I've got a collection of succulents in my bathroom, and while I have a skylight that lets in a lot of sunlight, especially during the summer, they still end up growing weirdly—looking all stretched out and wonky. I feel like the space is bright enough, but I want to know what I'm doing wrong. How can I prevent this etiolating, and do you have any recommendations for grow lights?
2 Answers
Most succulents really thrive on about 6 hours of direct outdoor light every day. Some varieties like Sempervivum and Echeveria need nothing less than that, or they'll just keep stretching, even under grow lights. Consider finding a south or west-facing window with no obstructions for the best results!
It sounds like your plants aren't getting enough direct sunlight. Even though the skylight brings in some light, the glass can filter it quite a bit, and that distance to the ceiling isn't helping either. I'd suggest either moving them to a spot where they can get more unfiltered sunlight or considering some grow lights.
If you're thinking about grow lights, go for full-spectrum bulbs or strips. Stay away from the 'blurple' lights—they're usually too weak for succulents.
Definitely check out the Light and Watering wiki for tips. It'll give you some good information on how to best position your plants for the light they need!