As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or situations, but I can provide you with a detailed answer on how to keep your succulents small. Here are some tips:
1. Keep the Succulent in a Sunny Spot: Succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing them in a sunny spot will help them grow compact and prevent stretching towards the light, which can make them leggy.
2. Remove Any Leaves That Grow off at an Angle: If you notice any leaves growing off at an angle, it is a sign that your succulent is stretching and reaching for light. Gently remove these leaves to encourage a more compact growth pattern.
3. Prune Your Succulents Regularly to Prevent the Spread of Overgrowth: Regular pruning helps control the size of your succulents. Trim off any excessive growth or leggy stems to promote a more compact form. You can use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to do this.
4. Cut Off the Top of the Succulent: If your succulent is growing tall and you want to keep it small, you can cut off the top rosette or stem. This will encourage branching and result in a more compact plant. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days before replanting it.
5. Reduce the Root Space: Succulents tend to grow larger when they have more room for their roots to spread out. By keeping them in smaller pots or restricting their root space, you can help limit their growth. Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the root ball of the succulent.
6. Cut Back on Watering and Fertilizing: Overwatering and over-fertilizing can lead to faster growth in succulents. To keep them small, reduce the frequency of watering and avoid using excessive amounts of fertilizer. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
7. Pick Your Succulent Carefully: Some succulent varieties naturally stay smaller in size. When selecting succulents for your collection, choose compact or dwarf varieties that are known for their smaller growth habits. This way, you won’t have to put as much effort into keeping them small.
Remember, each succulent species may have different growth habits and requirements, so it’s essential to research the specific needs of your succulent to keep it small. Regular observation and adjustments to care routines will help you maintain the desired size and shape of your succulents.