Succulent plants are very popular indoor plants, but these lovely plants also need rest. The dormant period is an indispensable part of the succulent plant growth cycle. During this period, succulent plants will stop growing, reduce water intake, and do not require sunlight. Under proper handling, succulent plants can survive a healthy dormant period and regain vitality. This article will detail how to handle the dormant period of succulent plants.
One: What is the dormant period of succulent plants?
In the Southern Hemisphere, the dormant period is generally in summer, while in the Northern Hemisphere, it usually occurs in winter. This is because during this time, light decreases, temperature drops, and water supply is insufficient. The growth of succulent plants temporarily stops. The dormant period of succulent plants usually lasts for several months, with the specific duration depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Two: Why is the dormant period of succulent plants important?
The dormant period is an indispensable part of the succulent plant growth cycle. During the dormant period, succulent plants accumulate sufficient energy and nutrients to maintain growth in the subsequent growing season. If succulent plants do not get enough rest, it may lead to them being unhealthy, growing slowly, or unable to survive.
Three: How to determine if a succulent plant has entered dormancy?
When succulent plants begin to enter dormancy, they stop growing and their leaf color gradually darkens. Some varieties may start to drop leaves. Additionally, during the dormant period, succulent plants require less water and nutrients.
Four: How to provide appropriate nutrients to succulent plants?
During the dormant period, succulent plants need fewer nutrients than usual. You need to reduce the frequency and amount of fertilization. Usually, spraying diluted fertilizer once a month is sufficient. After the dormant period ends, you need to gradually increase the amount of fertilizer to help the plant recover its growth.
Five: How to control the water for succulent plants?
During the dormant period, succulent plants do not need too much water. You need to reduce the frequency and amount of watering. Water only when the soil is dry. If you are unsure whether the soil is dry, you can gently probe it with your finger. If the soil is moist, then no watering is needed.
Six: How to control the light exposure for succulent plants?
During the dormant period, succulent plants do not require sunlight. You need to place the succulent plants in areas with weaker indoor light, such as the shaded side of a balcony or a bright corner indoors. However, please note that excessive shading from sunlight will cause succulent plants to lack necessary photosynthesis, leading to slow growth.
Seven: How to control the temperature for succulent plants?
During the dormant period, succulent plants need lower temperatures to help them enter a dormant state. However, please note that succulent plants are sensitive to both low and high temperatures. If the temperature is too low or too high, it may cause the succulent plants to become unhealthy or die. During the dormant period, you need to control the indoor temperature to keep it within an appropriate range.
Eight: How to deal with diseases and pests on succulent plants?
During the dormant period, succulent plants are easily susceptible to diseases and pests. If you find that your succulent plants have pests or diseases, you need to take corresponding measures to treat them. You can use insecticides or fungicides to eliminate pests and diseases. However, please note that you should not apply herbicides or other chemicals to succulent plants during their dormant period.
Nine: How to avoid excessive dryness?
During the dormant period, indoor air is usually quite dry. You need to take corresponding measures to avoid excessive dryness. You can use a humidifier or place a small water tray around the plants to increase air humidity.
Ten: How to tell if a succulent plant has ended its dormant period?
After succulent plants end their dormant period, they will start to grow and their leaf color will become more vibrant. Additionally, succulent plants need more water and nutrients to maintain growth. When you notice that the succulent plants have started to grow and need more water and nutrients, you can confirm that they have ended their dormant period.
Eleven: How to gradually increase the amount of fertilizer?
Once you have determined that the succulent plant has ended its dormant period, you need to gradually increase the amount of fertilizer to help the plant recover its growth. You can gradually increase the fertilizer amount to the normal level and monitor the plant's response over the next few weeks.
Twelve: How to gradually increase the amount of water?
Once you have determined that the succulent plant has ended its dormant period, you need to gradually increase the amount of water. You can gradually increase the water amount each time and monitor the plant's response over the next few weeks. When you find that the soil is completely dry, you can increase the frequency of watering.
Thirteen: How to handle succulent plants after the dormant period?
When succulent plants end their dormant period, you need to re-evaluate their growing conditions and make appropriate adjustments. You can move them to brighter places, increase the temperature, gradually increase the amount of fertilizer and water, and monitor their responses.
Fourteen: How to prevent succulent plants from entering dormancy?
Some succulent plants do not naturally enter dormancy. If you want them to continue growing, you need to provide them with sufficient water, nutrients, temperature, and light. In this case, you do not need to take any special measures to handle their dormant period.
Fifteen:
The dormant period is an indispensable part of the succulent plant growth cycle. During the dormant period, succulent plants need lower temperatures, less light, less water, and fewer nutrients. To help succulent plants survive a healthy dormant period, you need to control the light exposure, temperature, water, and nutrients for the succulent plants, and monitor their responses. When succulent plants end their dormant period, you need to re-evaluate their growing conditions and make appropriate adjustments.
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