It’s happened to all succulent growers living in a cold climate - the temperature dipped lower than expected and the succulents froze. It’s possible to revive frozen succulents with minimal damage to the plants by following a few simple steps.

Protecting the outdoor-growing plants with special frost cloth for succulents is a key preventative measure. But when you find yourself with frost damage on your succulents, follow these steps to revive them and get them thriving again.

Frost Damage Reasons

As we know succulents are special plants, they don't need to be watered every day because they store the water in their leaves for living and nutrients. When the temperature is getting lower than 32°F, the water in their cells will be frozen, however, as we know the volume of ice is bigger than water due to the different densities.

Therefore, frost can cause the succulents' cells walls to burst then take their life. But not all succulents can't tolerate freezing temperatures, some hardy succulent varieties thrive in winter. 

If you If you live in a cold area, the temperatures below 40℉ (day or night), and still want to order beautiful rare succulent types, adding a heat pack can protect the succulents from frost in transit.

Symptoms Of Frost Damage

If the frost was considered to be a light frost (lasting less than one hour) the tips of the succulent leaves will develop frost burn (also called frostbite), and they will shrivel and wilt.

On small succulents, the entire plant may develop a dry, crispy appearance. If the frost was considered a hard frost and below freezing temperatures lasted throughout the night, the entire plant may collapse and turn dark. The plant tissue softens and is no longer able to remain upright, so it will collapse.

Can The Succulent Be Revived?

If a live succulent has been exposed to freezing temperatures for a short time, there is a high likelihood that the plant will survive. However, the plant may need some pruning to restore its appearance, but it can still be saved.

If a succulent has been exposed to freezing temperatures for over 24 hours, or if it has been covered in snow, its chances of survival are low. However, there is still hope. Take a look at the substance beneath the plant. If it appears green, it indicates that the plant may still have a chance to sprout in the spring.

How To Treat Frozen Succulents

Succulents have thick leaves that can store a lot of water, as well as plant bodies and stems. When they freeze, they suffer severe damage to their cells, both inside and outside the plant. However, some succulent varieties are quite resistant and can recover if they are treated properly.

The first thing to do is to bring the plant away from frost, snow, and freezing temperatures. Cover them with frost cloth for succulents, bring the plants indoors, or otherwise place them in an environment that will protect them from further frost damage. Click here to learn more about how to care for succulents in cold winter.

Wait a few weeks. Succulents go into dormancy and stop active growth when the weather cools down. Different succulents grow at different rates within a year, depending on the temperature and will go dormant at different times. The status of the winter dormancy may help the succulent overcome being frost-damaged. Don’t do anything to the plant until its dormant time has ended and active growth should begin. After that, start your work.

Click here to learn how to water your succulents in winter.

1. Sharp knife/Scissors

Reviving procedure:

• 1. Inspect the plant for new growth. Look in the center of the plant for any new greenery. If new growth is visible, the succulent has survived the frost damage. 

• 2. Wipe the knife blade with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. Cut off all parts of the plant tissue that is soft or has turned brown or black. Sterilize the knife blade with alcohol between each cut.

• 3. Feed and water the succulent plant like you normally would during its active growing stage. 

• 4. If the plant is being grown in a planter pot, place it in a dry and bright location but not in direct sunlight.

Success Or Failure

Only time will reveal if you have been successful in reviving a frozen succulent. If the new growth continues, you have success. If the remaining leaves become discolored or softened, your attempt to revive the plant has failed.

Precautionary Measures

To prevent frost damage in the future, be diligent in using a frost cloth for your succulents during the late fall and winter months. Even late spring can bring a surprise freeze, so don’t let your guard down until summertime.

If succulents are being grown in pots outdoors. Place the succulent pots near an exterior wall that will provide protection from the wind. 

Rotate pots (indoors or outdoors) so plants will have equal sun exposure.