Succulents Need Less Water and More Airflow During Dormancy: Recognizing the Signals Makes Care Easier

Succulent dormancy refers to a self-protective state in which succulents actively slow down or stop growing during seasons with high or low temperatures that are unsuitable for growth. At this time, the plant's consumption of water and nutrients is greatly reduced, and it relies on water stored within its body to sustain life, resuming growth once the environment becomes comfortable again. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, and there is no need to be overly anxious.

The signs of dormancy are fairly obvious: the rosette closes up and the leaves curl inward, making the overall plant shape more compact; the lower leaves gradually dry up and are consumed, new leaves almost stop emerging, and the response to watering and fertilizing also weakens. Some varieties even deepen or brighten in color during dormancy, which is often mistaken for coloring up and coming into condition.

In terms of type, dormancy is divided into summer dormancy and winter dormancy. Common varieties such as Aeonium and mountain rose (Greenovia) mostly go dormant in midsummer and need shading and controlled watering; many Crassulaceae varieties stall in growth during the cold winter and likewise need reduced intervention. Some varieties also grow slowly in both extreme heat and severe cold, with spring and autumn being their vigorous growth periods.

The core of care during dormancy is to fiddle with the plant as little as possible. Watering should be spaced further apart, with a small amount of water given along the edge of the pot to keep the soil slightly on the dry side. Never water heavily, or the roots will sit in damp soil and rot easily. At the same time, stop fertilizing, avoid the strong midday sun, increase ventilation, and try not to repot or trim roots.

It is also important to distinguish dormancy from disease. A healthy dormant plant still has firm stems, and although the leaves are shriveled, they generally do not turn black or ooze. If the stem becomes soft and discolored and leaves drop severely, check promptly for root rot or infection, and do not mistake a problem for dormancy and delay treatment.