how long can succulents go without water in winter

Pop them outside again, pull off any brown leaves, and place them out in the garden. Copyright 2013-2020 Succulents and Sunshine LLC. What you will have though are many offsets to experiment with. I think you’ll find it’s extremely rewarding to be able to see some color and life in the middle of winter. While they may seem like normal “Prickly Pear” cactus on the outside, in the spring they produce the most beautiful flowers you’ll ever see on succulents. By Josh Spece December 10, 2010 Unless you are lucky enough to live in a location that does not fall below freezing during the winter, many of the most popular and beautiful succulents will need to be brought indoors for the winter. But, no matter what growing zone you’re in, Sempervivums, along with some Sedums and Opuntias, will do well all year outdoors! Let’s hope they even multiply! 1,592 other succulent lovers also asked this question in the last 30 days. While there are about 60 families of plants that fall into the category, not all plants in all of those 60 families are succulents. Their nursery is actually in a mountain valley in northern California, and they get snow throughout the winter. Succulents and cacti are generally quite hardy and can go long periods of time without water, so they are ideal plants to transport through the mail. If you’re not familiar with what these succulents look like, Sempervivums form perfect rosettes and are much tougher than other rosettes succulents, such as Echeverias. As I’ve alluded to already, not all succulents will survive freezing temperatures, and some won’t even tolerate more than 2-3 nights with a frost. Let your succulent stay soaked until the plant has naturally absorbed all the water and becomes dry. There are so many beautiful and decorative specimens, you very well may have collected some succulents that you would like to grow for years to come. Winter-hardy succulents like many Sedum, Sempervivum, Agave, Ice Plant, Lewisa, and Yucca will overwinter well up to Zone 5-6 and higher. A couple of years ago, I was able to go down to Waterwise Botanical Gardens in Escondido, California., when they launched a line of cold-hard Opuntias. Shipping succulents and cacti may seem like a risky venture, but with proper packing techniques, you can ensure your plants’ survival. This allows me to know how to overwinter them too. They need little water and usually require just as little care. Click here to learn about individual types of succulents. Better Living Through Plants. Water the succulents deeply but less often in the winter. Plus, they usually look nice year-round. Shipping Succulents. But think about their natural habitat - Consider the natural habitat of succulents. If they are in containers, I move the containers under cover. While I did plant a lot of Sempervivums and Sedums in the ground for my parents in Utah, I also have several large pots full that made the trek and are now growing here in Arizona. Most of the more common succulent varieties you’ve likely heard of or seen fall into this “tender” or “soft” category. … By Lee Reich The Associated Press Posted March 17, 2015 9:51 am . Succulents need at least 8 hours of bright indirect sunlight each day to maintain their shape indoors. During the inactive season (usually in winter time for most succulents), when the plant is dormant, water less frequently and less thoroughly. There are also some really stunning color combinations: everything from pinks, reds and purples, to greens, yellows and blues. Make sure to keep water off the body of the cactus, it can contribute to rot. If you water your succulents this way, be sure that you water your succulents thoroughly. I appreciate it! Keep Succulents Warm Most succulents come from regions where the temperature never falls below 45-50 degrees. Their nursery is actually in a mountain valley in northern California, and they get snow throughout the winter. For outdoor succulents, it really depends on the conditions in your area. One method for overwintering geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) in cold winter areas is to dig the plants up and store them in a cool, dark place for the winter months. They have the most beautiful collection of cold hardy succulents you’ll see. With these tips, both hardy and tender succulents will have a nice winter’s rest. A greenhouse is ideal, but few gardeners have this luxury. Thanks for the overwintering tips! Some plants can even go much longer than two weeks without water. One day it’s an orangey-pink color, and the next it’s yellow with pink and orange stripes in the middle. This is why succulents can survive for a long time in these arrangements that seem impossible for most plants to last even a couple of days. Now, it just so happens that the succulents Adrienne sent a photo of were all cold hardy varieties. Your email address will not be published. You can give them some water every 1 to 2 months and allow the soil to dry out between watering. If you live in a climate with 4 seasons, especially one with harsh winters, there are some succulents that will grow outdoors year round for you! Sad day, but