Whether a succulent is a soft or hard succulent determines what temperature it can withstand.
Anything warmer than 32 degrees F will be enjoyable for soft succulents. preferably over 40 degrees.
These plants cannot endure colder than freezing temperatures. Their hefty, thick leaves, which serve as water reservoirs, will freeze and destroy the plant.
Succulents that can withstand the cold can sustain -20 F. The best it can manage is a zone 4 to 5, and let me tell you, that is very impressive.
You must keep in mind that even if they can withstand temperatures below zero, they still like dry soil. That remains constant.
The majority of winters in the contiguous US will not only be dry but also wet and snowy.
Do succulents require protection from freezing?
Winter care shouldn’t be necessary if you plant winter-hardy cultivars like Sedum (Sedum sp. ), Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum sp.), Ice Plant (Delosperma sp.), Lewisia (Lewisia sp.), or Yucca (Yucca sp.). As winter comes, you might notice that they start to wither, shrink, or change color, but this is just a typical part of their wintertime cycle. Some types of these plants can tolerate cold temperatures as low as zone 3.
The fatal combination of freezing temperatures and wet, soggy soil from rains and snow melt poses a concern for less hardy types during the winter. If the soil can be kept sufficiently dry, several types may endure colder temperatures. Following are some pointers for taking care of delicate succulents in frigid temperatures:
- Dry the ground as much as you can. Around the end of the fall, stop providing extra water and food.
- Make sure there is enough airflow to avoid the wintertime wetness.
- Place succulent plants in protected spaces. A sunny area under the eaves or on the porch can be a wonderful choice if your winters are rainy.
- Make sure your soil drains well.
- When it’s rainy outside and you see moist soil around your succulents, you should make changes to the environment to ensure the survival of your plant. To improve water drainage, add sand, organic materials that drains efficiently, or a substance like Perma-Till.
- When freezing temperatures are expected, cover fragile plants. You can use frost covers that you buy, bushel baskets, or cloth covers. Just be sure the coverings don’t touch the leaves, and don’t leave them covered for any length of time that isn’t absolutely required. They require sunlight and airflow.
A succulent can it withstand frost?
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.
How can I keep my succulents safe from the cold?
The first step is to relocate them somewhere warm to prevent further exposure to the subzero temperatures.
Next, let them to dry out for many days or even weeks, depending on how badly they were frostbitten. All of the mushy frostbite lesions should be allowed to dry up and scab over. Your succulent will be operating in emergency mode as it attempts to stop additional harm.
Your succulent is more likely to rot and die if you water it too soon after it develops frostbite.
If you can, clip off the frostbitten parts once they have dried out. This may require you to remove significant portions of the plant. Sometimes, you might only be trimming the ends.
For instance, the ends of a fragile Aloe or Agave plant may become dry. In that instance, you may simply trim the leaf so that it resembles a typical Agave or Aloe leaf while also removing the dried-out and crispy portions.
The center of your succulent plant is typically unaffected by frostbite, which typically affects the plant’s outer edges first. In a way, this is the “best case situation” that you would hope for.
It’s likely that the succulent won’t be able to be salvaged if the frostbite extends into the stem. Your succulent is more likely to survive if you cut off and clean out any damaged areas of the plant.
Wait another two to three days before watering once you’ve clipped off the damaged areas. You should allow enough time for these wounds to callus over and heal.
Then, when everything is once more dry, you can begin watering your succulent. To promote healthy root growth, make sure you’re employing the soak and dry technique I recommend.
It’s crucial to understand that the damaged sections of your succulents you’ve plucked won’t regrow. However, if everything goes as planned, the new growth on your succulent should be strong and appear natural.
The succulent will need some time to recover its stunning appearance, but as with most succulent gardening, your persistence will be rewarded. As your succulent grows over the coming weeks and months, it will begin to resemble its former, joyful self once more.
Make sure the succulent is covered from cold, as well as from intense heat or sunlight, when you put it back outside (or in the spot it was growing). You need to gradually reintroduce your succulent to the growing circumstances it was accustomed to before it was in a protected area.
Also problematic is shocking your succulent with abrupt changes in temperature or light.
When do succulents start to freeze?
For succulent plants, temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit present some serious concerns. Plans for succulents are in danger at 40 degrees Fahrenheit since it is the moment at which they will start to change color, and when they go close to freezing, they will start to develop frost and rot. Soft succulents cannot tolerate cold; at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves and other elements of the plant will become covered with frost.
Risk at Temperatures Between 30- and 40-Degrees Fahrenheit
In colder than 40° Fahrenheit temperatures, succulents are susceptible to freezing. Once the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less, your succulent plant will start to change colors. At that time, the plants will start to approach their freezing point and start to die if you don’t shift them into a warmer environment.
Your succulent plant will start to freeze if it is exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When your succulent reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit, there is only a brief window of time before it freezes. Before it gets to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, succulents, especially soft succulent varieties, should be taken inside.
