Succulent Winter Watering Guide, a Must-Read for Home Gardeners
In the cold of winter, many succulents have already gone dormant, so should you still water them or not? And if you do water, how much is appropriate at one time? This is a question many succulent lovers consider.
How much to water succulents varies across the country, because climates differ enormously. The northern regions are already icy and snowy, while the southern regions are still bathed in bright sunshine. Succulents kept in heated homes in winter are certainly different from succulents grown outdoors in the south. So how do you grasp the watering principles for succulents?
First, let's look at temperature. When the temperature is below 10°C, if we normally watered once every half month, we should switch to once every 3 weeks to 4 weeks. If the temperature is below 5°C, watering must be controlled, and it is enough to water along the edge of the pot, taking care to use a relatively small amount.
When the temperature drops below 0°C, you need to consider changing the growing environment and move the succulents indoors, because at 0°C it is already freezing outside and simply unsuitable for succulent growth, and the leaves very easily turn to mush. At this point you need to withhold water for a period first, then wait until the weather is clear to move the succulents outside to catch some sun, and at noon you can water a little.
Precautions for watering succulents in winter:
Generally, choose noon on a sunny day to water succulents, because the temperature at noon is relatively high and the succulents will not get chilled. It is also best to use warm water; generally, boiled water left to cool to around 20°C is best.
After watering succulents, be sure to give them ventilation. If the outdoor temperature is below 0°C, let the succulents first absorb a certain amount of water indoors, then open the window for ventilation. Otherwise, once the temperature drops, the succulents' roots are prone to frost damage, because the fine capillary roots at the base of the plant are quite fragile and need a few hours before being exposed to air. That way the succulents absorb enough water and also breathe fresh air.
If the indoor temperature is above 15°C, it is best to water according to your usual amount, and the succulents will not enter dormancy; they will keep bursting out of the pot for you as usual. Below this temperature, water a little less.