Here are the signs that your Pickle Plant needs more light, and what to do before it’s too late. Keep Reading!
Kleinia stapeliiformis, a.k.a. the Pickle Plant, isn’t just cool by name—it has those funky, snake-like, segmented leaves that are the real icing on the cake. But while it’s hardy, it can’t stand low light for too long. If your plant looks off, these signs will help you figure out if it’s light-deprived, and how to fix it.
Signs Your Pickle Plant Needs More Light
1. Etiolated or Stretched Stems
If your Pickle plant starts stretching towards the light, it’s a sign it needs more brightness. This is called etiolation, and it happens when light is scarce, whether natural or artificial.
This phototropic behavior is a survival mechanism shown by many plants, especially succulents, to show that they need to be in the spotlight!
Also, rotate the pot every few days to keep growth balanced and upright.
2. Yellowing or Brown Leaves
Pickle plants usually have a vibrant green color. But when they lack sufficient light, their hue may turn dull or washed out, indicating a drop in chlorophyll production. Sometimes, you might even notice a grayish or sickly tint creeping into the leaves.
If your plant starts looking a little more ghostly than green, it might be time to brighten its days—literally. A bit of direct morning light or a stronger artificial light source can help bring back the bright green color of your pickle plant.
Avoid placing it in harsh afternoon sun right away—acclimate it slowly to avoid sunburn.
3. Soil Not Drying Out Fast Enough
Here’s a sneaky clue—the soil. If it’s still damp days after watering, the plant may not be drinking much, because it’s not photosynthesizing properly in low light.
Succulents like this want their roots to dry between drinks.
Try this: Before cutting back on watering, move it to a brighter spot. Often, it’s not overwatering—it’s just not enough sun.
4. Sparse or No New Growth
Have you been noticing that your pickle plant simply refuses to grow? Basically, you may not be seeing any new stems, no fresh leaves for weeks, and even months. That’s another quiet clue that it’s not getting enough light to fuel growth. After all, light is energy, and without it, your plant cannot push out new shoots.
But as soon as you relocate it to a brighter windowsill or under a grow light, you might be surprised at how quickly it perks back up with fresh growth!
If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light with a timer. Aim for 10–12 hours of light daily for this sun-loving succulent.
So these are the top signs that your pickle plant has not been receiving enough light. Have you noticed any of these on your plant? Let us know in the comments below!