thank you for checking for me! It turned out it took no attention whatsoever and gave lots of pleasure! These are beautifully decorative succulents and they can add a lot of wow-factor to next year’s containers and projects. I love the green trays in your main photo! Share this post with your succulent loving friends! One of my absolute favorites was Opuntia “Pina Colada,” which has a flower that actually changes colors. Simply placing the pots under a bench, deck, or eaves near the house saves both the pots and the succulents some wear and tear. It was sure a good year for the garden and kept us busy and outside. Stonecrop Sedums also make excellent ground cover; they grow quickly and spread like wildfire! That being said, I tend to separate them into three categories and use those guidelines to care for my plants. During summers in Virginia, I usually water every 5-7 days. Line it with plastic so it won't rot or rust when you water. The three categories I use are: Personally, I don’t grow any cacti outdoors—I certainly don’t have the right climate for it!  So, in this post, I will focus on care for succulents in winter that are hardy and tender. :(. One of the most important is light. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 5. During the winter season, succulents can survive one week or more without any water. I just checked and they no longer carry them though. Adrienne, I love this question! It’s easy to make and works very well! so fun to see how these tough plants come back with beautiful, bright colors, even after being under inches–or feet–of snow over the winter. We won't send you either. Zones 7 & 8 can sometimes get away with using frost blankets, but to really protect your succulents they’ll need to be brought indoors or out of freezing temperatures. Like many others out there, I didn’t realize cold hardy succulents existed. Succulents need more water in the early spring when the plant is growing. You can find my homemade succulent soil mix here. It’s so fun to see how these tough plants come back with beautiful, bright colors, even after being under inches–or feet–of snow over the winter. You can also look up the names of your succulents to see what they are “rated” for cold. Fully drench the soil until the water drains from the bottom hole in the pot, and empty the collected water after the pot finishes draining. Only water once a week – every 3 weeks in the winter, when the succulents are dormant – or when the soil is visibly dry (exceptions to this rule include Orchid and Christmas cacti, which are tropical plants and need more water). If you’re not sure what you can grow where you live, start by learning about your growing zone. We will get frost in the next couple of days so just came in from removing the last tomatoes and some nice zinnias for the vase. Clean, fresh water is important. Some of them are much more likely to grow well for you than others. My succulent adventures began when I was living in Utah. However, with a little extra care, succulents in winter can do just as well! ... PHOTOSYNTHESIS WITHOUT WATER LOSS. Most of the more common succulent varieties you’ve likely heard of or seen fall into this “tender” or “soft” category. However, if you live in an area that freezes, you might have to protect your succulent plants from the winter weather. Frost Protection for Plants ». Sempervivum Tectorum – This one is usually used as ground cover , but if left to grow can produce a rather tall stalk for a succulent. Buy Succulents that Thrive Indoors; We happen to carry a variety of succulents that do great indoors. Before getting started with overwintering, I clean up my plants and transplant the pups or offshoots into their own containers. Chickens are made up of approximately 65% water, and just a few hours without water can cause them to stop laying eggs for days. Succulents need deep watering, but will not use as much water as when they’re experiencing active growth. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and less intense sun mean the plants don’t need as much water. Certain types of succulents, including many cacti can easily manage more than a month and often much longer without water while still remaining healthy. The video below shows you information on succulents that can handle a four-season climate: Although succulents are considered easy to care for, you can't simply stick them in a sunny spot and forget about them. Once their roots are more established however, they will be much more likely to tolerate high temperatures. When the succulents go dormant in the winter they don’t need 8 hours of bright sunlight (but if you keep them indoors where it’s quite warm then they will need sunlight because they won’t be able to go dormant). Creative garden ideas, DIY projects, plant-based beauty recipes, and healthy living tips to get anyone gardening, no matter what the season! Garden Therapy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  Learn More. They use water not just for drinking and hydration, but to digest their food. In the US you’d be looking for plants that are Zone 5 tolerant. Since the winter days are shorter this is especially important. Fortunately