Succulents are a diverse group of plants uniquely adapted to survive in arid conditions by storing water in their leaves, stems, and roots. The arrival of winter, with its combination of colder temperatures and significantly reduced natural light, dramatically alters the needs of these desert-adapted plants. This seasonal shift forces a metabolic slowdown, making succulents highly susceptible to issues like root rot and stretching if their care routine is not carefully adjusted. Keeping your succulents healthy through the winter months is manageable with a few simple, but important, changes to their environment and routine.
Adjusting Watering Schedules
Overwatering becomes the single greatest threat to a succulent’s survival when the weather turns cold. The reduced light intensity and lower temperatures of winter signal the plant to enter a period of rest or dormancy, drastically slowing down its water uptake and growth. Continuing a summer or spring watering routine will cause the soil to remain saturated for too long, inevitably leading to fatal root rot.
The most effective method for winter watering remains the “soak and dry” approach, but the frequency must be reduced significantly. Saturate the soil completely until water drains from the pot’s bottom holes, then allow the soil to dry out fully before watering again. This period between watering can extend to four to six weeks, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity in your home.
To accurately check for dryness, insert a finger or a wooden skewer two inches deep into the potting mix. If you feel any moisture or if soil clings to the skewer, postpone watering for several more days. Using a well-draining succulent-specific soil mix and ensuring the pot has a functional drainage hole are foundational requirements. Succulents can survive for months without water during their dormant period, making it far safer to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
Providing Adequate Winter Light
Although many succulents slow their growth in winter, they still require sufficient light to prevent a condition called etiolation, where the plant stretches unnaturally toward a light source. This stretching results in a pale, weak stem and widely spaced leaves, permanently deforming the plant. Placing plants in the brightest window available, typically a south-facing one in the Northern Hemisphere, is the first step to maximizing light exposure.
The sun’s lower angle and shorter duration in winter often mean natural light is insufficient, necessitating supplementary lighting. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are the recommended choice due to their energy efficiency and low heat output. A light duration of 12 to 14 hours per day is generally required to mimic the light levels of the growing season.
The distance between the light source and the top of the plant is also important. For most LED fixtures, positioning the light 18 to 24 inches above the plant canopy provides optimal intensity without causing heat stress. Using an automatic timer ensures a consistent photoperiod, which is beneficial for the plant’s health.
Managing Temperature and Dormancy
Winter temperatures play a large role in triggering dormancy, a necessary metabolic slowdown that allows many succulents to conserve energy during periods of low light and water availability. While most soft succulents prefer temperatures above 40°F, a cooler environment can encourage healthy dormancy. The ideal range for most indoor succulents during winter is between 40°F and 55°F.
It is important to protect indoor plants from rapid temperature fluctuations. Avoid placing pots directly next to cold windowpanes, exterior doors that open frequently, or near heating vents that blow hot, dry air.
For cold-hardy varieties like some Sempervivum and Sedum that remain outdoors, covering them with a frost cloth can provide protection from freezing temperatures below 32°F. Bringing tender potted succulents indoors when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 40°F is standard practice to prevent cold damage.
Identifying and Treating Winter Pests
The combination of dry indoor air and the stress of a dormant period can make succulents vulnerable to specific pests. Mealybugs and spider mites are the most common culprits, often thriving in the stagnant conditions of an indoor winter environment. Mealybugs appear as small, cottony white masses, frequently found hiding in the leaf axils or on the undersides of leaves.
Regularly inspecting your plants, especially the new growth and hidden crevices, is the best defense against infestation. If you find any pests, immediately isolate the affected plant to prevent the issue from spreading. Small mealybug infestations can be treated by dipping a cotton swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol and wiping the pests directly off the plant surface. For a larger infestation, a thorough application of insecticidal soap or neem oil is an effective treatment, typically requiring a repeat application a week later.