Understanding the basics behind the Winter care of succulents
Understanding the basics behind the Winter care of succulents will help these eye-catching plants withstand temperature and humidity fluctuations.These plants can flourish all year, but learning how to care for succulents varies greatly from season to season. We’re dealing with winter succulents here. Some succulents can withstand extremely cold temperatures, making them excellent winter garden ideas. Others, on the other hand, are sensitive and require extra attention.
Whether you’re winterizing succulents that are generally maintained outdoors in a dry garden or want to learn how to care for houseplants in winter to assist succulents to cope with the dry atmosphere generated by home heating, these expert recommendations can help you. Make your Winter care of succulents easier than ever before.
Tips for Winter Care of Succulents
1.Protect your outdoor succulents
If you intend to keep your succulents outside, consider protecting them from the cold. While you may buy specific frost blankets for plants, many common household objects will suffice. Cover your succulents with blankets and towels and secure them with rocks or bricks. To protect your succulents from frost, place taped-down cardboard boxes or planters over them for utmost Winter care of succulents. Just make sure there’s enough space around your plant so the leaves don’t break.
2.Bring your succulents indoors
Succulents can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but they have limits. Because their leaves and stems hold water, they are sensitive to freezing. Most succulents can withstand temperatures as low as 40° or 50° F. Bring your plants indoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Larger succulents should be able to endure cooler temperatures, however, frost damage to plant tissue on their surface is possible. Bringing your succulents is the first thing to do for Winter care of succulents.
3.Cut back on fertilizer and watering
The golden rule of succulent winter maintenance is to water less. Because plants consume less water when they are dormant in the winter, overwatering can cause root rot. Succulents and cacti should be watered properly but seldom for smart Winter care of succulents. Most succulents should only need to be watered once every one or two months. When the soil is dry and the leaves are somewhat wrinkled, it is time to water.
4.Avoid repotting during winters
The best times of year to replant your succulents are in the spring or fall when temperatures are warmer. Succulents do not require frequent repotting; once every two years is usually sufficient. When repotting a fresh or rootbound plant into a larger planter, using well-draining, lightweight cactus soil is the wise decision for Winter care of succulents. For optimal drainage, buy a ready-made mix or mix one part organic matter (potting mix or coconut coir) with two parts mineral material (perlite or gravel).
5.Add a Layer of Gravel around the succulents’ roots
While other winter plants may benefit from mulch, succulents placed in a border or pots may benefit from a heavy covering of gravel or stones. These will, of course, give some frost protection, but they will also prevent your succulents’ leaves from drooping into moist soil, increasing the likelihood of rot infecting the plant. Ready for some hard work and bring some pretty pebbles for Winter care of succulents.
6.Ensure Effective Succulent Drainage
Succulents dislike sitting in water because they are drought-tolerant. As a result, it’s critical to make sure succulent containers drain well, especially in the winter when any water left in the bottom of the container is likely to freeze. Drainage is the most crucial tip for Winter care of succulents.
7.Take care of sunlight
When relocating your succulents indoors, sunlight is critical! It’s difficult to ensure they get adequate sunlight during the winter. For optimum indirect sunlight, keep your succulents near the brightest window in your home for healthy winter care of succulents. For the healthiest succulents, aim to give them at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If they don’t get enough sunlight, they’ll start leaning on the window. Simply turn them the other way to straighten them out!
Which Succulents can be Left Out in The Winter?
Succulents that can withstand temperatures as low as -20oF include sedum, euphorbias, and sempervivum. When purchasing a plant, always read the label to guarantee it will thrive in your climate zone.
Tender succulents, such as aloe, enjoy mild temperatures and must be kept indoors, where they like a room temperature of around 50oF, or outside if the temperature never falls below freezing – even a light frost can damage tender leaves. They will require frost protection if left outside.
Why are certain succulents unable to withstand freezing temperatures? The answer comes down to how much water they store in their leaves and stems (hence their drought tolerance).
In cold temperatures, this will freeze, expand, and harm the plant. What is the best path to success? If your area is prone to severe frosts, choose hard succulents over fragile ones for outdoor use, or be prepared to bring them in or protect them for proper winter care of succulents.
Winter Care of Succulents for Popular Plants
Echeveria
Echeverias resemble stemless rosettes and often produce jewel-tone colours when exposed to sunlight. They’re sensitive succulents that won’t survive strong frosts, so bring them indoors and keep the temperature at or above 50° F for smart winter care of succulents. Reduce watering over the winter and barely give them enough to keep them from wrinkling. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause them to decay.
Aloe vera
It is a popular succulent with fleshy, serrated leaves that is widely available at garden centres. Aloe grows best at temperatures ranging from 55° to 80° F. Aloe vera dislikes frost since it is mainly water. During the winter, water your aloe plant once a month, moistening the soil rather than soaking it.
Golden barrel cactus
When you see a golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), you know it. The bodies of these ubiquitous plants are dark green with strong yellow spines. The larger your plant, the more resistant it will be to the forces of winter — elder golden barrel cacti may even survive in temperatures ranging from 20° to 25° F. If you keep your cactus indoors, make sure it gets as much sunlight as possible and water it every other month for proper winter care of succulents.
Jade plant
Jade plants are another succulent favourite, with their woody branches and thick, oval leaves. They’re also known as Crassula ovata, and they’re generally easy to care for, but they do have some preferences. These succulents are not frost-resistant and should be brought inside if the temperature falls below 50° F. Because jade plants are especially susceptible to root rot, only water them when the soil is fully dry. Their leaves, like echeveria, may perish if they are overwatered.
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera truncata, also known as the Christmas cactus, is a popular winter plant. When kept in long periods of darkness and freezing temps around 50° over the holidays, it will produce vivid blooms. It is native to tropical woods in South America, unlike many cacti and succulents, and prefers water and humidity. While this plant dislikes damp feet, it also dislikes being completely dry. Water your Christmas cactus every two to three weeks over the winter, when the top third of the soil feels dry.
(Also Read-5 low maintenance succulents for every home)
Conclusion
Winter care of succulents boils down to balance – if you avoid watering and fertilizing, you’re already ahead of the curve. Succulents, on the other hand, appreciate extra thinking and care. Ensuring that your succulents receive light and remain warm can prepare them for wonderful growth once spring arrives, as well as ensure that you have attractive green plants around the house during the cold, dismal winter months.