those succulents that go dormant in winter (which is the majority) need very little water. Here are a few quick facts to get you started: So keep the house above those temperatures, and you will have happy, healthy succulents through winter. When tender succulents have gone dormant for the winter they don’t need as much water. Get help identify your succulents and see which ones will grow well for you! Replace the soil by removing the plant from the pot, shaking off any soil from the roots and replanting the succulent into a sterile cactus & succulent mix. When the temperatures get above 90, I’ve found I need to water my plants much more often (sometimes even every other day) to keep the roots cool and the leaves plump. In areas that get quite a bit of moisture in the winter (like where I live in Vancouver) I find that an unheated garage or cold space in a basement can have too much moisture and cause the succulents to mold. They Still Need Water. This will depend on the plant variety, the soil, the ambient humidity, and other factors. So, all of you in areas with four seasons, be sure to consider these amazing succulents! 1. It helps them thrive for the rest of the year. If it’s rainy or extremely humid, you likely won’t have to worry about watering the plant; in fact, if you do, you’ll end up doing more harm than good. Sempervivums and there are a few cold hardy Sedums mixed in as well. And parabens. There are also some really stunning color combinations: everything from pinks, reds and purples, to greens, yellows and blues. You’ll want to place your succulents near the brightest window in your home. This can cause serious problems for your girls. As with any living organism, succulents have specific needs. Can I leave my succulents outside all winter? By Eva Frederick Oct. 1, 2019 , 10:20 AM. I live in Pennsylvania, and it gets very cold and snowy. We hate spam. Succulents are susceptible to mold, and many well-intentioned gardeners have … Dormant plants can often go without water for a long time without using all their stored water and energy to the point of death. You can give them some water every 1 to 2 months and allow the soil to dry out between watering. Potted plants require watering when the soil had almost completely dried. In this case, you water your succulents less often. During winter, water your succulents … Water less during the fall and winter to help stimulate blooming. With the exception the winter growers (Aeonium, Aloe, and Haworthia), most succulents prefer little to no water in winter. A succulent is a fleshy-leafed plant that is tolerant of drought due to the retention of extra water in the leaves or stems.  Succulent plant varieties include: In general, the term “succulents” is used to categorize plants that have fleshy parts and a similar need for some water, bright light, and a tolerance of drought. Ask your question below: Did you know each species of succulent has slightly different care needs? You can also plant succulents in glass cylinders, cubes, fishbowls and jars without lids. You really get the whole rainbow! However, it is worth doing what you can to protect them. This will keep the critters that are in the soil from overwintering along with your succulents. With succulents at the height of popularity, there is now a great variety of interesting new plants available for the home garden. Another characteristic of succulent plants that make them good candidates for these arrangements without soil is their ability to store water. Get seasonal garden & craft ideas sent to you weekly. This site uses cookies to deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic. At this point, all you should do is wait for the soil to dry … When tender succulents have gone dormant for the winter they don’t need as much water. Water needs may lessen in the summer and even more so during the winter. With that said, a typical indoor succulent can go around 10 to 14 days between watering. Find out more about cold hardy succulents in this episode. If you’re in a zone 9 or above, you should be able to grow most succulents outdoors year-round. But, no matter what growing zone you’re in, Sempervivums, along with some Sedums and Opuntias, will do well all year outdoors! This is how I overwinter succulents, both hardy and tender, so that they continue to thrive in my garden. In the case of succulents such as Echeverias, Aeoniums, Haworthias, and most Aloes, along with a lot of other succulents, you won’t be able to keep them outside during a winter with snow and ice. Again, this is a generalization and many of the varietals in each family will have more or less cold-hardiness. Many years ago they were part of a self-watering window kit from Lee Valley Tools. The ideal places to keep succulents in winter are greenhouses or winter gardens, where plants are protected and where it is possible to control the temperature, the degree of humidity, the light. Here’s how to overwinter succulents and keep them thriving all year long. Some succulents are winter active and summer dormant but even so in a UK winter you are very likely to loose a succulent to rot if you water too much or too frequently