Succulents are a beautiful, low-maintenance way to keep your outdoor space gorgeous and colorful. No wonder they have become so popular! But it is important to take extra care of them during winter. The cold weather can be harmful to certain types of succulents. Therefore, they must be protected to look just as beautiful come springtime.
Hardy Succulent or Not?
This is the best way to determine if your succulent will survive the winter in your area before you even plant it in your garden. Most plants sold in stores are labeled with a zone designation to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Depending on your zone, the label will tell you whether or not the plant will survive the winter. The zones are divided by their minimum annual temperature, with a difference between 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If your zone is lower than the recommended zone on the label, there is little chance it will survive the winter in that area.
Bring Them Indoors
Even if your succulent is in the right zone, it is still a good idea to bring it inside during the winter. Extreme temperature drops are rare, but it takes one cold night to damage your plants. They can be stored there if your garage does not go below 50 °F (10 °C). Just be sure they get 3 to 4 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Another important consideration is checking for bugs such as mealybugs and aphids. You do not want them inside your home, so use one part water and three parts rubbing alcohol to spray the leaves and kill the pests.
Reduce Watering in the Late Fall
Most succulents go dormant during winter, so they require even less watering. Therefore stop watering them once the temperature drops and the days become shorter. Reduce it to once a month, but it is also a good idea to check the moisture level of the soil before watering. Only do it when the soil is completely dry. A good five minutes of watering is enough time. Make sure the soil has good drainage because damp roots can kill succulents. Adding sand or well-draining organic matter to the soil will help indoor plants. For outdoor plants, do not mulch around the base of the plants because this can trap moisture.
Cover Up Your Succulents
If you know freezing temperatures are coming and cannot bring the plants indoors, you can cover them up using several kinds of protection. Snow covers can be useful because they protect against snow, frost, and harsh winds. They can be purchased online or at your local garden supply store. If you have bushel baskets lying around, they can also cover and protect succulents. Just be sure not to leave them covered longer than necessary. The plants need sunlight and good air circulation.
Source: patioproductions.com
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus