How to Care for Succulent Plants in the Winter

Succulents are great plants to grow in hot arid climates. They need little water and usually require just as little care. Plus, they usually look nice year-round. However, if you live in an area that freezes, you might have to protect your succulent plants from the winter weather. Freezing temperatures can kill succulent plants that aren’t properly cared for. Caring for succulent plants in the winter is pretty easy, however, as they don’t require much work.

Stop giving succulent plants excess water in the late fall. Succulent plants need the lack of water to prepare them for the coming winter months.

Make sure the soil the succulent plants are planted in is well drained. Succulent plants need to stay dry during the winter months because damp roots can kill them. Improve the drainage of your soil by adding sand.

Water succulent plants sparingly during the winter, if at all. If you must water your succulent plants, water them only once every two weeks to once a month for 5 minutes a watering. Do not water your succulent plants if the ground is frozen.

Cover any succulent plants that aren't hardy below freezing with frost cloth. Cover the entire plant with the frost cloth while the temperature is below freezing. Remove it once the temperature rises.

Leave succulents plants hardy below freezing uncovered during the winter months. They need the air circulation to keep them dry.

Care For Succulents Indoors During The Winter

Succulents are considered low-maintenance plants even when grown indoors. These plants offer unusual shapes, textures and forms. Succulents need less light during the winter than when they are actively growing during the summer. Some succulents such as Aeoniums may do better in a cool room or basement, between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, to allow them to rest during the winter. Over-watering them can lead to root rot. Check the leaves of your succulents every month for aphids or mealybugs, which look like tiny cotton balls. Look under the leaves as well. Move an infested succulent away from other plants. Fill a spray bottle with 3 parts rubbing alcohol mixed with 1 part water, and mist it onto the plant to kill the pests.