Succulents are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions and survive with minimal care, but they can still be affected by cold weather. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s important to take steps to protect your succulents and keep them healthy.
In this post, we’ll go over the basics of winter succulent care and provide some tips for keeping your plants happy during the colder months.
Winter Care Guide:
How Succulents Adapt and Tolerate Cold Weather
Succulents are native to arid regions, so they are adapted to survive in dry, hot conditions. However, they can also tolerate colder climates as long as they are protected from freezing temperatures.
Most succulents can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C), but they may go into a dormant state during the winter months. 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 spring when temperatures warm up.
Tips for Winter Succulent Care
To keep your plants healthy, follow these tips for winter care:
- Water less frequently: Succulents need less water during the winter, as they are in a dormant state and not actively growing. Water your plants only when the soil is completely dry, and be sure not to overwater. They simply will not take up as much water as they do when not dormant.
- Provide plenty of sunlight: Succulents still need plenty of sunlight during the winter, so be sure to place them in a sunny location. If you live in a climate with short, cloudy days, you may need to use grow lights to provide enough light for your plants. Most indoor succulents need a supplemental grow light anways.
- 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. I’d say this is probably the most underrated succulent care tip for any season.
Common Problems with Winter Succulent Care
There are a few common problems that can arise during the winter months, including:
Freezing temperatures: If the temperature drops too low, your succulents may freeze and die. Be sure to protect your plants from freezing temperatures by bringing them indoors or providing them with a protective cover.
Overwatering: It’s easy to overwater your succulents during the winter, as they are in a dormant state and not actively growing. Be sure to water your plants only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid getting the leaves wet.
Lack of sunlight: Succulents need plenty of sunlight to thrive, but during the winter months, it can be difficult to provide enough light. If you live in a climate with short, cloudy days, you may need to use grow lights to provide enough light for your plants. Below are some grow lights to consider when overwintering your succulents and cactus inside your house.
How to Protect Your Succulents from the Cold
To protect your succulents from the cold, follow these tips:
- Bring your plants indoors: If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it’s best to bring them inside
- Use a cold frame or greenhouse: If you can’t bring your succulents indoors, consider using a cold frame or greenhouse to provide them with a bit of extra protection. These structures can help to keep your plants warm and protect them from the elements.
- Use a protective cover: If you can’t bring your succulents indoors or use a cold frame or greenhouse, you can still provide them with some protection from the cold by using a protective cover. You can make your own cover using a piece of plastic or a tarp, or you can purchase a specifically designed plant cover.
Succulents are tough plants that can survive in a variety of climates, but they still need special care during the winter months. By following the tips in this post, you can keep your succulents healthy and happy during the cold season. Happy planting!
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