Winter watering for succulents is a popular topic among plant lovers! Many new succulent parents often find themselves confused about how to help their plants thrive during the colder months, leading to issues like underwatering or overwatering. But do not worry! By the time you finish reading this blog, you will have a clear understanding of how to properly water your succulents in winter, ensuring they stay happy and healthy.

How much water does a succulent need in winter?

Before we get into the main question, let me ask you something first: Are all cats the same? Definitely not! The same goes for live succulents. Each variety has its own unique traits. This means that some succulents like to take a break during the winter, while others prefer to grow.

Generally speaking, plants that go dormant from November to early March are known as "Summer Growers." On the flip side, "Winter Growers" go into dormancy from May to August. Take a moment to check whether your succulent is a "Winter Grower" or a "Summer Grower" in the image below, and then we can continue our discussion!

When a succulent goes into dormancy, it slows down its metabolic activity to save energy until conditions get better. During this time, these lovely plants don’t need as much water as they do when they’re actively growing—sometimes, they might not need any water at all!

However, this is not a strict rule. 'Summer growers' do not have to go dormant in winter, nor do 'winter growers' need to hibernate in summer. For example, if you bring your succulents indoors and maintain a consistent temperature, they can continue to thrive even during their dormant season. This indicates that the plant's growth is more closely related to temperature than to the specific time of year. In fact, many succulents flourish in spring and fall, again due to favorable temperature conditions.

How to water succulents in winter?

Winter Grower - Although winter-grown succulents can still grow normally, all succulents are quite sensitive to being in damp and cold soil for extended periods. For outdoor succulents, you can simply let them receive the winter rain and snow without worry. For indoor succulents, it's best to use the "soak and dry" method for watering: wait until the potting soil is completely dry before giving them water. I strongly recommend watering succulents during the daytime to help prevent frostbite.

It is recommended to water succulents during daylight hours, as this practice can effectively mitigate the risk of frostbite. For those who typically use a spray bottle for watering, it is essential to transition to a long-neck watering can during the winter months to ensure that no water is retained on the leaves or crown of the plants. This precaution is particularly vital, as many individuals keep doors and windows closed for extended periods during winter, resulting in inadequate ventilation. Poor air circulation increases the risk of disease, which may ultimately lead to the demise of the succulents.

Summer Growers - Quite different from the 'Winter Growers', they don't need many nutrients for growth due to dormancy. Thus, less water is one of the most important factors to keep them alive and overwinter. Just leave them along until you find the leaves become dry and wrinkled. Although the leaves get wrinkled, a little water is just enough. You can pour a small amount of water along the inner wall of the flower pot. It’s best to water succulents on sunny winter days or during the daytime. This method won't significantly affect dormant succulents, but it will provide much-needed moisture to those that are extremely thirsty, helping them survive.

Click here to learn succulent summer care. 

How to tell if my succulents are dormant?

Here are some physical changes that your succulents might be going into dormancy:

Stopped Growing: The most obvious sign is a complete halt in growth. No new leaves or offsets will appear.  

Leaf Color Change: Some succulents may change color, often becoming more pale or dull.  

Leaf Drop: Certain species may shed some or all of their leaves.  

Rosette Contraction: Rosette-forming succulents might shrink in size.  
Other Indicators:

Can I repot them when my succulents are dormant?

It's generally not recommended to repot succulents during their dormant period. Here's why:  

Stressful for the plant: Repotting involves disturbing the roots, which can be stressful for any plant, especially when it's not actively growing.  

Increased risk of rot: During dormancy, succulents have slowed down their metabolic processes, including root growth. If you repot during this time, there's a higher risk of root rot, as the damaged roots may not heal properly.  

Disrupted growth cycle: Repotting can disrupt the natural growth cycle of the succulent, potentially delaying its recovery and future growth.  

Choose the right time: Repot on a dry day when the soil is dry.

Handle the plant gently: Avoid damaging the roots as much as possible.

Use well-draining soil: A well-draining soil mix will help reduce the risk of root rot.  

Water sparingly: After repotting, water very sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.  

Provide ideal conditions: Place the repotted succulent in a warm, bright location with good air circulation.

Conclusion

• Different succulent varieties have various characteristics, it's the most important thing to learn about it to know how much water your succulents need in winter.
• Judge a succulent is in dormancy or not, the main factor is temperature, not the time or seasons.
• 'Soak and Dry' is the only year-round watering method that applies to succulents that are not in dormancy.
• Color, shape, and branch are three main factors to learn whether your succulents are dormant or not.
• Do not recommend repot dormant succulents.