How to Help Succulents Survive the Winter
As the temperature gradually drops, the winter maintenance of succulents becomes the most concerning issue for balcony gardeners. These desert-origin plants are extremely sensitive to low temperatures and can easily get frostbite and become watery. This article will systematically explain practical techniques for safely overwintering succulents from the dimensions of temperature, light, and water.
The Core Four Elements for Overwintering Succulents
Key Strategies for Temperature Control
Sedum succulents need to maintain a constant temperature above 5°C, while the十二卷 genus can tolerate short periods of 0°C low temperature. It is recommended to use a smart temperature and humidity monitor to keep track of conditions in real-time. When the nighttime temperature falls below the critical value, a double-layer insulation method can be adopted: the outer layer uses a transparent plastic bag to form a mini greenhouse, and the inner layer uses loose scales to raise the substrate temperature.
Optimal Lighting Solutions
Succulents need to ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during winter, with a south-facing window being the best placement. If there is continuous rain and clouds, full-spectrum grow lights should be turned on, placed 30cm away from the plants for 4 hours a day. Rotating the pot can prevent etiolation, adjusting the angle by 45 degrees every 3 days to ensure even lighting.
Scientific Water Control Techniques
From December to February of the following year, implement the "Three-Finger Test": insert the second joint of your finger into the potting soil; if it is completely dry, water a small amount along the pot wall. It is recommended to use a long-spout壶 to accurately control the water amount, with each watering being 1/3 of the amount in summer, and the best time is between 10:00-14:00 on sunny days.
Fertilizer Management Principles
From November, stop using nitrogen fertilizer and spread rice husk charcoal on the pot surface to adjust the pH value. If the plants show signs of malnutrition, a diluted solution of potassium phosphate can be sprayed on the leaves, not more than once a month. Remember that repotting in winter needs to be combined with water-withdrawal maintenance.
Through precise temperature control, enhanced lighting, strict water management, and scientific fertilizer cessation, along with regular checks of leaf plumpness, balcony succulents can not only safely overwinter but also accumulate sufficient nutrients to burst into growth in the spring. Special varieties such as living stones and熊童子 can have separate care files established to record their winter growth data for optimizing maintenance plans.