Repotting Succulents In Winter: A Horticulturist’s Guide

There’s a certain charm to the succulent family of plants. They are famed for their hardiness and unique aesthetic appeal. But even these sturdy beauties need a bit of help from their human caretakers, especially when it comes to the task of repotting. This guide will walk you through the process of repotting succulents in winter, a task often surrounded by questions and concerns.

Understanding Succulents: Resilient Beauties of the Plant Kingdom

Succulents are a fascinating group of plants that have developed a unique way to survive harsh conditions. They can store water within their leaves, stems, or roots, giving them a swollen or fleshy appearance, which is the basis of their name. Their unique ability to store water allows them to thrive in arid environments that are uninhabitable to many other plants.

What to Do with Potted Succulents in Winter?

During winter, most succulents enter a phase of dormancy, which is a period of reduced activity to conserve energy. Their growth significantly slows down and so does their need for water. While their water storage abilities provide them with some level of frost resistance, extended periods of extreme cold or frost can damage or even kill them.

Therefore, it is crucial to take some steps to ensure your potted succulents survive the winter. If your succulents are in an outdoor setting, consider moving them inside or into a greenhouse. If this is not possible, use frost cloths or mini greenhouses to protect them from frost. Remember, even if your succulents are frost-resistant, they may not be able to withstand prolonged periods of frost or snow.

Should Succulents be Moved Inside for Winter?

Yes, if you are able to. While there are some species of succulents that can withstand frost and cold, many are not equipped to handle these conditions. Cold-sensitive succulents can experience damage or death if left outside in frost conditions. Even frost-tolerant varieties can be affected by a hard freeze. Therefore, if your succulents are not hardy to your zone, or if a particularly harsh winter is expected, it is safer to move them inside.

How to Repot Succulents: Timing and Techniques

Repotting is an essential aspect of plant care. For succulents, this process can stimulate growth, prevent root crowding, and replace nutrient-depleted soil. Let’s look at how and when to repot succulents.

How Do You Know When to Repot Succulents?

Identifying the right time to repot succulents is crucial for their health. If a succulent has outgrown its current pot, it may need repotting. Signs that your succulent has outgrown its pot include roots growing out of the drainage holes or above the soil surface, a top-heavy plant that topples over, or a plant that dries out quickly after watering because there is more plant than soil in the pot.

The quality of the soil is also an important consideration. Over time, potting soil can become compacted and lose its ability to drain well. If water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering, it may be time to repot your succulent.

The Repotting Process

Repotting should be done on a mild, dry day. This allows the succulent to recover from the shock of repotting before it has to deal with extreme heat or cold. If you are repotting in winter, try to choose a day when the temperature is on the higher side for your area.

Firstly, gently remove the succulent from its current pot, preserving as much of the root system as possible. Loosen the roots and remove old, compacted soil. Then, place the succulent in a new, clean pot that is just slightly larger than the root system. Fill the pot with fresh succulent or cactus mix, gently firming it around the base of the plant. Wait for a day or two before watering to allow any damaged roots to heal.

Post-Repotting Care and Winter Watering

After repotting, succulents need some time to adjust to their new environment. While they are establishing themselves, it’s important to provide the right care, particularly in winter.

How Long Can Succulents Go Without Water in Winter?

During their winter dormancy, succulents require significantly less water than they do in the growing season. In fact, overwatering is one of the main causes of succulent death in winter. As a general rule, succulents can often go 6 weeks or more without water in winter.

However, this doesn’t mean you should completely ignore your succulents during winter. They still need some water, just less than usual. Monitor the succulent and the moisture level of the soil, and water lightly when the soil is completely dry.

Do Indoor Succulents Go Dormant in Winter?

Yes, indoor succulents do go dormant in winter. While they are not exposed to the cold outside, they are still affected by the shorter days and lower light levels of winter. This means they still enter a period of dormancy, reducing their growth and water requirements.

Watching for Pests

After repotting, you should keep an eye out for pests. Pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites often target succulents, and the stress of repotting can make them more susceptible. Inspect your plants regularly and take action at the first sign of pests.

To treat an infestation, remove the affected leaves or use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove the pests. For larger infestations, you may need to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remember, prevention is the best way to protect your succulents from pests, so maintain good hygiene and ensure your plants are well cared for.

Paying Attention to Light

Just as with water, your succulents’ light requirements will change in the winter. Succulents require less light during their dormant period, but they still need some light to survive. Place your succulents near a south or east-facing window where they will receive bright but indirect light.

If natural light is scarce, especially in the shorter winter days, consider using a grow light. Ensure the light is not too intense and does not heat up your plant, which could cause damage.

Repotting succulents in winter requires a little extra care and attention, but with the right steps, you can ensure that your succulents stay healthy and thrive. Remember, the key lies in understanding your succulent’s specific needs, from the right soil and pot to adequate water and light conditions.

Always keep an eye out for any signs of stress or disease and take action promptly to keep your plants healthy. And as winter turns to spring, gently transition your plants back to their normal care routine.

So don’t let winter be a gloomy time for your succulents. With the correct care, it can be a time of rest and preparation for a vibrant spring growth. Good luck, and happy gardening!