If you ’ve noticed your succulent looking a bit lacklustre lately , they might not be clamber — they could simply be engage a well - merit break . Just like many exist things , succulents have natural periods of dormancy that are critical to their natural selection and long - condition health . While it ’s loose to assume your plant needs more water system or attention when it starts showing signs of decelerate down , understanding these pivotal residue period can make the difference between nurturing a boom solicitation and unknowingly harm your plant . Let ’s explore how you may recognize and support your succulent through their dormant phase .
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What Is Succulent Dormancy
Succulent quiescency is a rude period of repose when the plant ’s growth unco retard or stops entirely . During this time , your succulent conserve vigor and resource by reduce piddle breathing in and metabolic outgrowth .
You ’ll notice your industrial plant looking less vibrant , with some coinage even omit leave of absence or showing color change . It ’s your works ’s agency of adapting to challenging environmental conditions .
Signs Your Succulent Needs Rest
Recognizing when your succulent require dormancy is n’t always obvious , but several key indicators can help you spot it . Watch for slowed growth , droop or scrunch leaves despite right watering , and fading leaf colour .
You ’ll notice your industrial plant is n’t responding to normal care act , and unexampled development may appear weak or stretch . Some succulents will naturally unload their depleted leaves .
Summer Versus Winter Dormancy
During the year , different succulent species enter quiescence in opposing seasons , with some resting in summertime while others slow down in wintertime . Your winter - dormant plants , like Aeonium and Aloe , will hesitate growth when temperatures drop below 60 ° F .
Meanwhile , summertime - dormant varieties , including Lithops and Conophytum , conserve Energy Department during intense heat , so you ’ll require to reduce watering and avoid fecundate during their respective rest periods .
Watering During Dormant Periods
Throughout dormancy , right tearing becomes vital to forestall rot and maintain industrial plant wellness . You ’ll need to drastically reduce watering frequency – once every 3 - 4 calendar week for wintertime - dormant succulents and every 4 - 6 weeks for summertime - inactive varieties .
Only water when the grime is completely dry , and use just enough to prevent shriveling . Never water if temperature drop below 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) .
Common Dormancy Mistakes
When caring for dormant succulents , even experienced gardeners can make vital mistakes that via media works health . You ’ll harm your plants by retain regular watering schedules during dormancy , force ontogeny with artificial light , or repotting while they ’re resting .
Do n’t mistake quiescence for illness – those furrow parting and dim colors are natural sign of your succulent ’s revitalizing period .
Caring For Resting Succulents
Proper care of resting succulents requires three essential adjustments to your normal routine .
shorten your watering frequence by one-half , letting the grime dry whole between session . Move your plants to a cooler speckle with less direct sunlight .
Preparing For Growth Season
As spring approaches , you ’ll need to gradually waken your succulents from their sleeping state .
Begin increasing their water intake every 10 days , but view for signs of overwatering .
Move them to shiny spots slowly to foreclose shock .
append refreshful well - draining soil and enforce a balanced plant food at fourth posture .
Remove any utter leaves to encourage healthy new growth .
