Succulents need shade, ventilation and controlled watering to get through summer safely

Getting succulents through summer refers to a series of care and management measures that help succulents survive the high-temperature period of summer, and it is one of the most critical hurdles in growing succulents all year round. Most common succulents originate from arid regions and are naturally drought-tolerant but prone to rotting from excess water. Once midsummer arrives, high temperature and high humidity combine, and the plants often go dormant or semi-dormant, with their absorption capacity dropping noticeably. At this time, improper care can very easily lead to problems such as black rot, turning to mush, and sunburn.

The core of getting through summer can be summed up as shading, ventilation and controlled watering. Midsummer sunlight is intense, so around noon you should pull out a shade net or move the plants to a spot with diffused light to prevent the leaves from being scorched and developing spots; the environment must always keep air circulating, as stuffy, hot and humid corners are the most likely to breed pathogens. Watering frequency should be greatly reduced; wait until the potting soil is completely dry, then give a small amount of water along the edge of the pot, try to do it in the cool evening hours, and avoid water droplets collecting in the center of the leaves.

Different varieties differ noticeably in heat tolerance. Summer-growing types are in their peak growing season in summer and can receive light and water normally; winter-growing types and some spring-and-autumn-growing varieties go into deep dormancy and need strict shading and controlled watering. Varieties such as bear's paw (Cotyledon tomentosa), Echeveria derenbergii and mountain rose (Aeonium) are relatively afraid of heat and are harder to get through summer, so beginners can also give priority to varieties with better heat tolerance as a starting point.

During summer you should also frequently observe the condition of the plants. Leaves that are slightly soft and wrinkled are mostly normal consumption, but if blackening, turning to mush, or leaves dropping en masse appear, you should be on guard for black rot, and need to behead the plant as soon as possible, dry the wound and re-root it. In addition, in summer try to avoid letting succulents be rained on continuously; after rain, promptly clear standing water from the saucer and keep the potting soil dry, which can noticeably reduce the occurrence of root rot.