How to keep succulents alive during winter in the yard
A comprehensive explanation of how to keep succulents alive during winter in the yard, including knowledge about winterizing succulents in the yard and how to keep them safe during the cold season. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
1. Watering: better dry than wet. During autumn and winter, it's better to let the soil dry out than to keep it moist when caring for succulents, because succulents can store a large amount of water and nutrients, and can release some of it to meet their needs when the soil lacks nutrients or moisture. If the soil is too moist, it will only make bacteria or pest larvae more active, easily leading to various diseases and pests, which is particularly disadvantageous for daily management. Also, try not to spray water on the leaves, as succulent leaves tend to develop a layer of white frost in autumn and winter, which primarily enhances the plant's cold resistance and reduces the occurrence of diseases and pests.
2. Insulation and warmth. Succulents should be moved indoors before and after the first frost to prevent frostbite. When caring for them indoors, it's necessary to keep the temperature above 0 degrees Celsius, with suitable humidity and not too dry, so that the leaves can be plump and lively.
3. Abundant sunlight. Succulents are plants that rely on the sun for growth, and their main ornamental value lies in their "changeable leaves." With sufficient sunlight, they can display unique colors, even more beautiful than paintings. Insufficient sunlight will keep them evergreen, similar to ordinary green potted plants. Therefore, when caring for them indoors, it's essential to place them on a window sill or balcony with adequate sunlight or long exposure.
4. Pruning old leaves. In autumn and winter, the leaves of succulents may become old and yellow. These old leaves not only lose their ornamental value but also waste nutrients when left on the stem. Therefore, they should be pruned promptly. You can easily remove them with a bud by holding the stem with one hand and wiggling the leaf with the other, without damaging the stem's health.
5. Controlling the frequency of fertilization. Succulents do not like fertilizer, especially in autumn and winter when their growth rate is very slow. Even if they do not enter a dormant period, insufficient sunlight can hinder photosynthesis and metabolism. Therefore, their demand for water and nutrients is very low, and adding a compound fertilizer once a month is sufficient. Burying 5 to 8 granules of fertilizer in the potting soil is enough. If using water-soluble fertilizer, add it 2 to 3 times a month, following the principle of "frequent application of thin fertilizer." Do not apply too much fertilizer at once to avoid fertilizer buildup and root rot. The concentration of water-soluble fertilizer must be kept below 0.1%, or it can burn the roots.
The above introduction on how to keep succulents alive during winter in the yard and how to keep them safe during the cold season offers a comprehensive method. I hope it can serve as a starting point to solve your problems in life.