From our perspective, winter is not a time of death but of deep, quiet rest. We enter a state of dormancy, a crucial survival strategy. Our metabolic processes, including growth and water uptake, slow down significantly. This is a direct response to the shorter days with less intense sunlight and the cooler temperatures. You must understand that during this period, we are not actively growing. Our primary goal is simply to conserve energy and maintain the health of our existing leaves and root system until the longer, warmer days of spring return and signal it is safe to grow again.
This is the most important adjustment you must make for our well-being. With our growth halted and evaporation rates much lower, our water requirements drop dramatically. Our succulent leaves are designed to store large amounts of water, and our roots are highly susceptible to rot in cold, wet soil. You should allow the potting mix to become completely dry throughout, not just on the surface, before even considering watering. For many of us, this may mean watering only once every 4-6 weeks, or even longer. The key is to observe us; plump, firm leaves mean we have more than enough water reserves. When you do water, do so lightly and sparingly, just enough to moisten the soil slightly.
As desert natives, we are not built for the cold. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause severe cold damage, leading to soft, mushy, and discolored leaves that will eventually collapse. Our ideal winter spot is the brightest possible location indoors, such as a south-facing windowsill. This maximizes the limited winter sun, allowing us to perform what minimal photosynthesis we can. Keep us away from drafty windows, cold doorways, and heating vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations are very stressful. A consistent, mildly cool room temperature between 55-65°F (13-18°C) is perfect for our dormant period.
You must completely cease feeding us during the winter months. Fertilizer provides nutrients that stimulate growth, a process we have deliberately shut down. Applying fertilizer now would be confusing and harmful. Our roots cannot absorb the nutrients, which would then simply sit in the soil, potentially leading to a harmful buildup of salts that can chemically burn our root system. This can cause significant stress and damage. Wait until early spring, when you see signs of new growth, before resuming a diluted feeding schedule.
While our growth pauses, potential problems do not. The drier air in heated homes can sometimes attract pests like mealybugs or scale insects. Please inspect our leaves, especially the undersides and the base, regularly during your watering checks. Catching an infestation early is much easier to manage. Furthermore, be vigilant about our leaves. Soft, brown, or blackened leaves are a sign of cold damage or overwatering and should be carefully removed with a clean, sharp tool to prevent rot from spreading to the main body of the plant.
