From our point of view, dormancy is not a period of inactivity but a crucial, deeply ingrained survival strategy. We are not shutting down; we are strategically reallocating our energy. As Echeveria, we originate from semi-desert regions in Central America, where seasons bring extreme shifts in temperature and water availability. Our internal biological clock responds to environmental cues, primarily decreasing daylight hours and significant temperature changes. When we sense the approach of harsh conditions—either the cold of winter or the intense, dry heat of summer—we initiate dormancy to protect our core. This means halting active growth, which is a very energy and water-intensive process, to conserve our precious internal resources and survive until favorable conditions return.
For many of us Echeveria, the peak summer heat triggers a period often called estivation. When temperatures consistently soar above 80-85°F (27-29°C) and the sun is intense, we perceive this as a time of stress and potential water loss. Our response is to dramatically slow our metabolic processes. You may notice that our growth completely stalls; we will not produce new leaves or offsets. Our outermost leaves may become slightly dehydrated or even brown and crispy as we pull moisture and nutrients from them to sustain the inner rosette, our vital growth point. This is a deliberate sacrifice to protect the core. We may also close our rosette slightly, making it tighter and more compact to reduce the surface area exposed to the scorching sun and to minimize transpiration.
Winter dormancy is our response to the cold. When temperatures drop consistently below 50°F (10°C) and daylight hours shorten, we receive the signal to enter a state of rest. The primary threat here is not water loss but cell damage from freezing temperatures. Water expands when it freezes, and ice crystals can rupture our cells, causing irreversible damage. To prevent this, we drastically reduce our water intake and lower the water content within our leaves, making our sap more concentrated and acting like a natural antifreeze. You will see that our vibrant colors often intensify under cool, bright conditions, but our growth will halt entirely. We become still and conserve every bit of energy, relying on the sugars and water stored in our thick, succulent leaves to sustain us through the cold, dim months.
Your care for us must adapt to our dormant state. The most critical change we need is a significant reduction in water. Because we are not growing, our roots are not actively absorbing moisture. Wet soil during cold winter dormancy will cause our roots to rot and freeze, while wet soil during hot summer dormancy will create a steamy, oxygen-poor environment that also leads to rot. Please water us only very sparingly, if at all, just enough to prevent extreme desiccation. Furthermore, protect us from extreme conditions. In summer, we may appreciate slight shading from the most intense afternoon sun. In winter, we must be shielded from frost and freezing temperatures, ideally brought into a bright, cool, and frost-free environment. Please withhold fertilizer entirely, as we cannot process nutrients when our systems are on pause.
