Succulents, as a popular type of green plant, are beloved for their easy growth and diverse shapes. However, when low temperatures arrive in winter, how can we protect our succulents from frost damage? This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the knowledge of overwintering succulents, including precautions for outdoor cultivation, insulation measures, and cold protection measures.
Understanding the principles of succulent overwintering
In winter, due to low temperatures, the growth rate of succulents slows down, and they enter a dormant state. At the same time, due to the reduced rate of water evaporation, succulents are less prone to dehydration. During this season, we should take some measures to protect them.
Appropriate temperature and humidity
Although succulents have a certain degree of cold tolerance, excessively low temperatures can cause irreversible damage to them. Generally, it is more suitable for succulents to overwinter in an environment around 5°C. At the same time, in order to maintain sufficient humidity, we need to water the plants regularly.
Never let your succulents get soaked
Although succulents need appropriate humidity, in winter, excess water will freeze, causing damage to the plants. We should avoid getting succulents wet and reduce the frequency of watering as much as possible.
Consider the variety and growing environment of succulents
Different succulents have different cold tolerance and growing environment requirements. For example, some common succulents, such as cacti and Crassulaceae, grow well in cold climates. However, for some succulents that grow in tropical regions, such as cacti, it is necessary to avoid outdoor cultivation as much as possible in winter.
Regularly check the health of your succulents
Although succulents are more cold-hardy than other plants, we still need to regularly check their health. If you find that the plants are damaged or showing signs of disease, timely measures should be taken for treatment.
Avoid cultivating succulents in high-humidity environments
Although succulents need a certain amount of humidity, excessive humidity can lead to easy disease infection in succulents. In winter, avoid cultivating succulents in high-humidity environments.
Choose suitable soil and pots
In winter, succulents need to grow in suitable soil and pots. We should choose soil with good air permeability and strong water retention, and select appropriate pots for planting.
Pay attention to insulation measures
In order to keep succulents in a normal growth state in winter, we can take some insulation measures. For example, when the temperature is too low, a layer of insulation material can be added around the pot to prevent the soil from freezing.
Supplement with appropriate light
In winter, sunlight is relatively scarce, which has a certain impact on the growth of succulents. We can appropriately increase the supplementary lighting time to help succulents maintain a normal growth state.
Avoid cultivating succulents in windy places
Succulents are relatively susceptible to wind damage, so in winter, we should avoid cultivating them in windy places. At the same time, it is also necessary to place the plants in a location protected from the wind.
Pay attention to the environment and conditions of outdoor cultivation
Although overwintering succulents is relatively easy, when cultivating them outdoors, we still need to pay attention to the environment and conditions. For example, it is necessary to avoid damage to succulents by humans and also to prevent damage from small animals.
Use insulation equipment
In cases of extremely low temperatures, we can use insulation equipment to provide protection for succulents. For example, adding a layer of insulation film around the pot or using a heat lamp.
Fertilize appropriately
Although the growth rate of succulents slows down in winter, we still need to fertilize them appropriately. During the overwintering process, you can choose less fertilizer, such as liquid fertilizer.
Keep your succulents clean
In winter, succulents are prone to accumulating dust and weeds, which will have an adverse effect on their growth. We need to regularly clean and prune our succulents.
In winter, we need to take some measures to protect succulents. By methods such as selecting appropriate temperature and humidity, avoiding excess water, and paying attention to insulation measures, we can help succulents overwinter safely and maintain a healthy growth state.