Can Succulents Survive Freezing Temperatures?

Last Updated on July 5, 2021 by Marco C.

Can succulents survive freezing temperatures? This guide will cover the different succulents that can survive in the winter season and tips on how to give other types of succulents the proper care they need to last long.

Winter can be challenging for succulents. At worst, they freeze and die in cold. But with a few simple care tricks, you can help your succulents make it to the sunny season looking healthy, strong, and blooming.

Not all succulents survive freezing temperatures. But there are succulents that naturally can live in very low temperatures.

Can Succulents Survive Winter – Two Types Of Succulents?

Many people are surprised to know that there several succulents that can live in snowy climates.

To know which type of succulents can survive outdoors, you should know the two categories.

The first category is called “hardy” succulents. This type of succulent is frost-tolerant and can stay outdoors throughout the year. An example of a hardy succulent is the Sempervivum heuffelii, which retain its vibrant colors even when snowing. The Sedum varieties also make a perfect succulent for winter since make for fantastic ground cover in almost all climates.

The second is soft varieties, which are not frost-tolerant. Most of these succulent varieties needed to be taken indoors before nighttime. However, you can bring them back outside when the weather is sunny.

Read more about: Why Is My Succulent Wilting? Questions Answered

Can Succulents Survive Freezing Temperatures: The Lowest Temperature For Succulents

The lowest temperature for succulents is below freezing or 32 degrees. Depending on how long this temperature lasts, your succulents may show varying degrees of damage. When the weather is too cold, it can burst cell walls and turn leaves to mush. During light frost, the tips of your succulent leaves may show burn from frost. Here are some tips on to care for your beloved succulents before and during the winter.

Winter Care For Hardy Succulents

Transplant hardy succulent story repotting your succulents a month before the first frost. This makes it easier to keep them in locations with enough morning sun. Make sure that your succulents are fully rooted and acclimated before the frost hits. Otherwise, they may die. If there isn’t enough time, simply move pots to locations with morning sun and safeguard from heavy rainfall. Keep your succulents in check for excess water and too much cold to prevent frost burn.

• Remove Dried Leaves

Healthy succulents naturally shed leaves as they grow new shoots. In colder climates, these leaves can get soggy even before they grow new leaves. In this case, you need to remove the rotten leaves using scissors or a leaf cutter. If it is too cold outside, you can let the winter pass by and remove the dried leaves in the fall. This gives your succulents a new shape and fresher look for the new season.

• Protect Them From Water

Hard succulents need less frequent watering in the winter. To prevent the leaves from rotting, you need to protect them from water dripping from roofs and trees. Build a cover at least 18.0 inches above them. In worst winter conditions, better yet take your succulents indoors to give them temporary shelter.

Winter Care For Soft Succulents – Can Succulents Live Outside In Winter?

Soft succulents can get their sunshine fix during the summer. During winter, they need to stay indoors to prevent frost burns. Transitioning succulents from outdoor to indoor temperature for winter takes a bit of skill. Some succulents may die when you don’t do it right. Follow these tips to keep your succulent safe for the winter.

Put Your Succulent In Near A Sunny Window

It’s almost impossible to get enough sunlight during the winter for your sun-loving succulents. As much as possible, place your succulents in a location that receives the most light. Rotate the pots regularly to prevent stretching and fading. If your room does not get enough sunlight, you can invest with a grow light. If you live in cooler regions with minimal sunlight throughout the year such as Jade and Gasteria.

Provide Enough Ventilation

Without proper ventilation, your succulents become more attractive to pests. Open your windows when necessary to dry up the soil and prevent rot. When there is not enough ventilation, you may turn on your fan to help dry the soil.

Fix Drainage Issues

Not having enough light and ventilation causes soil to stay moist. Bringing your succulents indoors is a great opportunity to fix drainage issues and ensure they stay dry throughout the winter season. Do not sprinkle fertilizer until spring. Instead of adding rocks to the bottom of the pot, use pots with drainage holes.

Water Seldomly

Winter can bring a lot of moisture to your succulents. So don’t water too much. Winter growers like Aloe, Aeonium, and Haworthia prefer little to no water in winter. If the soil is completely, just pour enough water directly into the soil to drain.

Caring For Your Succulents In The Winter

Can succulents survive winter? It depends on the type of succulents and the proper care you can give. Most succulent varieties can’t handle temperatures below 32 degrees F. This temperature is enough to cause frost burns and death for dormant succulents.

Knowing which succulents survive cold weather days is crucial for making a wise decision when shopping for succulents in your region.

Caring for your succulents during winter can take a bit of skill. Below are some quick tips that plant moms can follow.

• Pick the right variety of succulents especially if you live in colder regions.
• Keep succulents in their preferred location. Jade, for example, likes to be placed inside room temperature.
• Provide plenty of light since succulents are sun-loving plants. Keep them near the window where they can get enough sunlight. Don’t expose them outdoor especially if it is freezing cold.
• Reduce watering frequency. Water the soil only when it is completely dry.

Helping your succulents survive during the winter can seem challenging at first. But it gets easier with experience. Do not hesitate to reach out with questions. If you have got plenty of questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us.