Succulents are popular houseplants known for storing water in their thick leaves and stems, allowing them to endure long periods of drought. While resilient, their care changes significantly with the seasons, and winter requires careful moisture management. Improper winter watering is a frequent cause of succulent decline. Adjusting the watering routine is necessary because the plant’s natural processes slow down, preventing it from absorbing too much moisture.
Understanding Succulent Dormancy
The need for reduced winter watering is rooted in the plant’s biological response to environmental cues. As daylight hours shorten and temperatures drop, many succulents enter dormancy or semi-dormancy. This is an evolutionary survival strategy, mimicking the cooler, drier seasons of their native habitats. During dormancy, the plant’s metabolic rate slows down, putting growth on pause. Slower metabolism and decreased photosynthesis mean the plant uses stored water reserves at a much lower rate. If a dormant plant receives too much water, it cannot process the moisture efficiently, leading to extended wet soil and potential root rot.
Establishing the Winter Watering Frequency
Determining the winter watering frequency requires observation rather than a rigid schedule. The primary rule is to allow the soil to become completely dry for a significant period before watering. For most indoor succulents, this means watering once every four to six weeks, a drastic reduction from warmer months. This extended dry period encourages the plant to use its internal water stores, preventing overhydration.
Factors Affecting Frequency
The ideal frequency depends on your home’s temperature, humidity, and the specific succulent type. “Winter growers,” such as Aeonium and Aloes, remain active and may need water every three or four weeks. Conversely, “summer growers,” like Echeveria and Lithops, are deeply dormant and may only require water every one to two months. Always err on the side of underwatering, as a dehydrated succulent is easier to revive than one with root rot.
Checking Soil Moisture
Test the soil by inserting a finger or wooden skewer two inches deep; if any moisture is detected, delay watering for another week. Even if indoor heating makes the air dry, the plant’s dormant state keeps its water demand low. The soil must be checked thoroughly before providing any moisture.
Essential Watering Techniques for Cold Weather
The method of watering is crucial during the winter season. When it is time to water, employ the “soak and dry” technique to effectively hydrate the plant. This involves thoroughly saturating the soil until water flows freely out of the drainage hole. Deep watering ensures all roots are briefly exposed to moisture before the soil dries out completely again.
Avoid misting or lightly sprinkling the soil surface, as this encourages shallow root growth and can cause fungal issues. Apply water directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves, since standing water on foliage is detrimental in cool, low-light conditions. Immediately empty any excess water collected in the saucer, as allowing the plant to sit in standing water quickly leads to saturated soil and root damage.
Recognizing Signs of Winter Overwatering and Underwatering
Reading your succulent’s leaves helps troubleshoot winter watering issues.
Signs of Overwatering
Overwatering is indicated by leaves that become soft, mushy, or translucent, often appearing waterlogged or yellowed. This happens when plant cells burst from absorbing too much water. Overwatering is frequently accompanied by a blackening of the stem or leaves, signaling fatal root rot. Leaves on an overwatered plant may also drop off easily. If rot is suspected, stop watering completely and increase airflow around the plant.
Signs of Underwatering
Underwatering is the safer condition to approach in winter, causing leaves to wrinkle, shrivel, or appear deflated. These leaves are soft but not mushy, and the plant shows flimsiness as it draws on internal moisture reserves. An underwatered succulent will quickly re-plump after a deep, thorough watering, confirming the shriveling was due to thirst.