Hello, dedicated caretaker! We, the diverse family of succulent plants, appreciate your desire to keep us thriving through the seasons. Our needs change significantly throughout the year, much like your own. To help you synchronize with our natural rhythms, here is a calendar from our perspective.
As the days lengthen and temperatures gently rise, we are stirring from our winter rest. This is our prime growing season! You will notice new, bright green growth emerging from our centers. This is the time for action. Please resume regular watering, but always check that the soil is completely dry before giving us a deep drink. This is also the perfect moment for repotting if we have outgrown our homes; a fresh, well-draining soil mix feels wonderful to our roots. You can also propagate us now by taking leaf or stem cuttings—the warm, bright conditions will help our offspring root successfully. Gradually introduce us to more direct sunlight to avoid sunburn on our tender new growth.
The intense heat and strong sun of summer present both an opportunity and a challenge. While we are still actively growing, many of us enter a period of caution, especially during heatwaves. We may slow our growth to conserve water and energy. Your most important job is to protect us from scorching, midday sun, which can cause severe burns. A location with bright, indirect light or morning sun is ideal. Water us deeply but infrequently, preferably in the early morning, and ensure excellent air circulation to prevent rot. Be extra vigilant for pests like mealybugs and spider mites, who also find summer agreeable.
As the air turns crisp and the light softens, we begin preparing for our winter dormancy. This is a beautiful time for many of us, as the cooler temperatures often trigger stunning color changes—bringing out reds, purples, and oranges in our foliage. You should gradually reduce watering frequency during this period. This helps us harden off and prepares our tissues for the cold ahead. It is also your last chance to bring any outdoor potted companions inside before the first frost threatens. Hold off on fertilizing and repotting now; we need to wind down, not be stimulated into new, vulnerable growth.
For most of us, winter is a time of dormancy. Our growth has virtually stopped. Our main request during these cold, short days is for less—much less—water. Overwatering is the greatest threat to our survival now, as cold, wet soil will quickly lead to root rot. Water us very sparingly, only enough to prevent severe shriveling, and only on a day when temperatures are milder. We need to be in the brightest spot possible, such as a south-facing window, to receive what weak sunlight is available. Most importantly, keep us away from freezing windows and cold drafts, as we are very susceptible to frost damage. Please, let us sleep peacefully.
