Succulent Care During Dormancy

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.


❄️ 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.

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