Summer Dormant Succulents: Surviving the HeatConclusion

Oleh Freda Boyer June 13, 2023 Post a Comment

As summer approaches, succulent owners may begin to notice some changes in their plants. Some may appear to be dying or wilting, while others may go completely dormant. This can be a cause of concern for many people, but fear not! In this blog post, we will explore the phenomenon of summer dormant succulents and how you can successfully care for them during this time.

Understanding Summer Dormancy

Summer dormancy is a natural response that occurs in many types of succulents when temperatures rise above a certain threshold. During this time, the plant conserves energy by slowing down its metabolic processes and reducing its water usage. This is often accompanied by a change in appearance, such as wilted or yellowing leaves, or even shedding of leaves altogether.

It's important to note that not all succulents go dormant in the summer, and those that do may not all exhibit the same signs. Some may simply slow down their growth, while others may go completely dormant and appear dead. It's also worth noting that different species of succulents have different temperature thresholds for dormancy, so it's important to research your specific plant to understand its needs.

Caring for Summer Dormant Succulents

While it can be tempting to try to revive a dormant succulent, it's actually best to let nature take its course during this time. The plant is conserving energy and attempting to survive until conditions become more favorable again. However, there are some things you can do to help it along:

Water sparingly - Since the plant is using less water during dormancy, it's important to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering, and only give enough water to moisten the top inch or so of soil.
Provide shade - If possible, move your plant to a spot with partial or filtered shade. This will help protect it from the intense heat and sunlight that can exacerbate dormancy.
Don't fertilize - During dormancy, the plant's metabolic processes slow down, so it doesn't need as much nutrients. Fertilizing during this time can actually harm the plant, as it may not be able to process the nutrients properly.
Be patient - Dormancy can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the species and local climate conditions. Just be patient and trust that your plant knows what it's doing!

Types of Summer Dormant Succulents

Not all succulents go dormant in the summer, but many popular species do. Here are some common types of summer dormant succulents:

Adenium - Also known as desert rose, this succulent is native to Africa and Arabia. It typically goes dormant when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).
Euphorbia - This diverse genus includes many succulent species that go dormant in the summer. Some, like the crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii), simply slow down their growth, while others shed their leaves completely.
Haworthia - These small, rosette-forming succulents are native to southern Africa and often go dormant in the summer. They may appear wilted or yellowing during this time, but will usually bounce back once temperatures cool off.
Lithops - Also known as living stones, these small, round succulents are native to southern Africa and are known for their unique appearance. They typically go dormant in the summer and may appear shriveled or wrinkled during this time.
Schlumbergera - Commonly known as Christmas cactus, this popular houseplant goes dormant in the summer and requires cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours to flower in the winter.

FAQs about Summer Dormant Succulents

Here are some frequently asked questions about summer dormant succulents:

Q: Is my succulent dying?

A: Not necessarily. Many succulents go dormant in the summer as a survival mechanism, and will bounce back once conditions become more favorable.

Q: How often should I water my dormant succulent?

A: Water sparingly, waiting until the soil is completely dry before watering. Aim to moisten only the top inch or so of soil.

Q: Should I fertilize my dormant succulent?

A: No. During dormancy, the plant's metabolic processes slow down, so it doesn't need as much nutrients. Fertilizing during this time can actually harm the plant.

Q: Do all succulents go dormant in the summer?

A: No. While many popular species do, not all succulents exhibit summer dormancy. It's important to research your specific plant to understand its needs.

Q: How long does summer dormancy typically last?

A: It varies depending on the species and local climate conditions, but dormancy can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Q: Can I move my dormant succulent indoors?

A: It depends on the species and the conditions inside your home. Some succulents may be able to tolerate indoor conditions, while others may require specific light, temperature, and humidity levels. Research your specific plant to understand its needs.

Q: Is it normal for my dormant succulent to shed leaves?

A: Yes. Many succulents shed their leaves during dormancy as a way of conserving energy and reducing water loss.

Q: How much sunlight does my dormant succulent need?

A: It depends on the species, but most summer dormant succulents prefer partial or filtered shade to protect them from the intense heat and sunlight.

Q: Can I prune my dormant succulent?

A: It's best to leave your plant alone during dormancy, as it's conserving energy and attempting to survive until conditions become more favorable again.

Q: How do I know if my succulent is going into dormancy?

A: Look for signs like wilting or yellowing leaves, shedding of leaves, slowed growth, or a general lack of vigor. Research your specific plant to understand its natural dormancy patterns.

Q: What should I do if my succulent doesn't emerge from dormancy?

A: If your plant doesn't appear to be recovering after several weeks or months, it may be experiencing other issues like root rot or pests. Evaluate the plant's growing conditions and consider seeking advice from a professional.

Summer dormancy can be a nerve-wracking experience for succulent owners, but with a little patience and understanding, you can successfully care for your plants during this time. Remember to water sparingly, provide shade, and avoid fertilizing during dormancy. And always research your specific plant to understand its needs and natural dormancy patterns. With these tips in mind, you can help your summer dormant succulent survive the heat and thrive once again.