Succulents are adapted to survive in hot, dry conditions, but they still need special care during the summer months to thrive. If you’re a succulent enthusiast, it’s important to take steps to protect your plants from the heat and keep them healthy. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of summer succulent care and provide some tips for keeping your plants happy during the warmer months.
How Succulents Adapt to Hot Weather
Succulents are native to arid regions, so they are adapted to survive in hot, dry conditions. In fact, they thrive in hot weather, as long as they are provided with enough water and sunlight.
Most succulents can tolerate temperatures as high as 90°F (32°C), but they may go into a dormant state during the summer months if they are stressed by heat or lack of water. During this time, they will stop growing and may lose some of their leaves. This is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle, and your succulents should recover in the fall when temperatures cool down.
Tips for Summer Succulent Care
To keep your succulents healthy during the summer, follow these tips:
- Water regularly: Succulents need more water during the summer, as they are actively growing and photosynthesizing. Water your plants when the top inch or so of soil is dry, and be sure to provide enough water to hydrate the entire root system.
- Provide plenty of sunlight: Succulents need plenty of sunlight to thrive, so be sure to place them in a sunny location. If you live in an area with intense summer sun, you may need to provide some shade to protect your plants from getting sunburned.
- Keep the air moving: Good airflow is important for preventing fungal diseases and rot, so be sure to provide your succulents with plenty of ventilation.
To water your succulents in the summer, follow these steps:
- Check the soil moisture: Before watering your succulents, check the moisture level of the soil. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water your plants. If the soil feels moist, wait a few more days before watering.
- Water the soil, not the plants: When watering your succulents, aim the water at the soil, not the plants. Succulents are prone to rot if their leaves and stems remain wet for extended periods of time.
- Use room temperature water: Use room temperature water to water your succulents. Cold water can shock the plants and cause them to wilt.
- Water thoroughly: When watering your succulents, be sure to water the soil thoroughly. The water should reach the roots of the plants. This helps to prevent the plants from becoming stressed due to a lack of moisture.
- Allow the soil to dry out: After watering your succulents, allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. This helps to prevent the plants from becoming waterlogged and helps to encourage strong root growth.
In general, succulents do not need a lot of water and should be watered sparingly in the summer. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to ensure that the plants receive the moisture they need without becoming waterlogged.
If you water a succulent when the weather is really hot, there are a few things that could happen:
- The water may evaporate quickly: If the weather is very hot, the water you use to water your succulents may evaporate quickly before it has a chance to reach the roots of the plants. This can lead to soil that is too dry, which can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests and disease.
- The soil may dry out too quickly: If the weather is very hot, the soil in your succulent pots may dry out quickly, even if you water the plants regularly. This can lead to soil that is too dry, which can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests and disease.
- The plants may wilt: If the weather is very hot and the soil is too dry, your succulents may wilt. This is a sign that the plants are stressed and are not receiving enough moisture.
Where to Buy Succulents Online
Common Problems with Summer Succulent Care
There are a few common problems that can arise during the summer months, including:
- Overwatering: It’s easy to overwater your succulents during the summer, as they are actively growing and need more hydration. Be sure to water your plants only when the soil is dry, and avoid getting the leaves wet.
- Sunburn: Succulents are adapted to survive in hot, sunny conditions, but they can still get sunburned if they are exposed to too much intense sun. To prevent sunburn, be sure to provide your plants with plenty of shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Pests: Succulents can be vulnerable to pests, especially during the summer when they are actively growing. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation and take steps to control pests as needed.
How to Protect Succulents in the Summer
Use a shade cloth or screen: If you can’t move your succulents indoors or to a shaded area, you can still provide them with some protection from the heat by using a shade cloth or screen. These structures can help to block some of the intense sun and keep your plants cooler.
Use a protective cover: If you can’t move your succulents indoors or use a shade cloth or screen, you can still provide them with some protection from the heat by using a protective cover. You can make your own cover using a piece of fabric or a tarp, or you can purchase a specifically designed plant cover.
Conclusion:
Succulents are tough plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions, but they still need special care during the summer months. By following the tips in this post, you can keep your succulents healthy and happy during the warm season. Happy planting!
