Winter care guide for succulents, effectively preventing etiolation and promoting healthy growth of succulent plants.

Adjusting lighting, controlling watering, applying fertilizer appropriately, maintaining ventilation, pruning reasonably, and paying attention to temperature

With the arrival of winter, the growing environment of succulents has changed, and many succulent enthusiasts find that their plants begin to show signs of etiolation. How to prevent succulents from etiolating in winter? This article will introduce the key points of succulent maintenance in winter in detail, helping your succulents to spend a healthy winter.

Adjusting lighting

In winter, due to the shorter daylight hours and weaker light intensity, succulents are prone to etiolation. To prevent this, we need to adjust the lighting to ensure that the plants receive ample scattered light. You can place the succulents near windows indoors but avoid direct sunlight.

Controlling watering

In winter, the growth rate of succulents slows down, and their water requirement also decreases accordingly. When watering in winter, it is important to strictly control the amount of water to avoid excessive watering that can lead to etiolation. Generally, watering once every 10-15 days is sufficient. It should be done on sunny days and ensure the soil is completely dry before watering.

Applying fertilizer appropriately

In winter, although the growth rate of succulents is slow, they still need a moderate amount of nutrients to maintain growth. In winter, you can choose to apply fertilizers low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium to promote plant growth. The fertilizing frequency is once a month, and be sure to water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent fertilizer residue from causing root rot.

Maintaining ventilation

In winter, with the large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, succulents can be easily attacked by cold winds. To prevent etiolation, we need to maintain indoor ventilation and avoid direct exposure of the succulents to cold winds. While ventilating, be careful to avoid strong and cold winds.

Pruning reasonably

In winter, as the growth rate of succulents is slow, you can perform appropriate pruning to remove sick and weak branches and etiolated branches to promote healthy growth. After pruning, ensure the wounds are dry to avoid infection.

Paying attention to temperature

In winter, succulents are sensitive to temperature, and both high and low temperatures can lead to etiolation. To prevent this, we need to place the succulents in a suitable temperature environment, generally maintaining between 5°C and 15°C.

Etiolation in winter is a problem that troubles many succulent enthusiasts. By adjusting lighting, controlling watering, applying fertilizer appropriately, maintaining ventilation, pruning reasonably, and paying attention to temperature, you can effectively prevent etiolation and help your succulents spend a healthy winter. We hope this article is helpful to you.

References:

1. "Guide to Succulent Plant Care," China Forestry Publishing House, 2018.

2. "Manual of Succulent Plant Care," Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House, 2019.