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:

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🌵 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.

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💤 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.

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🧠 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.

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❄️ 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.