Succulents can be difficult to cultivate outdoors in the winter in colder locations. There are still certain succulent plants that thrive in snowy conditions, despite the fact that they are generally known for preferring sunlight and not the other way around. Three of the most cold-hardy genera are Sempervivum, Hardy Sedum, and Hardy Opuntia, which can withstand subfreezing winter temperatures of -30F. Agave and rosularia are two other succulents with high cold tolerance.
Can succulents endure cold weather?
Yes, it is the answer. Although certain succulents can withstand frost, they are frequently thought of as drought-tolerant plants. They flourish in chilly, snowy conditions, and the extreme cold even brings out their magnificent, vivid colors. They are referred to as “Hard Succulents.” Sempervivum, Sedum, and Euphorbias genera contain some of the most hardy succulents. You may plant such succulents outside all year round because the majority of them can withstand temperatures as low as -20F (Hardiness Zone 5).
“Soft Succulents” are another group of succulents that are more susceptible to frost. When the weather drops below freezing, they must be winterized inside.
Which succulents thrive in cold climates?
Looking for succulents that withstand low temperatures? You’re in the proper location! Here, start with the labeled images.
These typical species can withstand harsh northern winters, snow, downpours, and dry periods in the summer if provided with sufficient drainage. The two main genera are Sempervivum and Sedum. Rosularia, Delosperma, and Orostachys are less well known. Cacti and some Agave species may survive in all but the coldest conditions.
Sedum (stonecrop) – Trailing variants look attractive in hanging baskets, rock gardens, and as ground covers. Mexican sedums with larger leaves, like burro tail, require overwintering indoors or in greenhouses since they are less resilient to damp cold. In the winter, shrub sedums die back and come back in the spring. All develop clusters of blooms that resemble stars.
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Can you leave succulents outside in the winter?
There are many succulents that can endure the winter outside, even in extremely cold locations. These
Succulents that are hardy thrive in chilly, snowy winters. Sempervivum heuffelii, which maintains vivid colors for Winter Interest, is one of our favorites. The frost-hardy Sedum cultivars are especially recommended since they create excellent ground covers in practically all regions.
How should I care for my succulents over the winter?
Before you even plant your succulent in your yard, this is the easiest way to find out if it will survive the winter in your region. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is referenced on the labels of the majority of plants that are sold in retailers. The label will indicate whether or not the plant will survive the winter depending on the zone you live in. The zones are separated by a difference of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in their lowest annual temperature. There is minimal likelihood that it will survive the winter in that area if your zone is lower than the recommended zone on the label.
Tip #2: Bring Them Indoors
Bring your succulent indoors during the winter even if it is in the right climate zone. Even though sudden temperature dips are uncommon, one chilly night is all it takes to harm your plants. They can be kept in your garage if the temperature there doesn’t fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to give them three to four hours of indirect sunshine each day. Checking for insects like mealybugs and aphids is a crucial factor. Spray the leaves with a mixture of 1 part water and 3 parts rubbing alcohol to kill the bugs because you don’t want them inside your house.
Although it’s frequently overlooked, preparing your put for indoor play is crucial as well. Your succulents’ containers are probably a little muddy if they have been playing hard outside. To prevent them from spreading around your home when you transfer things inside, first clear the pot of any dead leaves and other debris. Second, clean off any extra dirt from your pot; you want a clean transition from the inside to the outside! Lastly, look for bugs. Creepy crawlies taking over your house is the last thing you need. You should be well on your way to your indoor succulents thriving after following those three steps.
Tip #3: Reduce Watering in the Late Fall
Winter is the period when succulents go dormant, so watering is even less necessary. So once the weather becomes colder and the days get shorter, stop watering them. Reduce it to once a month, but you should also check the soil’s moisture content first before watering. When the ground is entirely dry, only do it. It only takes a good five minutes to water. To prevent succulents from dying from moist roots, check that the soil has excellent drainage. Sand or organic matter with good drainage should be added to the soil for indoor plants. Mulch shouldn’t be used near the base of outside plants since it can trap moisture.
