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Watering in Winter

Is there a general rule for succulents and cactus about how often they need water during winter, as nighttime temperatures go below 50F?

Comments (9)

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    General rule is: cooler the weather - less watering. Many ppl keep them quite cool (even less than 50*F), and still cooler during day and hardly ever water. Harry (hablu) does that with all his (probably few hundred) succulents. IIRC, some of his plants don't get any water for about 4 mo or so - hoe he will see your post and give you some tips.

    I have kept mine at about 47*F for 3 winters and watered maybe 1x/mo, maybe even less. None of my plants suffered from 'cold' or thirst. I do not have same set-up now, it is warmer.

    westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
  • 9 years ago

    It will depend on the plant, type of pot, pot size, the weather, how much sun the plants get, so it's hard to give an exact answer. A cool, gloomy day or week will dry the plants out less. The larger or ceramic pots get less water because they hold the moisture longer than clay or plastic. Small pots may need water more frequently than the larger ones. I'm in So CA and have been watering more to keep up with the heatwave, but when the heat backs off, I'll back off on the watering. As always, the skewer trick helps if you are unsure. The aeoniums are starting to perk up, so I might give them more than some of the others. You'll just have to watch your plants, remembering that less is probably better than more.

    westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked socks
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You will also need to keep in mind that some plants are winter growers. For example; Tylecodon, Pelargonium, Aeonium.

    westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked aloebot
  • 9 years ago

    @aloebot, and what would be the typical water pattern for aeonium in Winter?

  • 9 years ago

    I'm in SoCal and rarely water them. They are tough as nails. When the rosettes start to curl in I may give a little water so they don't dry up. The little fall/winter rain we get pretty much keeps them happy. I should say most of mine are in the ground. As it cools down and gets a little precipitation they will be back in their full glory. Where you are at I think they will have plenty of moisture. As long as you give good drainage in pots I think you can visually tell when they need water.

    westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked aloebot
  • 9 years ago

    My A. cv. Sunburst doesn't look nearly this happy right now. It is in poor condition in part due to the summer. The main reason it looks shabby currently is because it had a major flowering event this year and over half of the rosettes are gone. I'm going to behead the remaining 8 to 10 heads this fall/winter when it starts getting active again.

    The blooms.

    westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked aloebot
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    aloebot

    Your aeoniums are beautiful! I have few in pots, and they are 'nothing' comparing to yours :)

    westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
  • 9 years ago

    Rina...I wish I could take credit for them. I live in the greatest climate I could wish for. The plants really grow by themselves with minimal care from me. But, thank you for the compliment.

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