How to Care for your Plants in the Winter

Winter is just around the corner, and while many of us may be pulling out our cozy blankets and warm drinks, some of our succulents and cacti are entering their own version of hibernation. As temperatures drop and light becomes scarce, it’s time to help your plants get ready for these colder months of rest. In this blog we’re going to go over what dormancy is, how to observe your plants and climate, and helpful winter care tips for your plants.

What is Dormancy?

During the colder seasons, many succulents and cacti enter a phase called “dormancy”. This is their natural way of resting, saving up energy, and slowing down their growth when temperatures drop. Sort of like a bear hibernating in the winter! Dormancy is essential for many types of cacti and succulents to stay healthy and avoid growing stretched or etiolated from trying too hard to grow in low light. 

Not all succulents go dormant in the winter, however! Some prefer the cooler weather and will go dormant in the summer such as aloes or haworthia. In this guide we’re going to focus on winter dormant plants, but it’s still good to know that there are summer dormant plants as well as winter dormant ones. So it is up to you as a plant parent to do a little research and find out what your individual plants' needs are.

Note: If you keep your plants indoors in a comfortable environment then odds are they will not enter dormancy. For the most part, you should be able to continue care as normal, but it’s always good to observe your plants and keep an eye out for any signs of stress.

What Happens to the Plant

During a plant's dormant months you may notice a few things start to happen. You may notice growth start to slow down in your plants. The soil will start to stay wet longer, and your cacti might start to experience some mild etiolation. Some of the colors of your plants may also change due to cold stress. Remember that these things are perfectly normal, and that now is the time to slow down and be lazy.

Understand your Climate

When it comes to helping your succulents and cacti handle winter, it also helps to know your local climate. Succulents in warm zones have it easy, while those in cooler climates need a bit more TLC when the temperature drops. If you’re keeping your plants indoors then they will most likely be fine and not need any special care. But if you have succulents or cacti outdoors or on a patio, then you’ll need to keep an eye out on the temperature.

Most succulents and cacti won’t want to spend extended time in temperatures lower than 40°F (4°C), and will start to experience more serious issues in temperatures lower than 32°F (0°C).

Generally, if you’re in USDA Zone 10 or higher, your plants can stay outside with minimal fuss. But if you’re in a colder zone (below 9), you might need to bring them indoors or take steps to protect them from freezing.

What is a Microclimate?

Think of microclimates as the little mini environments of where you live. For example, your home’s walls can act as natural heaters, keeping outdoor plants warmer when they’re close by. Trees, fences, or hills may block cold winds or prevent frost from settling in certain areas. So while your region’s weather forecast gives you the big picture, your garden or home might have its own mini-environment going on!

If you want to really get into it, try measuring the temperature in different spots to discover your own microclimates. You might find a little nook that stays warmer all winter or a sunny corner that keeps plants cozy longer.

Keys to Succulent Winter Care

Here are some ways to care for your plants during the winter, whether you keep them indoors or outdoors:

Water Way Less (both frequency and amount)

In general you will want to water your succulents much less frequently in the Fall and Winter. Succulents and cacti generally thrive with infrequent, heavy soaks. But without the long, sunny days and warmer temperatures, our plants need much less hydration. Make sure to test the soil before you water your plants to see that it is completely dry before doing any watering during this time, and let it completely dry out again. It’s even okay to let your plant stay dry for a few extra days or even weeks! You’d be surprised at how well some plants, like lithops or certain cacti, can be overwintered with no water at all.

Give them More Light

As the days grow shorter and the sun lower, some succulents and cacti will start stretching out and reaching for light. To keep your plants compact and colorful, move them to a sunny spot like a west or south-facing window so that they can get as much light as possible. Especially for any succulents that you bring in from the outdoors; it’s important to maintain the hours of bright light that your houseplants are accustomed to. If you notice your plants are still stretching, you may want to consider using an artificial light source such as LED grow lights.

Protect from Frost

While some plants can handle a little chill, most succulents and cacti do not love freezing temperatures. As a general guideline: If your climate regularly sinks to about 40°F (4°C), start thinking about bringing your plants to a covered area or indoors. If temperatures drop to or below 32°F (0°C) then you will need to cover your plants with frost blankets or bring them inside to avoid frost damage.

Watch out for Pests

Since the soil stays wet longer, pests like fungus gnats are more likely to stick around your houseplants, and snails and slugs might bother your outdoor plants. They just love some damp soil! Check for pests when you can and take care to treat them if you find any of your plants.

Conclusion

In summary, preparing your succulents and cacti for winter dormancy is all about embracing a more hands-off approach. By reducing watering, maximizing light exposure, and protecting against frost, you’ll support your plants through their natural resting phase. Keep an eye on your local climate, bring it indoors if you need to, and know which plants are summer and winter dormant. Don’t be afraid to learn by losing plants and seeing what works and what doesn’t. Winter can be a tough time for our plants but it’s no time to get discouraged, it’s a great time to learn!

Key Takeaways

• Dormancy: a plant's natural way of resting, saving up energy, and slowing down their growth when their growing conditions are less than optimal.
• Some succulents are winter dormant, while others are summer dormant.
• During dormancy growth starts to slow down, soil starts to stay wet longer, and your plants might start to experience some mild etiolation.
• Most succulents and cacti won’t want to spend extended time in temperatures lower than 40°F (4°C), and will start to experience more serious issues in temperatures lower than 32°F (0°C).
• Microclimates: the specific mini environments of where you live.
• Keys to winter care: water way less, provide more light, protect from frost, and treat for snails and slugs.