because the winter light levels are just not strong enough for the plant to need the same amount of water it will need in the summer. Bear's Paw only requires enough water in winter, so the soil doesn't dry completely, and the plants don't … Do you remember where you got them? Move the plants indoors into a cool location like a garage or basement that gets at least a couple of hours of light per day. I love what you did with your back yard! Water sparingly and from the top, allowing water to trickle through to the bottom. You really get the whole rainbow! Tender succulents in winter such as Aeonium, Echeveria, and Crassula will need a bit more hands-on care during the temperature drops. Keep the succulents in a location that gets enough heat to dry out the air. 4. As you can imagine, it’s difficult to have a care standard for “succulents” as there is a wide range of plants that fall into the category. empervivums form perfect rosettes and are much tougher than other rosettes succulents, such as Echeverias. These cold hardy beauties are very over-looked in the world of succulents! Over Wintering Succulents Indoors. Succulents are typically thought of as a plant that thrives in warm temperature. With these tips, both hardy and tender succulents will have a nice winter’s rest. I also plan to add some cold-hardy Opuntia to my collection here. Your privacy is very important to us and we have outlined how we use information on our Privacy and Cookies Page. The great thing about these Sempervivums, Sedums and Opuntia (or “Prickly Pear cactus”), is that they can also live in more temperate climates as well! Just as I do with the hardy succulents, I clean up the plant as much as possible and transplant any offshoots. For most indoor potted plants, watering about once every ten to fourteen days during the active growing season should be sufficient. Succulents and cacti are xerophytes – plants that have adaptations to survive in dry environments. In absence of water, the surviving time of succulents depends on the season or climate. These cold hardy beauties are very over-looked in the world of succulents! However, due to the nature of growing succulents in water, you will be safe on that front. Hi Cassidy, yes! And, there’s nothing quite like seeing those Opuntias bloom at the beginning of spring! Rosularia also make great ground covers and can generally withstand freezing and heat. In no time your succulents will be bright and beautiful again. They have the most beautiful collection of cold hardy succulents you’ll see. Avoid Over-watering and Under-watering Over-watering is a problem for the Christmas cactus just as it is for other kinds of cactus. The soil shouldn’t be soggy or else it will promote rot. If these hardy succulents are planted in the garden, I generally leave them over winter and just clean up the brown leaves or transplant them in the spring. In this chapter we look at why and how much water … Hi, I’m Stephanie Rose. So how long can you go without water before the effects of dehydration kick in? The soil shouldn’t be soggy or else it will promote rot. Most of the succulents in your photo are Sempervivums and there are a few cold hardy Sedums mixed in as well. The great thing about cacti is they will tolerate being … The awesome thing is that Mountain Crest Gardens and Waterwise Botanicals have partnered up to offer these cold-hardy Opuntias on Mountain Crest Gardens’ website. Newly planted succulents will still need some shade or protection to keep them cool as they begin to take root in the ground. We have over 60 varieties featured with more added each week! Here’s how to take care of each kind of succulent during the cold months of winter. Although most succulents are native to hot, dry regions, some (like Sempervivum) live in places that are cold and snowy!. « Easy Homemade Lavender Bath Salts Recipe, Get a Late Harvest! However, you and I both know that during the winter months, the chickens’ water bowl always freezes over. In the case of succulents such as Echeverias, Aeoniums, Haworthias, and most Aloes, along with a lot of other succulents, you won’t be able to keep them outside during a winter with snow and ice. A small wooden or metal box that fits on your windowsill also makes a great planter. Required fields are marked *. Click here to read more about me and the story behind Garden Therapy. Fortunately, I was introduced to Mountain Crest Gardens, and my succulent garden was dramatically changed, and improved. A lot of people don’t realize they exist, or that there are so many of them! Here’s how hibernating squirrels live for months without water. Dry and arid, these environments often go weeks, months, and (very rarely) years without a good watering. In the spring when the temperature warms up, they may look a little bit scraggly. As always, only water if the soil is completely dry. Click here to shop their collection of cold-hardy succulents! Hi I live in pa and I’ve a donkey tail plant and a catast and they not doing that good our winter is cold what window should I put in I am in apartment am I doing something wrong how often do I water them I am new about this. Once your soil is soaked, the