Before you fully stop watering your succulents, here’s a short tip: identify them! Winter is when most succulents go dormant, however some are winter growers. The plants that don’t go dormant will require more water than the others. Keep an eye on things at least to prevent your freshly indoor succulents from becoming overly dry. (Succulents will dry out more quickly than others if they are close to vents or heaters.
Tip #4: Sunlight
When putting your succulents indoors, sunlight is absolutely crucial! Making sure they receive adequate sunlight in the winter is challenging. To get the most indirect light, place your succulents close to your home’s brightest window. Try to provide succulents with at least 6 hours of sunshine each day for the healthiest results. They’ll begin to slant toward the window if you’re not providing them with adequate sunshine. Simply turn them the other way to straighten them out.
Tip #5: Cover Up Your Succulents
If you are unable to bring the plants inside due to impending cold weather, you can cover them with various forms of protection. Snow covers are beneficial because they provide protection from snow, frost, and strong winds. You can buy them from your neighborhood garden supply store or online. Bushel baskets can be used to cover and safeguard succulents if you have any lying about. Just be cautious not to leave them covered for an extended period of time. The plants require ample sunlight and clean airflow.
These straightforward suggestions can help you keep your succulents happy and healthy throughout the winter. Give your friends and neighbors the information so they can preserve their succulent plants as well!
In the winter, should I cover my succulents?
If you have a variety of succulents that can survive the winter outside, you might wish to do so. Your plump outdoor greens still require adequate care, though, otherwise the frost risked damaging them.
Not to mention that your plant’s roots could decay due to the winter’s damp soil. Additionally, if your region gets too much rain during the cold season, the succulents’ cells will swell. Additionally, the plant cell walls may rupture as a result of the frost. As a result, it is crucial to take precautions to safeguard your plant from all of these harmful situations.
Although some varieties of succulents can withstand below-freezing conditions, none of the species prefers frequent watering or excessive humidity throughout the year. Succulents prefer healthy soil that drains well, good airflow, and bright sunlight. Here are some precautions you should take to ensure your in-ground plants are taken care of over the winter.
Build a Greenhouse
The majority of succulents cannot withstand temperatures below 25 F during the winter nights. Bring your succulents into a DIY greenhouse if your area has the same winter temperatures, or if you have a gazebo, cover it with 5mm plastic and move your succulents there. Make sure to securely anchor the plastic, and tape the seams. You can even include a little heater if the temperature falls any lower.
Cover Your Succulents
Cover your outside succulent plants with bed sheets if your region occasionally suffers frost. Row covers and nonwoven fabrics, which are often constructed of spun nylon, are further options. Your plants will be protected when it is 2-4 degrees below freezing if you cover them with such blankets.
Additionally, don’t remove the dried leaves from your plants because they protect them from high temperatures. Move your plants that are sensitive to cold under a tree, deck, or eaves; this will prevent heat from escaping.
Can succulents recover after a freeze?
Can a frozen plant still be saved? This truly depends on the kind of plant and how long it was exposed to the cold. On all save the most tropical plants, light freezes are typically something that a plant can recover from.
Remove damaged plant material from woody plants in the spring. In the late winter, you can detect which stems are dead by scratching the bark. The tissue is still alive if the substance is green below. They will lose their leaves as a result of the freezing, but they normally re-leaf in the spring. After all threat of frost has passed, maintain the plants’ moisture and apply a mild fertilizer.
More delicate plants won’t be able to endure the freezing damage and will turn into annuals. Perennial plants that have been frozen-damaged may only have little root damage, in which case you can divide the plant and replant the pieces. The ones that recovered from the root area’s cold did not deal a fatal blow.
Which succulents are not resistant to frost?
In terms of botany, succulents are not a particularly well-defined group. The thick, fleshy stems and leaves that contribute to the unique, sculptural shapes for which these plants are renowned help to identify this diverse group.
This characteristic is typically found in plants that have evolved to survive in arid environments like deserts and steppes. They are typically particularly drought resistant as a result.
Many succulents are cold-sensitive since they are native to hot, dry areas. These frost-sensitive varieties, including many aloes, crassulas, kalanchoes, aeoniums, and euphorbias, typically cannot withstand frost. If you reside in a region that is susceptible to frost, avoid landscaping with these (you can still have them as indoor plants).
