of leggy growth, so ensuring sufficient intensity is the most important preventative measure.
Proper watering practices also contribute significantly to the plant’s overall health and compact growth. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, allowing excess water to drain away freely, then allow the soil to dry out again before the next watering. Regularly rotating the plant every few weeks ensures that all sides receive even light exposure, preventing one side from stretching towards the light source. Additionally, occasional light trimming or pinching off new growth at the top can encourage the plant to branch out and become bushier, rather than growing straight upwards.