Can I fix the leggy stems?

You can cut the stems back to encourage new growth. The cuttings can be propagated to start new plants.

How much light does stonecrop need?

Stonecrop thrives in full sun. It needs direct light to stay compact and healthy.

Why is my stonecrop growing tall and thin?

Check these first

Move the plant to a sunnier window.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
Prune back the long stems to reset the shape.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant has long gaps between leaves and looks stretched out.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 hours a day. You can prune the long stems to encourage bushier growth.
Seasonal Changes
Possible
How to tell: The plant stretches during the darker winter months.
What to do: Use a grow light to supplement natural light during winter. Reduce watering during this time since the plant grows slower.

When to worry

Legginess is not fatal, but it does change the look of your plant permanently. It is normal for plants to stretch slightly in winter.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your stonecrop in the brightest spot you have, ideally in full sun.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your sedum.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I fix the leggy stems?: You can cut the stems back to encourage new growth. The cuttings can be propagated to start new plants.
How much light does stonecrop need?: Stonecrop thrives in full sun. It needs direct light to stay compact and healthy.