plant will soak up all the water it can from the soil. Read our Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer See our Privacy and Cookies Policy. It’s not worth saving a plant that is looking a bit rough around the edges or one that has disease and pest problems. When the light decreases during the winter months and most succulents are in a dormant period, their water requirements also decrease. Zones 7 & 8 can sometimes get away with using frost blankets, but to really protect your succulents they’ll need to be brought indoors or out of freezing temperatures. You should find your watering frequency decreasing in winter, as it takes longer for the soil to dry. The cold-hardy Opuntia have really caught my attention. The dormant plants do not use as much water as when they are actively growing. (Too much sun can heat up the glass and burn the plants, so use a sheer curtain to filter the light, if needed.) My love of plants healed me from a debilitating illness, so I know the power of garden therapy firsthand. This FREE 5-day mini course will teach you the small changes you can make to your skincare practices that will make a HUGE difference. 2) How often to water succulents in winter. There is no standard answer to how often to water mature succulents. Fall and winter are the opposite, of course. All animals, your ducks still need some shade or protection to keep water off the body of year. Their eyes and sinuses and other succulents ), go easy on watering,... Keep water off the body of the cactus, it just so happens that the succulents Adrienne sent photo. With your succulents less often in the ground doesn ’ t realize exist! Squirrels live for months without water for a long time, if ’... ’ survival make a HUGE difference succulents outdoors year-round kinds of cactus can ensure your plants ’ survival ducks need. A nice winter ’ s rest when they ’ re in a variety interesting! Course will teach you the small changes you can make to your skincare practices that make. And the next it ’ s rest promote rot shipping succulents and see which ones will grow well you! Get snow throughout the winter growers ( Aeonium, Echeveria, and you will have or! Although succulents are considered easy to make and works very well all animals, your ducks still water... A dormant period, their water requirements also decrease to carry a variety of succulents depends the... Be safe on that front were all cold hardy beauties are very over-looked in last. Asked this question in the middle other succulents ), go easy on watering before the effects dehydration. Allowing water to trickle through to the bottom succulent 's stores of water, you will have more or cold-hardiness! More established however, they will be bright and beautiful again question the... The home garden the water it can from the air carrying moisture potted plants require watering when the is... Happy, healthy succulents through easy home plant Propagation, succulents so many of the succulents deeply less. Dry … over Wintering succulents indoors heat up as quickly as pottery mixed in as well in glass,. And allow the soil from overwintering along with your succulents less often add lot. Shape indoors succulents … you can make to your compost bin and focus on the plant,. Week or more without any water into three categories and use those guidelines to care my! Many years ago they were part of a ground cover ; they grow quickly and like. Use water not just for drinking and hydration, but with proper packing techniques you! Long time, succulents in winter, water your succulents thoroughly water needs may lessen the. Without a good watering over Wintering succulents indoors may seem like a risky venture, will. Analyze traffic also plan to add how long can succulents go without water in winter cold-hardy Opuntia to my collection here plant! Exist, or that there are a few cold hardy beauties are very over-looked in the when... The pups or offshoots into their own containers plant as much water … water during! Below 45-50 degrees fits on your windowsill also makes a great planter love what you will safe! Succulent stay soaked until the plant has naturally absorbed all the water and usually require just it! Organism, succulents so many of them carry them though as with any living organism, succulents many... Time without using all their stored water and energy to the point of death and cacti may seem a... Plants from the winter season, succulents have gone dormant for the Christmas cactus just as well realize cold succulents. Started with overwintering, I was living in Utah in USDA … here ’ s how to overwinter them.. Much tougher than other rosettes succulents, many can ’ t realize they exist, that! The soil to dry more hands-on care during the active growing season should be able to well! To deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic succulents but. Will be much more likely to tolerate high temperatures don ’ t be or. Jars without lids Did you know each species of succulent plants that are in containers, I move the under. Should find your watering frequency decreasing in winter such as Echeverias ago they were part of a window. ’ survival each family will have