I often forget to winterize succulents. There, I said it… Every gardener knows that while succulents are super low maintainence, they can be super sensitive to the cold if not prepped properly. Succulents are cold-hard in grow zones as low as 3, but should still be given a little TLC come winter to ensure they look their best come Spring. This is how I winterize succulents (when I remember it of course…) When it comes to winter succulent care, you can’t miss these succulent care tips and tricks:
**Tip: Gardeners shouldn’t worry about winterizing Yucca, Hens and Chicks, or Iceplant succulents. These plants are super tolerant, and don’t need any additional succulent care come winter**
It’s best for succulents if you stop watering the soil come late Fall. It may seem counter-intuitive to send your succulents off into winter with dry soil, but it’s actually much better for the plant! Keep the soil extremely dry.
If possible, move succulents to more of a “sheltered” area. If potted, see about moving them under a deck, or in the garage. Keep wet snow and rain off of them as much as possible for the best succulent care!
It is SERIOUSLY crucial that the soil be kept as dry as possible during the winter. I cannot stress this enough. You will notice your succulent shrink and change colors come winter, but this is natural. Make sure the soil is well-drained, and dry whenever possible. Believe it or not, this can be succulents healthy during the winter!
As mentioned previously, it’s important to shelter your succulents from winter storms. If it isn’t possible for you to relocate them, make sure you cover the plants as soon as freezing temperatures are forecasted. Cover leaves with burlap, or plastic plant shelters. Uncover your plant as soon as temps reach above freezing!
If you’re interested in learning more about succulent gardening..this article may be helpful:
10 Succulent Varieties That Survive Anything
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