On the other side, there are a ton of succulents that are native to cold, dry climates and have a reputation for being frost tolerant. These succulents are frequently able to endure temperatures well below zero. They may still be susceptible to frost burn and other types of injury, but these rarely result in plant death because the injured leaves simply grow out.
What succulent is the toughest?
When the weather becomes colder, this hen and chick turns a deep crimson color that lasts all year. Because of the white growth that resembles a spider web on its leaves, this plant is also known as a cobweb sempervivum. Rosettes spread by sending stalks of baby rosettes out from the mother plant, growing two inches tall and twelve inches wide. Place them in a pot or a rock garden. zone 3 to zone 8.
Exist tough succulents?
In most places, hardy succulents make it simple to develop vibrant rosettes and lush groundcover outdoors. These plants can withstand cold down to at least 0F (zone 7); the majority can withstand -20F. (zone 5). All of them are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, quick-growing plants that enhance rock gardens, groundcover, container arrangements, living walls, and much more with brilliant colors & winter interest!
CARE
- Light: The majority of hardy succulents need a lot of light to develop, therefore try to grow them outdoors in full to partial sun, with more shade when the temperature rises beyond 85F. Use dedicated grow lights or put them on a sunny window sill to allow them to thrive indoors, however you could still notice that they start to fade to green and swell. Succulents that have recently been delivered in a box may take up to two weeks to acclimate to full outside sun. More details
- Like the majority of succulents, hardy variants thrive in rocky, well-draining soil. Most garden centers carry potting soil for succulents and cacti, or you can create your own sandy loam by adding sand to your own soil mixture. None of them need fertilizer, but a springtime application of a slow-release, low-nitrogen (5-10-10) fertilizer will promote quicker development.
- Water: A cycle of thorough soaking and time for the soil to completely dry out will promote the growth of strong roots. To grow roots, young plants will require more regular watering, however in the winter, less water is preferable. Use a pot with a drainage hole if you’re planting in a container. More details
- Hardiness: The majority of the cultivars on this list can withstand a deep freeze of at least -20F. (zone 5). Many Sedum species, including Sempervivum heuffelii, can withstand temperatures as low as -30F. (zone 4). Hardy succulents will be protected from winter exposure by a layer of snow, but in areas without snow, gardeners can use clear coverings and bring potted succulents under cover to avoid standing water and decay. More details
- Propagation: No propagation labor is necessary for any of these kinds, however particular directions on multiplying and transplanting each type are supplied in their individual category descriptions.
NOTES FROM THE NURSERY
Because hardy succulents are accustomed to severe alpine environments, it is not unexpected that they are such hardy garden growth. They were placed on rooftops in the Middle Ages to fight off lightning and are now regarded as “Old World Treasures.” They are still present on rooftops today in the form of ecologically sound green roofs since they thrive in shallow soil and require little to no upkeep.
No of your level of gardening expertise, hardy succulents make wonderful landscaping and container plants. Consider placing them around stepping stones, in rock walls, and other hidden spots throughout the garden.
How are succulents wrapped during the winter?
Winter succulent maintenance does involve some effort. A thick horticultural fleece is one approach to shield them from the cold. In late fall or early winter, wrap your succulents in fleece to protect them from cold and extremely wet weather, which can cause the leaves to rot, especially if any of them already have damage. Horticultural fleece has an advantage over other materials in that it will let light and air flow around the succulents, keeping the plants healthy.
In the winter, how frequently should I water a succulent?
During the months that are not winter, when the temperature is above 40 degrees, you should water your succulents every other week. You should only water your succulent once a month in the winter (when the temperature falls below 40 degrees), as it goes dormant at this period.
A few situations constitute an exception to this rule. Because their tiny leaves can’t hold as much water as other varieties with larger leaves, some varieties of succulents need to be watered more frequently. In the non-winter months, feel free to give these small leaf succulents a water if they appear to be thirsty. When they are thirsty, succulents generally exhibit a wrinkled appearance. But always keep in mind that being underwater is preferable to being overwater.