Fall and Winter Care Tips for Succulents
There is something about autumn that is distinctly wonderful. Whether it’s the crisp breezes rolling in, the overnight stocking of local apple cider at the grocery store, or finally getting to pull your favorite hoodie out of storage, fall is a beautiful and fantastic time of year.
Unless you’re a succulent.
Succulents like it hot, y’all! They thrive on sunshine and don’t do well in the cold or the dark, which makes fall and winter a little tricky for these drought-resistant (but not winter-resistant) plants. Read on for our succulent care tips that will help you get through the cooler seasons.
Keep them cozy. We don’t mean knitting a tiny sweater for your succulent’s pot (although that would be adorable, and please tag us on Instagram if you do). In the early fall, start gradually moving your succulents to warmer areas of the home. Windowsills might get a little drafty, so they’re not the best spot during cooler weather. Since plants may get a little shock from big changes in their environment, go slow. Move from a sunny windowsill to a table in the same room, and then elsewhere if you need to. And keep your plants away from drafts and heat sources.
Bring them inside. If you had your succulents out in the summer sun, they’ll need to come back inside now that it’s cooling off. Get them into the house before the temperature starts dipping below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. Give them a once over to check for bugs or pests that might try to catch a lift inside.
Water less. If you’ve been caring for succulents all summer long, you already know they don’t need watered very often. About once every three or four weeks is fine for indoor succulents during warmer months, but they need even less in the fall and winter. The soil of your succulent should be completely dry by the time it gets watered again. Keep an eye out for signs of over-watering: mushy, soggy leaves that pull off the stem easily indicate that your succulent is waterlogged.
Watch the humidity. Succulents don’t need much humidity at all, and it can make them susceptible to fungal or mold growth. If you’re running a humidifier at home this winter, keep the succulents in a drier room. You should also keep them away from foliage plants, which naturally produce humidity. (Note: Your foliage plants would appreciate a humidifier!)
Invest in a grow light. Real talk: It is hard to get enough sunlight in the winter. It’s hard for people (hello, my annual vitamin D deficiency), and it’s hard for plants, especially sun-loving succulents. If your home doesn’t get much natural light in the cooler seasons, or if you notice your succulents stretching out in search of more light, you may want to invest in a grow light that offers a “daylight” spectrum of light for your succulents. Any light bulb that offers daylight spectrum should suffice!
These tips should help your succulent survive and thrive this season. For general care tips, check out our plant care page!