Succulents love sunshine, but it doesn’t mean they cannot survive inside of the house. They just need a good place, so the sun rays can still reach them. When the rainy season comes, however, it is time to bring your lovely plants inside. Make sure though that you expose them to sunlight sometimes–if it shines at all during the rainy season…
When winter season arrives, most succulents simply want to survive, and you need to bring them inside. An exception just proves the rule, such as the Sempervivums (also known as hens and chicks) and Stonecrop Sedums. They can stay outside all winter, at least in moderate climate, tolerating temperature up to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s quite amazing, considering they can sustain both high and low temperatures. These plants just can’t stop surprising me with their versatility!
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Most succulents cannot tolerate freezing temperatures
If you have tender succulents, or the types that can’t tolerate freezing temperatures, you need to bring them inside before the frost hits. Echeveria, Crassula, Kalanchoe, Aloe, Tender Sedums, and Senecio are some of the more popular succulents that fit into this category.
Let’s have a look at more details, such as when exactly should you bring your succulents inside, and what you should do to make sure you’ll be able to take them outside in the spring, and they won’t die during the winter.
* May also interest you: Can Succulents Survive Winter?
35-40 degrees Fahrenheit is the limit, but you need to take some succulents inside as soon as temperature drops below 50
During winter some succulents can only tolerate up to 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit and some can endure below freezing temperature if kept dry. But tropical succulents prefer 50 to 60 degrees and above. Example of these is Adeniums, Euphorbias, Lithops, and Stapeliads.
In my opinion, it makes no sense to hesitate too much. As soon as the temperatures drop, you should simply take your succulents inside. If the drop is temporary, you can always take them out again, so they enjoy more sunlight before the winter arrives with full power.
How do you keep your succulents alive indoors?
First of all, you need to determine the variety of your succulents. This is because not all succulents can survive indoors. There are some types that simply prefer to stay outside, regardless of the conditions.
As a rule of a thumb, that bright-colored succulents or the succulents that have red, orange or purple colors prefer to be outside. And succulent that have naturally green color do well indoors. Bright-colored succulents need more direct sunlight than those that have green color. Some of the perfect succulents for indoors growing are Hawarthia and Gasteria.
Picking the right succulents for your home decor is only the first step. There are many things you need to remember to keep them alive indoors. First of all, all plants need sunlight for their healthy growth. Of course, many succulents will survive without direct sunlight. But I believe you want your plants to thrive, and not merely survive.
Place the succulents near the window
A good and simple practice is to place succulents near the window, so they get at least indirect sunlight. Since they will be having less sunlight, make sure you give them the right soil. They love a soil mix with sand to increase drainage – you can check this great one on Amazon for example (* an affiliate link, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase). Also, remember to only water them when their soil is completely dry because they hate having watery surroundings.
Whenever you see a dry or drying leaves, collect them from the plant, to avoid surrounding leaves to start rotting as well. And if you really want them to be healthy, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (less than 10%) once a month. You may opt for a natural variety, like this one on Amazon, one that I like very much.
I also suggest you to consider re-potting your plants once a year while your succulents are young. Put them into larger pots, about 1 inch larger in diameter. But if they have a 6-inch diameter pot, just change the soil with a fresh one and they would be fine. Not all succulents are the same. To make sure are doing it right,do your research, and contact some experts if you have a rare type of succulents.
Succulents can endure the dry winter air
Succulents have fleshy leaves, thick stems and enlarge roots for their special adaptation abilities. These characteristics allow them to survive indoors. Their leaves store water for survival, it is also the reason why you don’t need to water succulents as frequently as most other plants.
The best thing about succulents is that they can endure dry air during winter when they are indoors. Unlike other plants that can only survive for a few days or weeks, succulents can thrive even in some unforgiving temperatures. All you need to do is to give sunlight for about 4 hours every day or intermittently. Early morning and late afternoon are the best time to do this.
* May also interest you: How to Care for A Succulent Indoors?
Do succulents help with air quality indoors?
Chemical-based products that we are using inside our house can pollute indoor air which in turn makes indoor air contaminated. This air quality can contribute to poor health in the long run. But indoor plants like succulents can filter and refresh the air by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.
Aloe Vera does especially well in cleaning the air, and I am not talking about all other benefits it has, and its use in medicine. Plants also boost well-being, concentration, productivity, and mood according to research.
How often should you water your succulents indoors?
Succulents like to be soaked, instead of frequently sipping water. Water them until the water runs to the bottom hole of their pot and wait until no waters keeps dripping, before putting them back to heir places. Do it again only when you see their soil is absolutely dry. Don’t water them if they are still moist.
Early spring is their growing period, so they need more water, regardless of whether they are inside or outside. During summer, they need less water and they require even lesser water during winter. But it doesn’t mean that you will not water them during winter at all…. Just be moderate in your frequency, and follow the hints I just described… Hope this helps, and if you want to become a real pro in growing succulents, check my complete guide. Thank you! 🙂
FAQ
Q: Should I bring my succulents inside when it rains?
A: Succulents are not fond of water. but rainy water is different, since it contains nitrogen that succulents need for healthy growth. Rain also washes the dust and flushes away the salts and harmful chemicals in their soil from tap water. It also makes their color brighter and more vibrant. Just don’t let the succulents be soaked and made their soil soggy. It’s a good idea to store the raindrops in a bucket or anything that can store water and use it to water your plants.
Q: How to keep succulents alive in winter indoors? Should I fertilize them?
Fertilized them once at the end of summer. Because they simply don’t need it during winter. During this season, they need less light than during summer. Even with indirect light, they can survive. Water them only when the soil is absolutely dry. Start from the top of the soil until it drains out. Check out for the pest, look under the leaves. If it is infected, use rubbing alcohol on the affected area to treat it. Then isolate the plant for a couple of weeks.