Etiolation
/EE-tee-oh-LAY-shun/🧑🌾 Cultivation●● Intermediate
Also known as: etiolated, leggy growth
A plant condition resulting from inadequate light, characterized by elongated internodes, pale yellow-green color (from reduced chlorophyll), small leaves, weak stems, and general spindly appearance. Etiolated plants are reaching for light. The term is also used intentionally in techniques like blanching celery or forcing rhubarb.
Etymology
French étioler (to blanch, whiten), from éteule (stubble)
Example
“The etiolated succulents on the windowsill need more direct sunlight — the stretched growth is irreversible.”