Succulents will exhibit some noticeable color changes as they approach their freezing point if they are not placed in temperature-controlled conditions at 40 degrees. Up until ice crystals begin to form on the plant’s leaves and other parts, the colors will deepen and become more vivid. The amount of frost that forms on the leaves and soil of the succulent plant increases the longer it is exposed to colder temperatures. Before it dies, the plant will start to exhibit rot symptoms and a black or brown discoloration.
Temperatures Below 32 Degrees Fahrenheit
Succulent plants can withstand temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, succulent plants cannot survive and start to freeze and wither away. To keep outdoor succulents alive over the winter, move them inside into pots or other potable containers.
Bring the plant into a warmer location right once if you notice little ice crystals starting to form on its leaves. It will be more difficult to resuscitate the plant after it is in a warmer environment if you don’t bring it inside once ice crystals start to develop on its leaves. The majority of succulents cannot resist frost; if they are, they will start to deteriorate and eventually perish. Succulents that can’t tolerate frost should be brought inside at night to prevent death.
Changes in Your Succulents at Extreme Temperatures
The most obvious alteration in succulents subjected to extreme temperatures, whether high or low, is a change in color. Succulents’ colors will start to deepen once the temperature reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and they will start to look dull and wilt as the temperature approaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit, their freezing point.
Succulents can also change color by developing brown or black spots on their leaves or other plant components. Too-cold conditions cause plant cells to break, giving the appearance that they are rotting. If the leaves or any other part of your succulent begin to turn a dark brown or black color, you may have left it at a temperature that is too cold for the succulent to remain healthy.
Can a frozen succulent be revived?
Cold fronts occasionally pass through, dropping temperatures toward freezing, even in regions with moderate winters. Most African succulent plants are vulnerable to cold. For instance, the University of Florida IFAS Extension notes that aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) grows in USDA zones 9 through 11 while jade plant (Crassula argentea) grows in the frost-free regions of USDA zones 10 and 11. First to be harmed are delicate new growth or the thinnest plant portions, which typically seem fragile and discolored.
Even if your succulents freeze, all is not lost. If you suspect your succulent has frozen, Gardening Know How advises waiting a few weeks before evaluating and treating frost damage. The frozen plant should be recoverable if there is any fresh growth. Use a sharp knife dipped in rubbing alcohol to chop away the damaged areas of the plant, eliminating any tissue that appears squishy or has brown in it. This will help the plant to recover. Between cuts, clean the knife. Place container plants out of the direct light in a dry location. Resuming routine plant care after the wounds have healed
How soon should I bring my succulents inside?
When you should bring your succulents indoors depends on a few different factors. These elements include your residence and the crops you raise.
Generally speaking, succulents need to be moved inside before the first frost. Typically, this occurs at the end of September.
Bring your succulents indoors when the weather starts to cool down if you live in a hotter climate.
When nightly lows fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime highs do not consistently reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days, it is time to bring them inside.
Typically, this is the time when they start to feel chilly and show symptoms of stress or illness, such as shriveled growths or falling leaves (especially if this has happened before).
Some species, such rosette forms, can tolerate colder wintertime temperatures, but the majority of species require warmer conditions year-round—at least 50 degrees F.
Any tropical kinds growing outside will need to be moved inside when the overnight lows reach the 40s.
When it starts getting darker earlier in the day, that is another consideration when deciding when to bring succulents indoors.
If your days are still long and sunny, it won’t be essential to bring them inside just yet. However, this becomes necessary when nightfall arrives earlier than anticipated (before sunset).
Which Succulents Need To Be Brought Inside During Winter?
Based on how well they tolerate cold temperatures, succulents can be split into two groups: cold hardy succulents and soft or fragile succulent plants.
The only succulents that can tolerate frost when the temperature drops below a particular level are cold hardy (deciduous) succulents. When the temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit, these succulents can remain outside all winter (-28.88C).
Some cold-tolerant succulent plants may not be able to tolerate dry indoor heating when brought inside for the winter, and they may become dehydrated.
Tropical or subtropical species known as tender succulents must be brought indoors during the winter months because they cannot tolerate frost below a particular temperature.
When it is at least 50 to 60 F outside, soft succulents can be kept (28.88C).
Can cacti be left outside?
Succulents are drought-tolerant plants because they can retain water in their large, irregularly shaped leaves. Succulents have a broad variety of eye-catching shapes and textures, which provide any landscape aesthetic interest. Can succulents live outside? is an often asked question. The quick response is “yes”! Growing succulents outdoors is an excellent alternative because they do well there and can withstand some neglect. They also do well in sunny areas with warm, dry weather.
Succulents can be grown in the ground, in pots, or hidden in unexpected planting locations. Take the uncertainty out of caring for these wonderful conversation pieces with stunning foliage by reading our suggestions for growing succulents outside.
For the winter, should I move my succulents inside?
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
Succulents go dormant during the winter months so they require even less watering during this time. 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. If you’re not giving them enough sunlight they’ll start leaning towards the window. 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!