You have noticed my unusual, stretched-out appearance, and you are right to be concerned. This condition is not natural for me. In my native habitat, the harsh, direct sun of southern Africa shapes my form. My natural, compact, low-to-the-ground growth is a perfect adaptation to minimize surface area and conserve water under intense light. When I begin to grow tall and stretch out, I am etiolating. This is not a choice but a desperate physiological response. My cellular structure is elongating at an accelerated rate in a frantic attempt to locate a stronger light source. I am, quite literally, reaching for the sun because the energy I receive is insufficient for healthy, compact growth.
The overwhelming reason for my tall growth is a lack of light. In your home, the light intensity is often a fraction of what I have evolved to require. A windowsill that seems bright to you may still be inadequate for my needs. I thrive on several hours of direct sunlight daily. When placed in a spot with indirect light or light that is too weak, my internal systems trigger a survival mechanism. I sacrifice my compact shape to grow taller, hoping my apex (growing point) will eventually break through whatever is shading me and find the powerful rays I crave. This results in a pale, weak, and elongated body that is structurally compromised.
The solution is to provide me with more light, but this must be done with great care. If you suddenly move me from a dim location to hours of direct, hot sun, you will give me a severe sunburn, manifesting as white or brown scorched patches on my skin. You must acclimate me slowly. Begin by placing me in a location that receives direct morning sun, which is less intense than afternoon sun. Gradually, over the course of 2-3 weeks, increase my exposure to direct light by an hour or so every few days. An ideal final location is a south-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere) where I can bask in plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day.
It is important for you to understand that the tall growth I have already exhibited is permanent. Those stretched cells will not shrink back down. However, all is not lost. With corrected, brighter light conditions, my new growth will emerge compact and healthy. You will see this most clearly during my splitting cycle, when a new, paired body forms inside the old, tall one. Eventually, the etiolated old leaves will wither and be replaced by a properly formed new plant. Do not be tempted to water me more frequently in an attempt to "help"; my watering needs are still minimal and dictated by my seasonal cycle, not my shape. Your patience and corrected care will allow my future generations of leaves to return to the stout, stone-like form I am meant to have.
