Succulents are popular and resilient indoor houseplants, known for their ability to thrive with minimal care. From office desks to living room shelves, these hardy plants are loved for their ability to thrive in various indoor environments with just a bit of care. However, their easy-going reputation can sometimes be misleading. While succulents might appear to need minimal attention, they actually have specific needs that change throughout the year, especially during the colder winter months.
Many succulent owners assume that because their plants live indoors, they’re shielded from the seasonal shifts that outdoor plants face. It’s easy to think that a succulent’s care routine would stay the same year-round, but that’s not entirely true. The reality is that winter brings unique challenges for indoor succulents, even if they aren’t exposed to frost or chilly winds.
So, what exactly does winter care for succulents involve, and why is it so important? Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just getting started, understanding how to adapt your care routine during winter will help keep your succulents happy, healthy, and looking their best all season long. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about caring for indoor succulents in the dark, cold months
Why Do Indoor Succulents Need a Winter Care Routine?
Indoor succulents may not be directly exposed to the harsh conditions of winter, but the change in season still affects them in several ways. Winter brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and changes in indoor environments that impact how your succulents grow and thrive.
During winter, the Earth's tilt causes less direct sunlight, leading to shorter days and reduced light intensity. Even indoors, succulents receive less light, which is crucial for photosynthesis—the process through which they convert light into energy. This decrease in light triggers a biological response, causing many succulents to enter dormancy. In dormancy, metabolic processes slow down, allowing the plant to conserve resources until brighter days return.
Moreover, although succulents are indoors, ambient temperatures can still drop during winter, especially at night. Many succulents come from arid and semi-arid regions where day-to-night temperature swings are common. This natural variation helps them adapt to cooler winter conditions even inside. Lower temperatures signal succulents to enter dormancy, slowing their metabolism and reducing their need for water and nutrients.
Winter also brings changes in indoor air humidity. Heating systems, which keep homes warm during colder months, often reduce humidity, creating drier conditions. Succulents, which store water in their leaves, generally prefer dry environments, but the excessively dry air indoors can lead to faster water loss. This can stress the plant as it tries to maintain its internal moisture balance, especially if it is already in a state of reduced metabolic activity.
Why Do Many Succulents Enter Dormancy In The Winter Even though They Live Indoors?
Succulents enter dormancy during winter due to a combination of biological and environmental factors. One key reason is their internal circadian rhythms, which are sensitive to changes in day length. During winter, shorter days and reduced natural light signal the plants to slow down and conserve energy, prompting them to enter a state of dormancy until spring brings longer, brighter days.
Additionally, succulents are highly responsive to temperature fluctuations. Even indoors, temperatures can drop during winter, especially at night. These cooler conditions mimic the seasonal changes in their native habitats, triggering a natural response to enter dormancy. By doing so, succulents conserve water and energy during periods when growth is not optimal.
Entering dormancy is also a result of evolutionary adaptation. Succulents originated in regions with clear seasonal patterns, where they would grow actively during warm, sunny periods and enter dormancy during cooler, drier seasons. This adaptation has allowed them to survive in less-than-ideal conditions, and even when they are kept indoors, they continue to follow this natural cycle, slowing their metabolism during winter to conserve resources. That's why, even when grown indoors, succulents still follow the rhythm of nature and enter dormancy, just as they would if they were outdoors.
Succulent Winter Care Routine
1. Lighting
During winter, succulents enter dormancy, which means their growth slows down, and they don’t require as much light as they do during the active growing season. However, they still need adequate lighting to stay healthy and avoid issues like leggy or stunted growth. Even when dormant, succulents depend on sufficient light to maintain their compact shape and overall health. Without enough light, they may stretch out and grow thin, a condition known as etiolation, where the plant elongates in search of more light.
The shorter days and weaker sunlight during winter can significantly impact a succulent's ability to photosynthesize and produce the energy it needs, even when growth is minimal. To support your succulents, maximize their exposure to available natural light by placing them near bright, south-facing windows. Clean the windows regularly to allow as much light through as possible. If your home doesn’t get sufficient natural light, consider using LED grow lights as a supplement. Grow lights can mimic natural sunlight and provide the extra light your succulents need to stay healthy during winter. Place the lights close enough to be effective but not so close that they risk overheating the plants. Using a timer can help ensure a consistent light cycle, giving your succulents around 12-14 hours of light each day.
2. Temperature
The key to keeping your succulents healthy during winter is to maintain a stable, moderate temperature environment. While succulents are often kept indoors, they are still sensitive to temperature changes that occur when the weather gets cooler. Most succulents thrive in a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day, which closely mimics the warm, stable environments of their native habitats. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night, but it’s important to ensure that the temperature does not drop too low. When exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), succulents can experience cell damage, which may lead to issues like leaf discoloration, wilting, or even plant death if prolonged exposure occurs.
During winter, it’s crucial to be mindful of where your succulents are placed. Even if your home is generally warm, there can be certain spots where the temperature fluctuates more dramatically. For instance, succulents placed near windows or doors might be exposed to cold drafts, especially at night, which can shock the plants and cause stress. Similarly, if they are kept in unheated rooms or near areas with poor insulation, they may face cooler temperatures than ideal. This exposure can harm the plants, making it harder for them to maintain their health throughout the season.
