Winter Care of Succulents

If you are planting winter-hardy succulents such as Sedum, Sempervivum, Rosularia, Delosperma, and Yucca, you don't need to worry about extra winter care. You may see them wither, shrink, or change color as cold weather approaches, but this is part of their normal winter routine. These plants withstand freezing temperatures, with some species hardy down to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 3.

For less hardy succulents, the winter problem is the deadly combination of cold temperatures and waterlogged, soggy soil from rain and snowmelt. Many succulents can withstand colder temperatures if the soil stays sufficiently dry.

Some care tips for tender succulents during freezing weather include:

• Keep the soil as dry as possible. Stop supplemental watering and feeding around late fall.
• Ensure adequate air circulation to keep winter dampness at bay.
• Plant succulents in sheltered areas if your winters are rainy. A good spot might be a sunny location under the eaves or on a porch.
• Ensure your soil has good drainage. If you notice soggy soil around your succulents during wet weather, you must improve the conditions to help your plant survive. Add sand and well-draining organic matter to increase water drainage.
• Cover tender plants when freezing temperatures are forecasted. You can use fabric covers, bushel baskets, or purchased frost covers. Make sure the covers don't touch the leaves, and keep them on longer than necessary. They need air circulation and sunlight.
• Do not remove the snow cover. It is a good insulator.

Source: todayshomeowner.com

Links

• Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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