Basic Watering Guidelines For Succulents During Growth and Dormancy

By Kim Andrews

Succulents go through different patterns of growth throughout the year requiring adjustments to their care respectively. With fluctuations in temperature, most succulents transition through phases where they grow less (dormancy) or grow more (actively growing). Succulents are “opportunistic growers,” meaning they grow when conditions are right and slow down when they are not ideal. The art of horticulture is observing your plants to know whether they are actively growing or dormant.

Traditionally, succulents are divided into categories of “winter dormant” and “summer dormant” indicating when they will need more water. While succulents can be placed into these general categories, this is not a rigid rule. In nature, there are always exceptions to the rules.

TEMPERATURE The range of temperatures succulents can tolerate is quite impressive, but not all species can handle the same temperatures. Most succulents prefer the temperatures between 60 and 90F which is their most active growing period. Growth slows beyond this range as the plant goes into the survival mode of dormancy until more tolerable temperatures return. Temperatures below 60° and above 90°F require many succulents to be in dormancy to survive. However, extreme heat and extreme cold will cause death. Knowing each species’ tolerance level to heat and cold is important.

While succulents are drought tolerant plants, this does not necessarily mean they love the extreme heat and direct sun. Many succulents will sunburn, even cactus. Succulents considered to be “summer growers” will slow down growth during the hottest months of the year and the cooler months of the year. Succulents considered to be “winter growers” will slow down growth during the hot months of the year and the coldest months of the year.

WATER Most plants grown indoors never go into survival mode, meaning they actively grow and need more watering. Succulents grown indoors can be watered at nearly the same rate year-round.

Success in growing succulents outdoors is knowing the plant’s water needs based on whether they are actively growing or dormant. When a succulent is dormant, it is trying to survive and is not putting energy into growing, meaning it will need minimal water. Succulents going into survival mode during cold periods will need little to no water depending on how cold the temperature is. Succulents going into survival mode during hot periods will need less water but still need some to prevent dehydration leading to death.

The key to keeping succulents happy is watering only when the soil is dry. If you are not watering frequently enough, your plant’s stems and leaves will become limp, dull CACSS of and shriveled. If you are providing too much water, your plant will be yellowing. If the soil is waterlogged, repot it into dry soil.

WINTER DORMANCY Succulents that are dormant in the winter will actively grow during the spring, summer and fall months. However, during the hottest days of summer, they will go through a mini dormancy period and slow down their growth. Agaves and cacti slow their growth when temperatures are above 100F and during the winter months. Once temperatures get below 40F though, you’ll see growth slowing down drastically. Limit the amount of water these plants receive as they can easily rot while dormant. Many cacti won’t bloom unless they experience a period of cold weather, around 40F for at least 60 days.

Once the weather begins warming, begin watering slowly but increasingly as the temperatures increase. Start adding some fertilizer in the spring.

WINTER DORMANT SUCCULENTS

SUMMER DORMANCY These plants prefer cooler temperatures for active growing. They grow the most during the fall, winter and spring. However, during the coldest of the winter, they will go through a mini dormancy. They grow the most when temperatures are below 60F at night and slightly warmer during the day.

Protect these plants from extreme heat as much as possible, and limit the amount you water during the summer. Water only when the soil is dry.

SUMMER DORMANT SUCCULENTS