Understanding Succulent Dormancy: Your Winter Care Guide

If you’re like me, you’ve probably fallen in love with succulents. Their plump leaves, vibrant colors, and low-maintenance make them perfect for any home. But here’s something I learned the hard way: succulents aren’t always active year-round. 

Many go through a phase called succulent dormancy. Understanding it can save your plants from a winter disaster. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what succulent dormancy is, how to spot it, and how to care for your succulents during their winter nap. Let’s dive in!

What Is Succulent Dormancy?

Succulent dormancy is like a plant’s version of hibernation. During this period, many succulents slow down their growth to conserve energy. This usually happens in winter for most species. There are some that take their break in summer. 

For those of us in the U.S., where winters can range from mild to brutal, knowing when and why your succulents go dormant is key to keeping them healthy. I remember my first winter with a jade plant. I kept watering it like it was still summer, only to find its leaves wrinkling and dropping. 

Turns out, it was dormant, and I was drowning it! Dormancy is your succulent’s way of saying, “I need a break.” By adjusting care routines, you can help your plants thrive.

Why Do Succulents Go Dormant?

Succulents evolved in harsh environments, like deserts. However, seasonal changes can affect even these tough plants. Dormancy helps them survive periods of cold or heat with limited resources. 

In the U.S., winter triggers dormancy for many succulents because of shorter days, cooler temperatures, and less intense sunlight. Think of it as their way of hunkering down until conditions improve.

For example, my Echeveria slows down every December in my Chicago apartment. The reduced daylight and chilly indoor temps signal it’s time to rest. Understanding this natural cycle helps me avoid overwatering or stressing my plants.

How to Spot Succulent Dormancy

Spotting dormancy can feel tricky at first, but once you know the signs, it’s like reading your plant’s mood. Here’s what happens:

• Your succulent stops producing new leaves or offsets.
• The plant needs way less water than usual.
• Some succulents, like my Sempervivum, get more vibrant in winter, while others may look dull.
• Slight wrinkling is normal during dormancy, as the plant uses stored water.

When I noticed my Echeveria wasn’t growing last January, I thought it was dying. But it was just dormant, waiting for spring to perk up again.

Winter Care Tips for Dormant Succulents

Caring for dormant succulents requires tweaking your routine. Here’s how I keep my plants happy during winter:

1. Adjust watering

Dormant succulents need much less water. Overwatering is the number one killer during winter. I learned this after losing a Sedum to rot. Now, I water my winter-dormant succulents every 2–3 weeks. I let the soil dry out completely between waterings. 

Additionally, use well-draining soil (I mix cactus potting mix with perlite) to prevent soggy roots. The pot also has to have some drainage holes where excess water can escape. Excess moisture in the soil encourages fungi that cause roots to rot.

2. Provide adequate light

In the U.S., winter days are shorter, and sunlight can be scarce. This is especially in northern states like Washington or New York. Dormant succulents still need bright, indirect light. I place mine near a south-facing window. If your home lacks natural light, consider a grow light. 

I use a small LED grow light for my indoor collection, and it works wonders. Be sure to read what the manufacturer recommends about the distance from your plants. Some grow lights produce heat, which can affect the health of your succulents.

3. Keep temperatures stable

Most succulents prefer temperatures between 50°F and 70°F during dormancy. In colder U.S. regions, like the Midwest, protect your plants from drafty windows or heaters. My Kalanchoe once got too close to a radiator and started dropping leaves. 

Now, I keep my succulents in a stable, cool spot away from extreme heat or cold.

4. Skip fertilizing

Dormant succulents don’t need extra nutrients. I stop fertilizing in late fall and resume in spring when growth picks up. Feeding during dormancy can stress your plants or lead to weak, leggy growth.

5. Watch for pests

Winter can bring sneaky pests like mealybugs, especially in dry indoor environments. I check my plants weekly and dab any pests with neem oil. Keeping your succulents stress-free during dormancy makes them less vulnerable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes with my succulents, and I don’t want you to repeat them! Here are pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overwatering: This is the big one. Stick to minimal watering for winter-dormant succulents.
• Ignoring light needs: Low light can cause etiolation (stretching). Move plants to brighter spots or use grow lights.
• Repotting during dormancy: I once repotted a dormant Crassula and shocked it. Wait until spring for repotting.
• Assuming all succulents are the same: Winter care for Echeveria differs from Aloe. Know your plant’s dormancy type.

When Does Dormancy End?

As spring approaches, your succulents will wake up. In most U.S. regions, this happens around March or April. You’ll notice new growth, brighter colors, and increased water needs. I gradually increase watering and move my plants to sunnier spots as days lengthen.

Last spring, my Sedum started sprouting tiny leaves in March. This was a signal it was ready for more water and light. Keep an eye on your plants and adjust care slowly to avoid shocking them. If you are moving them outside, do it gradually as you increase sunlight exposure.

Final Thoughts

Succulent dormancy doesn’t have to be a mystery. The most important bit is to understand when your plants rest. This means adjusting water and light, and avoiding common mistakes. So, whether you’re in a sunny Southern state or a chilly Northern one, you can keep your succulents healthy through winter.

Have questions about your succulents? Drop a comment below or share your winter care tips. Let’s keep our plants thriving together!