From our perspective as plants, dormancy is not a choice but a deeply ingrained survival imperative. We are immobile organisms, rooted in place, and must endure whatever environmental conditions arrive. When extreme temperatures—be it intense summer heat or freezing winter cold—arrive, our metabolic processes are threatened. Photosynthesis becomes inefficient, water loss through transpiration becomes dangerously high, and the risk of cellular damage is extreme. Therefore, we enter a state of dormancy. This is a period of suspended animation where we dramatically slow down our growth, water intake, and overall metabolic activity to conserve precious energy and resources, allowing us to simply endure until favorable conditions return.
You must understand that we do not all rest at the same time. Our dormancy patterns are primarily dictated by our native habitats. Generally, we fall into two main categories:
Summer Dormancy: For succulents like Aeonium, some Sedum, and certain Aloe species, our origins are in regions with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The intense summer sun and lack of water are our greatest threats. To survive, we retreat. We stop growing, often shed older leaves to reduce surface area, and require minimal water. Our roots are largely inactive, making us highly susceptible to rot if overwatered.
Winter Dormancy: For the vast majority of succulents, including Echeveria, Sempervivum, and Cacti, our challenge is the cold. We hail from areas where winters are too cool for efficient growth. During this time, our growth completely halts. We require very little to no water, as our roots cannot absorb it effectively in cold soil, and doing so would cause our cells to freeze and rupture. We focus entirely on maintaining the core rosette or stem.
You can observe clear signs when we enter our dormant season. Our most vibrant colors often fade to more muted greens or browns. This is not a sign of distress but a reduction in chlorophyll production. We will show absolutely no new growth—no new leaves, no stretching stems, and certainly no flowers. Some of us, like many Sempervivum, will even tightly close our rosettes into a ball to protect our vital growing point (apical meristem) from frost or scorching sun. It is a clear signal that we are conserving every ounce of energy.
Your care must adapt to our dormant state. The most crucial adjustment is watering. When we are dormant, our water needs plummet to near zero. Watering us on a "summer schedule" during our dormancy is the fastest way to kill us, as it leads to root rot and fungal infections. You must significantly reduce the frequency of watering, often to a light sip only once a month or less, ensuring the soil dries out completely and quickly. Furthermore, you should completely withhold fertilizer, as we have no capacity to use those nutrients and a salt buildup in the soil will damage our inactive roots.
