Succulent Care During Dormancy
Succulent care during dormancy is all about minimalism and patience. Here’s a quick, practical guide to keep your plants healthy while they rest:
🌵 Dormancy Basics (Succulent Care During Dormancy)
Most succulents go dormant in winter (cold dormancy), while some (like certain caudiciforms and tropical species) go dormant in summer (dry dormancy) — depending on their native habitat.
💤 Top Dormancy Care Tips
1. Watering: Cut Back
Water sparingly or not at all. Once a month or less.
Only water if the plant shows slight wrinkling and the soil is bone-dry.
2. Lighting: Keep it Bright
Still needs bright, indirect light.
Avoid deep shade, even though growth slows or stops.
3. Temperature: Stay Cool
Ideal range: 5–15°C (41–59°F) for cold-dormant succulents.
Avoid freezing, but also avoid warm rooms which can disrupt dormancy.
4. No Fertilizer
Do not fertilize during dormancy. Resume only when new growth begins.
5. Leave Them Be
Don’t repot, propagate, or prune.
Let the plant rest — it’s recharging for active growth.
🧠Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure whether a succulent is going dormant, look for:
Yellowing or dropped leaves
Slowed or halted growth
Slight shriveling (especially in caudex types — totally normal)
Fockea, Stephania, and Brachystelma — all of which are summer growers and go dormant in winter.
🌞 March to October (Active Growing Season)
Watering:
Water regularly when the soil dries out — usually once every 7–10 days.
Ensure excellent drainage.
Light:
Bright, indirect light or light shade.
Avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially during peak summer.
Fertilizer:
Use diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer once a month.
Other:
Perfect time for repotting, propagation, and pruning.
Caudex plants will leaf out and may climb or flower.
â„ï¸ November to February (Dormant Season)
Watering:
Stop or reduce watering drastically. Once every 4–6 weeks if the caudex starts shriveling slightly.
Light:
Keep in a bright, dry spot indoors or under cover to avoid cold, damp conditions.
Fertilizer:
Do not fertilize.
Other:
No repotting or disturbing the roots.
Expect yellowing or leaf drop — that’s normal dormancy behavior.