Succulents are one of the most popular plants in the world. They’re highly adaptable, easy to care for, and have an exotic look that’s made them hot with gardeners everywhere. But what if it gets cold where you live? Can succulents survive frost? Or do they need a warm place to be happy?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more! We’ll also share tips on how to winterize your succulent collection so it can survive even the coldest temperatures possible—and thrive all year long!
Can Succulents Survive Frost?
Succulents are so hardy, they can even survive frost. If you’re wondering how to protect succulents from frost, there is no need to worry. Succulents are not damaged by frost, but they do need protection from it in order to thrive. The best way to care for your succulent plants is to keep them indoors during the winter months and bring them outside when spring arrives.
How Tolerant Are Succulents To Cold Weather
Succulents are some of the toughest plants around. They can survive in extreme heat and drought and are able to thrive in sandy, rocky soil. But what about cold weather? Do succulents grow well in cold climates?
While they can tolerate cooler temperatures, they don’t like freezing weather. In fact, most succulents will die if they’re exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). This is because their roots are shallow and cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
Most cold hardy succulents (those that can tolerate temperatures below 40 F) are desert dwellers or come from mountainous regions where winters aren’t too severe. These include echeveria, crassula, and sedum varieties such as a jade plant (Crassula ovata), pink princess sage (Salvia splendens “Pinky Winky”), and corn salad (Valerianella locusta).
If you live in an area with mild winters and want to grow succulents indoors year-round, then consider investing in a good heating system for your home or greenhouse to keep the temperature warm enough for your plants during the winter months.
How To Protect Your Succulents From Frost
Frost can kill succulents, especially if they have been recently transplanted. Transplanting a succulent that is dormant will help it survive the cold, but if your plant is active and growing, you may need to take extra steps to protect it from frost.
The best way to protect your succulents from frost is to cover them with insulating material before the temperature gets too low. If you live in a climate where you get frequent frosts, you should build a structure around your containers that can provide protection without taking up too much space.
If you do not live in an area that gets frequent frosts, or if you want to grow tropical plants indoors in the winter, then covering them with insulating material will not be necessary. However, if you live in an area that often gets frosty weather and want to protect your plants from damage due to low temperatures, there are several things that you can do:
Covering Succulents With Felt or Plastic
Felt and plastic are both good materials for protecting succulents from frost because they allow airflow through the containers while still keeping out moisture and cold air. They also provide insulation for plants so that they don’t freeze during cold spells outdoors.
Keep Succulents Well Watered
Make sure your plants are well-watered before the temperature drops. This will help prevent frost from forming on their leaves.
Caring For Succulents During The Winter
Succulents can survive light frosts, but they may lose some of their leaves. If you live where it gets cold in the winter, here are a few tips to keep your plants happy:
Water less in the winter. Succulents only need about one inch of water per week during the growing season. In contrast, during this time of year, they need less than half an inch per week. Check the soil with your finger before watering to see if it’s dry down at least six inches deep (you might have planted your plant too deeply).
It’s better not to water more than once a week unless there has been enough rain or snow melt (the succulent will begin to rot if wet roots sit around too long).
Move them out of direct sunlight and into a cool area with bright indirect light such as an east-facing window or under fluorescent lights (no incandescent bulbs!). It’s important that the temperature does not rise above 50 degrees F when taking care of succulents indoors during the winter months; otherwise, they may die from shock!
What Temperatures Will Kill Succulents?
Succulents do not like extreme heat or cold. They prefer warm, humid climates. In general, you should avoid temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
But these are ballpark figures. Some plants may tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures than others within the same species or variety. So always check your plant’s specific needs before planting it outdoors.
If you live in a region with a mild climate, you might be able to grow some of these plants in pots year-round outside on your patio or deck — provided they get enough sunlight and water. If you live in a more extreme climate, however, it’s best to keep them indoors during the winter months and move them outdoors when temperatures are warm enough for them again in spring or summer.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has answered any questions you have about overwintering succulents and how to care for them during the winter months.