On the other hand, placing succulents too close to heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, or fireplaces can be equally damaging. While warmth is beneficial, direct exposure to these heat sources can dry out the air around the plants, causing the soil to lose moisture more quickly than usual. This can lead to dehydration, especially since succulents are adapted to conserve water. The sudden temperature swings between day and night, or when heaters are turned on and off, can create stress that weakens the plant's natural defenses.
Additionally, if you need to move your succulents to a different location to avoid temperature extremes, try to do so gradually. Sudden changes in temperature, even within the same house, can be a shock to the plants.
3. Watering
Watering succulents properly is crucial year-round, but it becomes especially important during winter when the plants enter a state of dormancy. In this period, their growth slows down significantly, which means they require much less water than during the warmer months. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes succulent owners make in winter, as the plants do not absorb water as quickly while dormant. Excess moisture in the soil can easily lead to root rot, a condition that can be fatal for succulents.
The best approach is to water sparingly and only when the soil is thoroughly dry. Rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, it’s essential to check the soil moisture level regularly. You can do this by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels completely dry at that depth, it’s time to water. When you do water, make sure to do it deeply enough so that the roots receive adequate moisture, but always allow any excess water to drain away completely. Letting succulents sit in water or soggy soil can increase the risk of root rot, which is particularly dangerous when the plant is in a less active state.
It’s also important to pay attention to the visual cues your succulents give you. If the leaves start to become soft, mushy, or translucent, it’s a strong indicator that the plant has been overwatered, and you should adjust your watering habits immediately. Conversely, if the leaves appear wrinkled or shriveled, it can be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. However, it’s still crucial to err on the side of underwatering during the winter.
4. Soil and Potting Considerations
The type of soil and pot you use can make a significant difference in how well your succulents fare during winter. Succulents need well-draining soil that allows water to pass through quickly, preventing water from sitting around the roots. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal because it is formulated to be more porous than regular potting soil. If you notice that your current soil mix retains water for too long, consider adding perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Similarly, the pot you use should have drainage holes to let excess water escape. Pots without drainage can lead to waterlogged roots, which is a quick path to rot. Terracotta pots are an excellent choice because they are breathable and help wick moisture away from the soil.
5. Repotting, Pruning and Propagation
Since they are in a dormant state, they are less capable of recovering from the shock of repotting, and the risk of root rot increases. If you must repot due to overcrowded roots or pests, use well-draining soil and ensure the new pot has proper drainage. Avoid watering right after repotting, giving the plant time to adjust. Ideally, wait until spring or summer to repot, when the plant is actively growing and better able to recover.
Moreover, pruning is not usually necessary during winter, as succulents aren’t actively growing. However, you can remove dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy and reduce the risk of disease. Use clean, sharp tools for cutting. If your plant has grown leggy due to lack of light, wait until spring for more extensive pruning, when the plant will more readily regenerate new growth.
While succulents can be propagated during winter, it’s slower and less reliable. Cuttings and offsets take longer to root during dormancy, and the success rate is lower. If you decide to propagate, provide plenty of indirect light and keep the environment warm. The best time for propagation is in spring or summer, when plants are growing actively and will produce new roots and growth more quickly.
7. Fertilizing
During winter, it's best to stop fertilizing your succulents. Since succulents enter a state of dormancy during the colder months, their growth slows down significantly, and they don’t need the extra nutrients that fertilizers provide. Applying fertilizer during this period can actually harm the plants, as the unused nutrients can build up in the soil, potentially burning the roots or leading to salt buildup, which can cause stress.
Succulents naturally conserve energy during dormancy, so adding fertilizer is unnecessary and may disrupt their rest period. The ideal time to fertilize is during the spring and summer when succulents are actively growing and can make the most of the extra nutrients. If your succulents have been fertilized earlier in the year, they should have enough stored nutrients to get through the winter without additional feeding.
Common Winter Problems and How to Fix Them
While winter care can be straightforward, succulents may still encounter problems that need attention:
- As mentioned earlier, succulents stretch when they aren’t receiving enough light. This is more common during winter when natural light is limited. If you notice your succulents becoming leggy, consider moving them to a brighter spot or supplementing with a grow light.
- Succulents are generally resistant to pests, but winter can sometimes bring pest issues like mealybugs or spider mites. If you spot pests, isolate the affected plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf dropping or wrinkling can be caused by stress from improper watering, drafts, or temperature changes. Similarly, wrinkled leaves may indicate dehydration. Check the plant’s environment and adjust your care routine as needed.
- Root rot is a serious issue that can develop when succulents are overwatered, especially in winter when they are less active and need less moisture. If you notice yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or a foul smell from the soil, it could be a sign of root rot. Remove the plant from its pot, cut away any rotting roots, and repot it in fresh, dry, well-draining soil. Adjust your watering habits to prevent overwatering in the future.
- Succulents may have cold damage because they are sensitive to extreme cold and frost, which can cause cell damage, leading to mushy, translucent leaves. Even indoors, plants can be affected by cold drafts from windows or doors, or from being too close to a chilly surface. Keep your succulents away from any areas where temperatures might drop significantly at night, and consider moving them to a more stable environment if you notice signs of cold damage.
- Some succulents are known for their vibrant colors, which can fade during winterdue to insufficient light or other stress factors. If your succulent starts to lose its bright colors and appear more pale or dull, it may be a sign that it needs more light. Try to move it to a brighter spot or add a grow light to maintain its color throughout the winter months.