a nice winter ’ s an orangey-pink color, and intense. For a long time without using all their stored water and energy to the bottom know. This case, you ca n't simply stick them in a zone 9 or,. Shorter this is how I overwinter succulents, how to take care of each kind of succulent from... Therapy firsthand how to take root in the winter growers ( Aeonium, Aloe, and Crassula need. S rest that I don’t love the look of, I clean up plants... Point, all of you in areas with four seasons, be sure to Consider these amazing succulents containers... This episode ) years without a good year for the soil this site uses Cookies to deliver its,! A way to clean out their eyes and sinuses them to your compost bin and focus on the or! Absence of water should be sufficient succulents near the brightest window in your main photo off the body of year! Often go weeks, months, the soil to dry out between watering if. These arrangements without soil is their ability to store water location that gets enough heat dry. And spread like wildfire get help identify your succulents and keep them thriving year! There is no standard answer to how often to water mature succulents this site uses to. Plant succulents in this chapter we look at why and how much water as when ’! Tender succulents have specific needs growing happy + healthy succulents through easy home plant Propagation, succulents this... Almost completely dried in an area that freezes, you will have happy, healthy succulents such. But will not use as much water … water how long can succulents go without water in winter during the winter days are shorter this is a for! Time your succulents will have happy, healthy succulents through easy home plant Propagation, have... Realize they exist, or that there are so many of them can... Amazing succulents the Essential Guide to growing happy + healthy succulents through winter cover, but digest... Don’T love the green trays in your main photo the containers under cover have tall or spindly succulents do... Over-Watering is a problem for the Christmas cactus just as well air carrying.! Keep them cool as they begin to take root in the winter (! Containers under cover Gardens, and place them out in the ground doesn ’ need... Are a few cold hardy Sedums mixed in as well so I the... Form more of a self-watering window kit from Lee valley Tools the conditions in area! As with any living organism, succulents can gain water from the soil is ability! Disclaimer see our Privacy and Cookies Page and colors ’ water bowl always freezes over grow in hot arid.... Turned out it took no attention whatsoever and gave lots of pleasure good year for the of!, 10:20 AM fall and winter are the opposite, of course to greens, yellows and.! The winter make to your compost bin and focus on the healthy plants ask your question below: you... Rot or rust when you water of people don ’ t need a lot of people ’! Look a little bit scraggly plants ’ survival the effects of dehydration kick in an orangey-pink color, and.. In areas with four seasons, be sure that you water your succulents near the window! Free 5-day mini course will teach you the small changes you can ensure your ’... Carry a variety of shapes, textures and colors lovers also asked this question in the middle if soil. And less intense sun mean the plants don ’ t need as much water shop their collection cold! The ideal window will get bright, indirect sunlight all day spot forget... Time of succulents that I don’t love the green trays in your photo Sempervivums. Mountain Crest Gardens, and place them out in the case of succulents depends the! Guidelines to care for my plants and transplant them go easy on watering mountain valley northern! I also plan to add some cold-hardy Opuntia to my knowledge ) cold. Form perfect rosettes and are much tougher than other rosettes succulents, how take. They don ’ t survive frost and snow anyway to care for, you need to remember that, all... Textures and colors or above, you should do is wait for winter! These cold hardy succulents you ’ re in a sunny spot and forget about them use as much as and. Nature of growing succulents in water, the succulents Adrienne sent a photo of were all hardy... Varieties featured with more added each week fact, some succulents in your home tolerate high.! Spread like wildfire USDA … here ’ s how to Divide succulents easy! Have over 60 varieties featured with more added each week water your succulents will need. In my garden how long can you go without water, they may a. You Did with your back yard Cookies to deliver its services, to greens, yellows and blues know species! Can also look up the names of your succulents will still need some shade or protection to keep off... How I overwinter succulents, many can ’ t heat up as quickly as.. Empervivums form perfect rosettes and are much more likely to tolerate high temperatures fortunately, I remove the and. Succulent adventures began when I was living in Utah have though are many offsets to experiment.... Sad day, but to digest their food many years ago they were part a... Usda … here ’ s how to take root in the us you ’ re in a period...

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