Sedum is a succulent commonly known for its tolerance to heat, drought, and cold weather. If you are living in an area with extreme climate conditions, and not sure what succulents to grow, you can always fall back on Sedum, since it can survive almost anywhere. And winter conditions are no exception to the rule.
Sedum can survive winter. However, upright sedum tends to die during winter, but not the stalk or the whole plant. It means that sedum will rise again after the cold season and recover. If you do not want to see the upright sedum dying, you can prune the plant before the winter. It won’t affect the plant negatively. But how to take care of your sedum in winter? This is a crucial question you need to ask yourself.
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Choose the right pot and location
If you plan to leave sedum outdoors in winter, you need to make sure that everything is set up for the cold weather. The extremely cold weather can harm the plant in many ways. That being said, you should make sure that your sedum has the right growing medium and space where it can grow. I recommend you to use resin containers for your sedum plants, especially if you plant to leave them outside during winter.
Ceramic pots may crack when the freezing temperature hits the garden. Non-ceramic pots such as resin containers will not, and hence my recommendation. Aside from pot, you should also make sure that the sedum isn’t placed in direct sunlight in winter. Instead, place the plant under some shade.
You can also further protect sedum from cold weather by burying the pot in the ground. Although this is an extra effort on your side, it will improve the chances of your plant to survive a long and cold winter.
2. Watering Sedum in winter
In general, Sedum does not need much water. What’s more, sedums do not grow actively during winter, so you need to stop or moderate the watering. However, in dry winter, sedum should get some water to survive. Although winter is cold, the succulent soil can dry out. So make sure to check the soil occasionally.
Potted sedums often need more water in winter than those that are planted directly in the ground. Give water if necessary. But make sure you always check the moisture of the soil before watering. Remember that succulents are even more prone to over-watering during the winter season. I say that when you aren’t sure, you should refrain from watering your sedum in winter months.
3. Bring sedum indoors during winter
Although sedum will be fine outdoor during winter, you can always bring it indoors to keep it safer. However, when you do that, you need to remember a couple of things:
- Prune. Although this is an option, you can always prune elongated stems of the sedum before you bring it inside. This depends on the size of the plant of course. If you have smaller sedum, you do not need to prune it.
- Reduce watering. The climate affects the water needs of succulents. In most cases, succulents need less water in winter. In fact, some succulents do not need water at all. Always check the soil of your sedum. Water it only when the soil is completely dry.
- Provide appropriate light source. You might be thinking about how you are going to give your sedum sunlight during winter. The best option is to use grow light (click here to check my recommended grow light on Amazon). Almost all succulents need regular sunlight exposure. But you know it is not possible during winter. Grow light will help you tremendously to keep your plants safe and healthy over a long and cold winter…
Basic care for Sedum indoors
Sedums survive almost anything during the summer, when they get all their need from sun and mother Earth. However, they need proper care in winter. The first thing to remember is to not overwater your sedum. Apply the soak and dry method. Soak the soil and let the excess water drain through the hole at the bottom of the pot. Water again only once the soil is completely dry.
To make sure that the soil is dry before watering, stick your finger into the soil. If the soil sticks to your finger, then it is still moist. If not, then the soil is already dry, and you can water your sedum.
Final thoughts
Sedum can survive in winter, even outdoors. It is one of the most resilient succulents and it can tolerate the extreme temperatures. You can also bring your sedum indoors to add additional layer of safety. When you do so, however, make sure that you provide the sunlight, water, and soil needs of sedum. With proper care, sedum will thrive indoors, and it will survive winter…
May also interest you:
- Guide on how to keep Sedum from falling over
- Can Sedum grow in shade? – Personal experience
- Is Sedum poisonous to dogs?